RUSKIN were left to rue a missed opportunity after losing at Winnington Park.

The visitors ought to have led after their forwards dominated in the first half, but they failed to turn pressure into points.

Late cry-offs, sickness and unavailability caused a major reshuffle of the team, not the first time this season.

Winnington Park succeeded too in applying the brakes to Ruskin’s game plan, increasing the tempo on their terms with strong-running captain Harry Stubbs.

The second half became a free-flowing score fest, Winnington scoring a further 24 points and picking up a four-try bonus point.

Ruskin replied with four tries of their own, all by the forwards.

McGarvey crossed the line twice after typical bulldozing runs, one from Lyon who tirelessly tried to keep the tempo moving, and a try for the returning O'Keefe after a long absence from injury.

Veteran Jonny Howden was the pick of Park’s performers, and deservedly received the Century Wedding Cars Man of the Match award.

Ruskin should take the positives from this game; a losing bonus point that could so easily have been two if the evergreen Carl Bibby had worn his kicking boots.

Next up is a trip to Tyldesley.