Wigton grind a out a victory at the graveyard

Despite the surrounding fields being covered in snow on the approach to Kirkby Stephen, the town itself was completely clear with the pitch being in good condition. The cold conditions did however play a part with many dropped balls interrupting the flow of the game.

Wigton started positively with a good early beak by Richard Moffatt only for him to be held up on the 10m line, the chance was lost as the referee awarded Upper Eden a penalty for obstruction. A penalty on 21 minutes enabled Wigton to gain territory and from a from a series of pick and goes the ball was offloaded to the backs with Gregg Smith crashing over the line for Wigtons first try. The touch judges differed as to whether the conversion went between the posts and as such it was not given but Wigton held a 5 nil lead.

Four minutes later Wigton were awarded a penalty for an infringement, Smith put a great kick into touch on the 5 metre line. The line out was caught and the forwards drove over the line with Andrew Brown touching down for Wigtons second try, this time the conversion hit the upright but the lead had been extended to 10-0.

Upper Eden came back at Wigton and although Gregg Smith made a try saving tackle in front of the posts, Upper Eden recycled the ball and despite the Wigton players claiming two Upper Eden players had crossed, they scored a converted try in the corner. On 32 minutes the hosts were awarded a penalty for a Wigton player not moving away and the scores were now level at 10-10.

However, just before half time, another great kick by Smith to the corner brought Wigton a line out. Once again the forwards gathered the ball cleanly and the maul powered over the line wth Peter Dobson touching down, the conversion was missed but Wigton held a half time lead of 15-10.

The second half began with more knock ons by both sides and when Wigton did gain some attacking momentum the chances were lost. On 60 minutes Upper Eden were awarded a penalty for a high tackle, the kick sailed though the posts and the lead was reduced to 2 points.

The Wigton forwards started to take control and following a maul, the ball was recycled along the backs with Gregg Smith touching down in the corner to give Wigton a 4th and more importantly a bonus point try. A tremendous conversion from the touch line gave Wigton a lead of 22-13. Despite Upper Eden gaining a couple of penalties in the last couple of minutes, the Wigton defence held strong and the full time whistle was blown with a bonus point victory for the greens.

This was not a great game for the purists but Wigton stuck to their task and deserved the victory, Upper Eden played their part in a hard fought match.