WES Winder's accurate kicking ensured Little Hulton Reds were victorious in a tight North West Men's Division Three encounter with Eccleston Lions.

The teams had only previously met once before and Lions got the better of the Reds that day.

But it was a different story at Peel Park with the St Helens' side shocked by a bright Little Hulton start.

Just six minutes were on the clock when the Reds took the lead, man of the match Lee Foster scoring the first of his two tries when he dived over from a quick play before Winder added the extras with a conversion from out wide.

Despite their aggressive pack, Eccleston were rattled and two minutes later their full-back was unable to collect a high ball under the posts and Ross Cahill pounced to cross the line, Winder again kicking to make it a six-pointer.

The Lions responded with a score of their own but Danny Jones increased the hosts' lead when he broke four would-be tacklers in the Reds' 20-yard area and used his pace to race clear and score out wide before Winder converted.

Again, Eccleston hit back with a converted try of their own to make it 18-10 to the Reds at the midway point.

The Lions enjoyed a lot of possession at the start of the second half and reduced the arrears with a controversial try after the ball appeared to have been dead before the hooker grounded it.

Little Hulton rallied and Winder plunged over the line before adding the extras with another successful kick.

Then Foster made a break from the 20-yard area to feed Alan Hargreaves who raced 60 yards to score under the posts and Winder kept up his 100 per cent kicking success to make it 30-14.

The Reds eased off the gas and a succession of penalties for Eccleston reduced the deficit by 10 points.

But Foster made another 30-yard break to score his second try, this time Winder finally missed a conversion and the scoreline ended 34-24 to Little Hulton.

A lot of credit went to forwards Mike Jones, Joe Lyon and Cahill for for repelling the St Helens side's quest down the middle.

The curtain comes down on the Reds' season on Saturday when the play league leaders Pilkington Recs at Peel Park.