Manchester vs Winnington Park

Earlier this week we were basking in the late Autumn sunshine, this morning however we were greeted with constant rain and plummeting temperatures that reminded us this is Manchester in late October, and this is what rugby is all about. Coming off last weekend’s huge win in the Lancs cup over Bury, the lads were up for their first home game of the season. The match kicked off at 11am and proved to be a highly entertaining and absorbing game with players of both sides performing at a good level across three 20 minute sessions.
Session 1 Manchester won 17-7
Manchester kicked off into the wind and rain, were quickly into their stride and put the Winnington team on the back foot from the off. Under constant pressure the visitors resorted to kicking for territory, this led to a pick up and blistering solo run by Tom W who beat half the Winnington team to touch down and start the scoring, well concluded by drop kicking his own conversion. It wasn’t long before Ciaran got in on the act picking up from the back of a scrum and driving through the Winnington defence to touch down under the posts. The home sides dominance continued, winning ruck and maul, while slick passing led to another searing run full of side steps and pace by Tom W to touch down for his second and Manchester’s third try of the session to make the score 17-0. To their credit Winnington’s heads did not drop and just before the whistle they inched the ball up the field and scrambled the ball over the Manchester line for a well converted try.
Session 2 Manchester won 15-7
Winnington kicked the session off and Tom W liked the kick so much he caught the ball and sprinted through their entire defence to give them the opportunity to kick off again as he touched down for his third of the game.
Despite possessing some big forwards and quick backs the visitors found themselves unable to break the Manchester defensive line. Their No 10’s kicking game was often punished and following an exceptional over-shoulder catch from Greg, some quick passing movement from Manchester again proved decisive and Ciaran’s strong run resulted in his second try of the game, a typically powerful run into the corner.
Again Winnington did not buckle and showed the quality that saw them win this fixture last season. Strong tackling and cover from the home side ensured the Winnington players were made to work hard for their brief period of dominance in the session. A number of big hits by the Manchester team kept them at bay typified by the ‘head to boot’ try saving tackle made by JP resulting in his early contender for ‘biggest goose egg lump on his head’ of the season. Eventually Winnington were rewarded with another scrambled try but the session ended as it started with good tight play by Manchester’s forwards, closely supported by their back line continuing to drive Winnington back and Ciaran evening up the try scoring duel with his third of the match.
Session 3 Manchester won 10-5
This time it was Winnington who took the initative and scored first. Manchester responded straight away through Tom W with a pick up in his own 22 and a run through what looked like the entire Winington team for his fourth try of the match. Other highlights of the final session came with Hamsa’s charge down the wing and his oh-so-nearly-but-for-a foot-out effort on the wing and soon after, a try drilled into the backs on Wednesday night training. Quick ball from Charlie out of the scrum to Tom W, out to Sean, then to Hamsa who went for the line but was held up, Will backing him up rucked over their biggest defender and Sean picked up the loose ball to beat the fullback and dive over in the corner for his first of the season.
The opportunity was taken to rotate the players from the sidelines and for much of the final session Manchester secured a degree of control. There were a few more occasions when we might have broken through – generally on the wings. To be fair Winnington never allowed their heads to drop and they were thwarted on a few occasions out wide by some determined and much improved Manchester tackling.

Final whistle, a warm clubhouse, food and hot drinks beckoned; overall and regardless of the result, both teams could take considerable pride in their morning’s performance under very difficult playing conditions.
Epilogue
Three sessions won and a convincing final score of 42-19. Hamsa deservedly picked up the man of the match award following a series of powerful surging runs and strong defensive tackling. Excellent work by Manchester’s pack – unsung effort and solid rucking from all in the front five, heroics from all involved on the flanks and Ciaran at No.8. A good line and rhythm was maintained by all the backs with strong running and handling in the most difficult of conditions.
Well played all – a great team effort. There was little change in the shape or tempo throughout the match despite numerous changes between each of the sessions to give all 20 lads a game; that says a lot.