Keswick claim tight victory

Wigton were hopeful of ending their league season with a win, but, in an entertaining game it was the league champions Keswick who emerged as the 20-24 victors.

In the Wigton back Division Richard Moffatt, Stephen Harris and Oliver Lewis all ran strongly and posed problems for the Keswick defence whilst Fergus Ledingham’s work at the breakdown made sure the fringe defence was on its toes. However, Keswick were able to edge the encounter aided by a slightly stronger set piece and the pace of winger Ryan Weir.

Wigton took an early lead following a typically powerful burst from Moffatt. Lewis ran over the top of the Keswick full back and generated quick ball which was passed to hooker Elliot Armstrong for a try which was converted by full back Josh Leeson.

Wigton were hopeful of increasing the lead when a penalty enabled them to set up a lineout five metres out. Unfortunately the position was surrendered due to a penalty for holding one. Keswick’s first serious attack came when No 8 Aaron Thompson made a strong burst from a scrum, but a heavy tackle from his opposite number Greg Wrathall produced a knock on.

Leeson edged the lead out to 10-0 with a well struck penalty, but as the half wore on, Wigton found themselves at the wrong end of the penalty count. One such penalty gave Keswick a close lineout and a catch and drive saw hooker Dom McGuire claim a try to half the lead to 10-5 at half time.

Wigton were quickly moving the scoreboard in the second half. They fielded the kick off and showed good ball retention with Harris carrying strongly to rock the defence back on its heels. Lewis took advantage of the quick ball but still had work to do, battering his way through three defenders to score Wigton’s second try, giving the home team a 15-5 lead.

It was clear where Keswick thought their strength lay when, in Wigton’s 22, they opted for a scrum from a penalty. They put in a big push but then moved the ball across the back line for Oliver Clark to squeeze in at the right hand corner, making the game 15-10.

Wigton once again hit back but frustratingly knocked the ball on near Keswick’s tryline. Keswick struck from deep, handling confidently with Weir making the key run deep into Wigton territory. As the ball was recycled Keswick had lots of numbers on the left and Aaron Thompson was able to cross for a try. Scrum half Lewis Thompson added the extras, giving Keswick a 15-17 lead.

The lead changed hands again when Elliot Armstrong claimed a wayward throw at a lineout and Lewis again carried the ball almost to the line. Fergus Ledingham was sharp at the base of the ruck and dummied and darted his way over for a try, restoring Wigton’s lead at 20-17.

Unfortunately it was Keswick who had the last word. From a scrum Weir was given early ball and he simply had too much pace for the home defence, dotting down for the game’s final try which was duly converted, giving Keswick a 20-24 win.

For Keswick it has been a memorable season, and good luck to them next year. For most of the teams in the league it has been a frustrating experience and we are yet to find out with any certainty what next season holds in score. Hopefully it will not be another season where the same teams are encountered over and over again. An extreme example is the fact that next week, in the league cup final, Aspatria and Cockermouth will meet for the seventh time this season. Surely you can have too much of a good thing!