WINNINGTON Park suffered a heavy away defeat to one of last season’s fellow promoted sides.

Park fell 54-3 at Rochdale in conditions that were ‘not the best’, with intermittent rain showers and a greasy ball leading to a clunky and scrappy game.

Park started the first half with some good possession and a neat cross-field kick from Benny Elliot was collected by Charlie Hyde, but the Rochdale defence stood strong.

Rochdale were awarded a penalty in their 22 for Park holding on and kicked for territory.

They won the lineout and chipped over and scored on the third phase for 7-0.

Park enjoyed some good possession and released Hyde into the Rochdale 22 and were awarded a penalty which was kicked by Elliot.

Unfortunately, an injury to Dan Williams meant that he left the field after just 12 minutes and was replaced by Dave Cross.

The game became quite scrappy in parts with both sides making errors. Park were creating chances but could not convert.

Park’s tackling was not up to scratch and Rochdale capitalised on 17 minutes with their second converted try, making it 14-3.

Indiscipline in Park’s own 22 gave away a penalty and Rochdale kicked for the corner and scored their third try from the lineout five metres out.

The remainder of the first half was again scruffy and stop-start, with Park’s lineout not working well and therefore failing to provide a platform.

The second half was similar, an error-strewn affair from Park which stunted any sort of attack.

Winnington did have patches of possession but errors and the penalty count were against them.

Rochdale kept up the pressure and capitalised on this to score five unanswered tries to run away with the game.

Park: Benny Elliot, Charlie Hyde, James Wood, Will Morrillo, Chris Twigg, Jack Williams, Cameron Flanagan, Dan Williams, James Johnson (Captain), Jack England, Jake Cornwell, Matt Treacy, Shaun Underdown, Justin Oles, Tom King, Dave Cross, Ross Morrin and Mike Grant.