THE new year of rugby kicked off at Clay Lane with comprehensive victories for all three of the Bowdon senior teams, the firsts winning 40-10 against Winnington Park.

The firsts tore out of the blocks, scoring a sensational try though left-wing Harry Briscoe in the first minute.

Bowdon held a high defensive line, pinning back Park in their half for long periods with a combination of Jonny Edwards' tactical boot and strong tackling from the forwards, the front five in particular.

It was no surprise when, on 22 minutes, Liam Connolly linked up with the back row to evade the floundering Park defence to score under the posts.

The successful conversion by Will Nicholson advanced the score to 12-0.

The restart by Park announced their arrival into the contest.

A series of quick, driving plays forced the home side into infringements and a penalty was gratefully received.

Winnington grew in confidence but big tackles from Mitch McGrath and Jonny Dean helped allay the danger and led to a timely interception from Connolly who found Tom Gomulko and he scored under the posts on 33 minutes.

Not to be deterred the visitors notched a penalty try to reduce the arrears to 19-10 at half time.

Bowdon began the second half in the best possible fashion as Jamie Anthony picked up the ball midfield and bobbed and weaved his way over the line under the post.

A further try for Anthony, converted by Nicholson, took the score to 33-10 before a final flourish from the Bowdon backs was finished in style by McGrath on the right wing and an impressive conversion from Nicholson brought the scoring to an end.

This weekend, Bowdon, who are second in Lancs/Cheshire Division One, travel to Glossop.