Wigton march on

For the second time this season Workington gave Wigton a tough game but ended up with little to show for their efforts. For the Greens this was a competent away performance, securing five points to keep them in second place in the league.

Wigton's first points came from an efficiently executed lineout which led Zebras to concede a penalty. Scrum half Dan Reed, making his 100th first team appearance, calmly slotted the kick to give the visitors a 0-3 lead. Another, more difficult, penalty shortly afterwards allowed Reed to double the lead.

Wigton's first try was scored by right winger Stephen Harris. There was a long build up with a lot of good continuity in the approach work: Mark Deans, David Hanabury, Richard Moffatt and Brad Bouch all being heavily involved. Reed, with all the aplomb of a hundred match veteran, added the conversion from the touchline.

Workington gave themselves a handicap by displaying alarming inaccuracy with restart kicks. Of the first five kick offs, three went straight into touch and one failed to go ten metres. Nevertheless, they showed an ability to attack and string phases together. Hooker Sam Robinson and centre Kieran Mewse made impressive runs. A penalty for a high tackle enabled Workington to throw into a lineout in Wigton's 22. An accurate throw to the back was followed by a good drive to the line and prop David Todhunter was at the heart of the move, being propelled over the line for the try. Indeed, Todhunter had a fine all round game, doing a lot of ball carrying and throwing into the lines with great accuracy. His try made the score 5-13.

From the restart Wigton's defence were caught narrow and Mewse took advantage. He was hauled down by Hanabury and the ball went loose. Wigton full back Ryan Clark kicked the ball to just short of the Zebra's tryline. Under pressure, the defence conceded a penalty. Wigton tapped and tried to batter over from close range, moving first one way then another. It was Jamie Warwick who found the space to crash over for Wigton's third try, giving them a 5-18 lead at halftime.

Workington came out strongly for the second half and were soon on the attack on the Wigton line. When awarded a penalty they took a quick tap and pass, catching Wigton's defence unawares. They were confident they had registered a second try, but referee Denver ruled the ball had been held up, awarding Zebras a scrum five. However, Wigton rode out the pressure and came up with a turnover which enabled them to clear their lines.

As Workington tired, Wigton had more play in their opponents' 22. Workington conceded a series of penalties which Wigton used to attempt a number of lineout drives. Finding this tactic well defended they moved the ball wider. Jamie Warwick's progress to the tryline was arrested by a high tackle by Phil Flavell. The referee took a dim view and showed Flavell what appeared to be an orange card. It was only when Flavell headed to the changing rooms that it became apparent the card was a rather pale red one.

Shortly after this Wigton had scrum close to the line. No 8 Stuart Creighton picked up and attacked the short side. He passed to Reed, who, with Harris outside him and Creighton inside, took advantage of indecision in defence to dive over himself, marking his century with a try. Unfortunately, whatever the secret of his first half kicking success had been, he appeared to have forgotten it and the score stayed at 5-23.

Workington managed to stage an occasional breakout but Wigton continues to add to their tally. More penalties took them back into the 22 and it was the turn of skipper Hanabury to score. A dummy switch move opened up the defence and sharp footwork took him to the line. 5-28. The final score was registered by Creighton as he dotted down a fairly routine No 8's pushover try.

Wigton won by playing steadily rather than spectacularly. Mark Deans showed a huge appetite for work in both attack and defence and Coach Lee will have a pretty full squad to select from for next week's visit of Aspatria with the main concern being Gregg Smith's hamstring.

Malcolm Brown comments 'The result was never in doubt although Zebras were stubborn opponents. The Man of the Match awarded by Zebras sponsor was David Hanabury but a close second Dan Reed who rolled back the years. In his 100th match for 1st XV in his 10th season with a try 2 penalties and a conversion. For Zebras it was David Todhunter who was at the heart of a good Zebras scrummaging display and he consistently hit his line groups. The Wanderers also produced a strong display to win 43 - 12 - it was 7 tries to 2. Wigton's MOM was improving/impressive centre Matthew Harrison. In doing so they remain league leaders in Cumbria League 2.'