'Park's lack lustre display.

Broughton Park 8pts v 21pts Wilmslow

In this 2nd Round Intermediate Cup Competition Wilmslow travelled to Broughton Park and emerged with a victory. Their tactics were simple, secure the ball in contact, work as a unit and kick for territory. Their cause was also helped when Park gave away 15 penalties during the game and also persisted in kicking for the corners, when given a penalty, even though the Park lineout was not functioning.

In the first 25mins of the game Park looked the better team. They had weathered the sin binning of Mark Poole after 5mins, and were winning 5 - 0. A deft chip from fly half Tom Foden resulted in Ronan O'Brien gathering the ball and scoring. Wilmslow were then given a penalty which was ably converted by their number 10, McCallum, this was immediately followed by a successful penalty by Simon Verbickas. 8 - 3 to Park, however that was the end of the scores for Park as Wilmslow slowly began to control the game and put points on the board. First, Dunsheath the Wilmslow winger scored a try out wide and this was followed by another successful penalty by McCallum to give Wilmslow an 11 points to 8 lead at half time.

At the restart Park went further behind when Day, the other Wilmslow winger, scored and the try was converted. This was followed by anther successful Wilmslow penalty to leave Park trailing by 21 points to 8.

Next week Park entertain Wilmslow once again, this time in the league, and if Park are to overturn the result then a great deal of work will have to be done by the players. Park have players in their back line with talent but no matter how good the players might be, they will never be able to show their skills, unless they are on the front foot with the forwards having set a platform which produces quick ball. Without the Park forwards working for the benefit of each other and securing their own ball then it could be a long hard winter ahead.

Dave Walsh.