Wigton denied victory in absorbing contest

The young Wigton side started brightly and for the early part of the game Wigton were in the ascendency and scored an early try on 10 minutes through Owen Bonney, converted by Ryan Clark, this was quickly followed by a penalty on 16 minutes again converted by Clark giving Wigton a 10-0 lead.

Wigton were playing some great rugby and had had further chances to score but the solid De La Salle defence held out and gradually they crept back into the game. Following a scrum on the 22m line the Wigton defence were unable to halt a powerful surge from the De La Salle centre who barged over the line for a converted try and the Wigton lead was reduced to 10-7.

This try clearly stirred up the De La Salle players for the second half and on 49 minutes, they scored similar try to the first with the forward crossing the line for a well worked try. From the resultant kick off the Della stand off launched a towering kick into the Wigton defence which was unfortunately dropped allowing the chasing De La Salle player to kick through towards the posts, he won the race to the line and touched down for a simple try and an easy conversion to completely change the complexion of the match as the hosts now led 21-10.

Wigton could easily have crumbled but this was not to be and for the rest of the match Wigton were camped in the De La Salle half and were rewarded on 61 minutes following a strong catch and drive which took the forwards over the line with Andrew Brown touching down, the kick was missed but Wigton were now back in the game at 15-21.

Both sides had kept their discipline throughout this absorbing and entertaining game but with 9 minutes left on the clock the De La Salle prop was unlucky to be shown a red card for an alleged punch. Wigton tried to take advantage with a series of scrums and drives and Russell Mclean dived over the line for what he and the Wigton supporters thought was a try, however, their joy was short lived as the referee said the ball was held up. Wigton were now in total control for the remainder of the game but a strong and determined De La Salle defence repelled everything that was thrown at them as they held out for a 21-15 victory.

It should be noted that Wigton fielded 3 sets of brothers in this match day squad - Aron and Jay Henderson, Nathan and Daniel Cozens and Alex and Ralph Johnston - this must be some kind of record! Thanks also must go to the De La Salle club for their generous hospitality and for making the Wigton supporters very welcome.