WINNINGTON Park ended 2023 with a hard-earned home win against Burnage.

Park, who will next see action away to Regional 2 North West bottom team Kirkby Lonsdale on January 6, sealed a 28-25 success thanks to a Benny Elliot penalty goal on the last play of the game.

The hosts led for most of the game but Burnage, who went into the contest four places higher than Winnington in the division and having won the first encounter between the sides, had their moments.

But it was a victory that showed the heart of the Winnington team, who gave their all and there were great performances across the board in a win which moves them up to eighth in the league.

Burnage took the lead with an unconverted try after five minutes as the game was being played at a frantic pace.

Park got back on level terms on 24 minutes following some great phase play into the Burnage half.

A neat kick from Elliot gave Nathan Taylor the scoring opportunity.

Then a charge down by Frank Gibbons forced Burnage to kick the ball out in the goal line area which gave Park the scrum five metres out.

The scrum was won and Harley Aston went blind and passed to Charlie Hyde who powered over for a converted effort.

The last points of the first half came from the boot of Burnage on 37 minutes to close the gap on the scoreboard to 12-8. Burnage scored their second try in the 43rd minute but Park responded when a long pass from Elliot found Hyde who kicked through to regain the lead at 19-15.

An Elliot penalty extended the cushion but Burnage seemed to step up their game and scored their third try for 22-20.

Elliot was wide with a penalty attempt but slotted a 70th-minute drop goal.

Burnage pressure paid off as they scored their bonus-point fourth try to level matters.

Jarred Lange stepped up with a great 20-metre carry into the Burnage 22 and Park continued to attack the line until Burnage made the mistake of being offside, presenting Elliot with the winning penalty opportunity and he was more than happy to oblige.

Winnington: Chris Twigg, Liam Geary, Charlie Hyde, Cameron Flanagan, Nathan Taylor, Benny Elliot, Harley Aston, Tom King, Jake Cornwell, Ross Morrin, Jarred Lange, Frank Gibbons, Evan Retief, Mike Gough, Dan Williams, Gary Dykes, Sam Blears, Alex Glendinning