It’s an account written by Scoop – a retired journalist – for the Vale of Lune website on his trip to Wigton last Saturday for the North Lancs Cumbria clash at Lowmoor Road.

He refers to the Alies – an affectionate shortening of the term alicadoos – and Vale do seem to have a few characters among them.
Here goes -

WIGTON 16 - VALE OF LUNE 16
NORTH LANCASHIRE/CUMBRIA

For the Alies, trips into Cumbria rarely disappoint - and win, lose or draw, there is usually plenty to savour and mull over. So it came as no surprise that eleven hardy souls presented themselves for the Wigton fixture.

The “Travellers Choice” had sent along a splendidly comfortable coach plus Carl, a friendly and accommodating driver. The sun shone brightly on the M6, the hills proudly showed off their Autumn colours and by the time the Lune Gorge had been reached The Major had dug two bottle of red out of his knapsack.

He quickly silenced the critics who pointed out that they were not screw tops by whipping out his Swiss Army Knife (pictured), standard equipment for this former Cold War Warrior. After a little struggle the corks were withdrawn, although Enty was concerned enough to enquire if The Major had taken his blood pressure tablets as the grunting grew louder.

A fruity red, I’m getting plum, raspberry, cherry, was the perfect companion to the sausage rolls and meat pies. Guinness Joe, who could put Oz and Jilly to shame, suggested that you get the same flavours from Ribena, before launching into a diatribe on the decline of Beaujolais since the wine makers were forced to stop adding Algerian Red to the vats.

The coach rolled along at a merry lick so it was decided to break the journey at Rheged for a leg stretch. There was not enough time available to enjoy the adventure play area or to embark on a journey through, “2000 years of Cumbria’s history or mystery,” but in Wigton’s convivial clubhouse and pints of Ind Coope’s best bitter a pageant of Vale of Lune and Cumbrian history unfolded.

Wigton’s highly respected coach and former Vale favourite, Malcolm Brown, had invited many of his former colleagues along to mark the occasion of this meeting between the two clubs in the North Lancashire/Cumbria league.

Almost before the first pint had been supped and “Titanium Jim” had recovered from being nominated as kitty master the doors swung open to reveal the huge frame of Les Dent, he was followed by Sam Hogdson, Ian Sewell, Ken Graham, Paul Hancock, while quicksilver Mike Kirby was already in situ.

As these ex players made their way to the bar it was not dissimilar from a scene at the Oscar ceremonies when the “A” listers step on the red carpet. The above players are held in the highest esteem by those at the Vale who saw them play and witnessed at first hand their contribution. So their progress towards Malcolm was slow; hands were vigorously shaken, backs slapped and memories shared or rekindled, because at the end of the day these players are held in awe and reverence at the Vale.  It was a truly magical experience.

Out on the paddock there was not a great deal of magic floating about, just dollops of pragmatism, caused in no short measure by a shrieking wind that blew straight down the ground from the general direction of the Solway.

Wigton had first use of the elements and by half time had established a 16-0 lead. Scrum half Tane Manihera harnessed the gale and ran the show, kicking three penalties and converting a well worked try from Tom Gardiner.

When it was the Vale’s turn Neale Foster did not disappoint. He also kicked three penalties and converted Dave Halliwell’s thundering charge for the replacement’s try. For those in the Vale’s ranks who had little experience of Cumbrian rugby in one of its heartlands a valuable lesson unfolded, a bit like tasting Cumberland Sausage, a Hawkshead Relish (above) or a pint of Bluebird Bitter for the first time, all have special qualities, not least because they belong to Cumbria and nowhere else.

The journey home, punctuated by some forthright observations from Enty, included the compulsory stop at Bowness on Windermere. No sign of Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline” will have to wait for another day.  Well just for Scoop, Enty, the Major and the rest from Last of the Summer Wine here he is -

Things are beginning to heat up at Wigton Rugby Club with both the First team and the Wanderers starting to gather momentum. November is set to be a big month for the club and with two more players signing in the last week, people are realising that this is probably the most exciting club in Cumbria!

Training attendance is having even more of a bearing on selection and competition for positions is becoming seriously competitive. No less than 24 players were available for the Wanderers last weekend – with some of the most talented second team players still out injured! Wardy, Moz and Sess all hope to be back on the field of play soon and with their added spice there will certainly be some creative rugby being played!

The Weekends Rugby

A huge victory was recorded for the Wanderers on Saturday with the team breaking the 40 point barrier for first time since stepping up into the Cumbria League. No less than seven tries were run in – by seven different players – which demonstrates the array of talent across the team. It was exactly what the team deserved and will mark a change in mentality amongst the squad with winning becoming the expected result.

To top off the weekend the First Team bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a convincing victory over Upper Eden. Five tries were scored with a good balance of forwards and backs getting on the score sheet. This was a big win for the first team who will have their biggest test of the season next week against top of the table Vale of Lune.

Looking Ahead