There was no Christmas cheer for second-from-bottom Rosslyn Park at Monks Lane on Saturday, writes Bernard Wiggins.

Park had the balance of possession and did enough to win, but the history books will show a margin of defeat that flattered the home side.

Park were undoubtedly the better side in the first half, but missed a great chance in the 18th minute when James Hendy slipped three yards from the line when a try looked certain.

Park deservedly took the lead in the 36th minute while Newbury were down to 14 men after the outstanding blind side flanker Craig Davies was sin-binned.

Hendy stroked a penalty to the five-yard line, and the Newbury defence were unable to cope with the drive, Lee Gibson emerging as the scorer, a conversion by Hendy giving Park a 7-0 lead.

But Park's concentration then seemed to lapse, and in the space of three minutes it was 12-7.

Newbury's first attack of the second half, should have resulted in a try, but full back Ian Morgan kicked a drop goal.

Hendy then got three points back for Park after the home side were given offside in front of the posts.

A quarter of a hour before the end, Park showed what they could do, cutting out the fancy stuff.

A break around the blind side on halfway allowed Dan Singer to put David Casado clean through, and the full back went in and out on his opposite number for a superb try in the corner to level the scores.

Hendy could make nothing of the conversion, and then Park were then punished by the referee for the umpteenth time for an infringement at the breakdown, and critically Newbury were three points ahead.

Singer then made a classy break, but passed to no-one.

With the clock ticking down to zero, Newbury scored the decisive try.

NEWBURY 25 : ROSSLYN PK 15

December 28, 2001 11:30