Young Wigton line up just come up short

Hawcoat Park started on the front foot and from an early penalty, kicked into the corner. From the resultant line out the much taller Hawcoat Park forwards showed their intent and drove the Wigton pack over the line for an early try duly converted to lead 7-0 after only 5 minutes.

Wigton settled down and promising play led to a penalty in front of the posts converted by Jonny Charters reducing the arrears to 7-3. The Hawcoat Park pack continued to play to their strengths and from another line out their forwards once again pushed the Wigton pack over the line for a second try and conversion to extend their lead to 14-3.

The young Wigton team fought back with two brilliant tries just before half time by Ryan Clark and David Hanabury, unfortunately both conversions were missed but Wigton were back in the game at 14-13.

Wigton were having much more possession at the start of the second half and a penalty on 46 minutes would have given Wigton the lead, unfortunately the kick just slipped past the upright. Hawcoat Park stepped up their game and an unconverted try on 50 minutes gave the hosts a 19-13 lead. This was quickly reduced to 3 points following a successful penalty kick by Jonny Charters.

Despite a number of lectures to Hawcoat Park players, the first yellow cards to be shown by the referee were to Wigtons Oliver Lewis and John Story in quick succession for infringements. Despite the reduction in numbers Wigton had a great chance to get back into the game following a long kick by Gregg Smith, the Hawcoat Park defender misjudged the bounce and the ball was passed out wide and Wigton looked certain to score a try but unfortunately the home defence recovered and the chance was lost.

With 5 minutes to go the Hawcoat Park forwards were now in the ascendency and were pushing the Wigton forwards towards the line and when the maul was collapsed the referee awarded a penalty try, easily converted to bring the final score to 26-16. Hawcoat Park deserved their victory but the Wigton team fought hard and tackled well throughout the game and we can look forward to a positive performance this coming Saturday in the first league game of the season at home to Oldham.

Well done in particular to scrum half Sam Harrison (18) and 17 year old winger Josh Leeson who both acquitted themselves well on debut - two more from the Green Stable!