Promising performance by Wigton despite being undone in the scrum

Wigton made a positive start to the match looking to attack at every opportunity. An early penalty gave them a line out in the Keswick half, however after a number of phases the ball was knocked on giving Keswick a chance to clear their lines.

On 8 minutes the Keswick pack showed their superiority by pushing the Wigton scrum backwards with referee Maughan having little option but to run between the posts and give Keswick the 1st of three penalty tries. Keswick were now in the ascendency and with an overlap their speedy winger was able to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try to give Keswick a 12 nil lead.

Wigton were not deterred and following a line out the maul advanced towards the line with Nathan Bell touching down for Wigtons 1st try, a tremendous touch line conversion by Josh Leeson reduced the lead to 12-7. Wigton won the next line out against the throw before a high tackle on Ollie Lewis gave Wigton a penalty in the Keswick half. Great ball control by the Wigton forwards in the 10m zone continued with the ball being spun out wide by the backs to give Lewis Plackett a chance to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Wigton were back in the match at 12-10.

Keswick secured a line out on the 5 metre line which Wigton did well to defend, however another penalty gave Keswick the chance for another scrum, Wigton were unable to defend it legally and once again referee Maughan awarded a second Penalty try giving Keswick a 19-12 half time lead. Keswick started the second half full of energy and from an early line out, the maul allowed Keswick to score a 4th try, easily converted to extend their lead to 26-12.

Wigton fought back and following a tip tackle on Elliot Armstrong only penalised by a penalty, Wigton advanced towards the Keswick line. Keswick were penalised 3 times in quick succession but the expected penalty try wasn’t given. Nevertheless, the next maul was superbly executed by the Wigton forwards and Greg Wrathall was able to touch down for Wigtons 3rd try, the score was now 26-17. Keswick were penalised shortly afterwards with a yellow card following a high tackle on Lewis Plackett. However a penalty against Wigton allowed Keswick to set up another scrum on 5m and despite the best efforts of the Wigton pack missing the likes of Marrrs, Deans and Whitehead, the referee once again awarded Keswick a 3rd penalty try.

Wigton made one or two positional changes and looked to at least secure a bonus point. Several pick and goes on the Keswick line looked like Wigton would be rewarded however the ball was deemed to be held up. However the tiring Keswick defence could not hold out and after giving away a series of penalties refereee Maughan had seen enough and this time he ran between the posts to give Wigton a penalty try. The game was over with Keswick holding on to a 33-24 victory.

Wigton will be satisfied with their performance despite being under pressure in the scrums for the whole of the match, however, they had plenty of possession in the opposition half and matched the league leaders throughout the game.