South Lancs/Cheshire One
Wilmslow Wolves 20
Wirral 10

THE party's over, now the hard work begins. That's the message for unbeaten, top-of-the-table Wilmslow as they launch into a crucial three weeks of rugby.

The Wolves - fresh from a 20-10 victory over Wirral last weekend - take on Widnes away in the Intermediate Cup on Saturday.

But the result against a side from a league above is not the most important matter on minds at Pownall Park today. A win would be a bonus and an extended run in the cup is always welcome.

But far more important is the performance that sets up the following two matches against title contenders Leigh and Rochdale.

The Wolves are riding high on a series of results that do not flatter to deceive. Player coach Steve Mannion's squad has worked hard and they have steadily improved to stay on top.

But he is under no illusion that the next three weeks are crucial. Despite four cracking tries, there will be no place for the indiscipline that gave Wirral a lifeline towards the end of the game.

"We built a lead, they put us on the rack and we allowed indiscipline to let them back into the game," said Mannion.

But he is confident there is more to come: "We are just 10 per cent off being a very good team.

"Wirral weren't a good team, but they had a handful of talented individuals who kept them alive all game. We are going to need every ounce of that 10 per cent when we come up against Leigh and Rochdale.

"We scored four tries but didn't make a single kick, which is unusual. What I am most pleased about is the improvement in the side since the first game against Northwich at the start of September.

"We are training with a professionalism and dedication that is producing steadily improving performances on Saturdays and I'm delighted.

"Now I want to produce good performances that last 80 minutes and don't allow teams back into the game. We must put them away.

"The last five minutes last week was very frustrating. A 20-5 lead was a fair reflection of the game, but to allow them to cross out line at the end was unforgivable."