Wigton won 35-10 and never looked like losing, but only secured their bonus point for a fourth try right at the death. Whitehaven gave the boys in green a stiff examination but the Lowmoor Road outfit showed very good application and teamwork to come away with the win. There was little sign of complacency as Wigton, more pragmatic tactically than of late, took the challenge of the West Cumbrians seriously.

The first quarter was a pretty even struggle, but Wigton's backs looked the more likely to fashion a breakthrough. On the 23rd minute David Hanabury, operating initially at centre, switched the direction of attack well and released winger Will Miller on a twenty yard run to the corner. Ali Ledingham converted well for a 7-0 scoreline.

Wigton's captain for the day was the vastly experienced Andrew Bell. Under his direction Ledingham took Wigton's first penalty kick at goal after 428 minutes of rugby this season. The first was successfully kicked, as was a second a few minutes later, making the score13-0 at half time.

Wigton started the second stanza brightly with a try from the kick off. The enterprising Mark Lee spotted the chance for a swift attack and initiated the move. Gregg Smith chimed into the backline and found a smart pass to put Miller away for a second try, which was unconverted. Wigton's next attack produced a third penalty kick for Ledingham and a score of 21-0.

Some of the visiting supporters may have thought at this point that the hard graft had been done and that they could sit back and wait for a hatful of tries. They were disabused of that notion as Whitehaven responded with their most dominant period of the game, twenty minutes during which Wigton saw little of the ball. They were caned in the penalty count during this spell, something which must be of concern to the coaching staff. Indeed this was the third game in a row where Wigton conceded far more penalties than they were awarded, although Whitehaven had two yellow cards to Wigton's one.From a free kick in the Wigton 22, impressive physical specimen Callum Rowlandson, who took containing all day, crossed the line for an unimproved try. Shortly afterwards Whitehaven crossed again following a series of pick and goes from the forwards. That made the score 21-10, with the momentum with Whitehaven and the home supporters getting the sniff of an upset.

It was not to be. Wigton were in no mood to be charitable. Captain Bell rallied his troops and they responded, showing very good fitness levels and no little determination. Hanabury, now at fly half, left defenders trailing as a burst of speed took him clear and over for a converted try. 28-10. Whitehaven were put on the back foot as Wigton went in search of a fifth point.

Hanabury initiated a length of the field move in the 79th minute. After seven passes Fergus Ledingham calmly put the ball in the hands of Lee who galloped 30yards to the posts much to the delight of the Wigton supporters.

Hooker Russell McLean was nominated as Man of the Match by the Whitehaven sponsors. He was at the heart of a scrummaging effort which had the Haven scrum under pressure for most of the afternoon. The Wigton supporters gave John Story their award. The coaching staff were also delighted by the contributions of 20year old forwards Jay Henderson, a late replacement for the injured Mark Deans, and Richard Jackson who both benefitted from playing with the experienced Lee.

Next week sees Aldwinians visit Lowmoor Road. They are currently third in the league and will provide us with our first sight at home of one of our Lancastrian opponents.