CHAMPIONS!

The stage was set for Wigton to confirm their return to North One West if they could maintain their unbeaten record at second placed team Eccles, who still have promotion ambitions of their own. A large contingent of travelling supporters made the trip which coincided with Beer Festival at Eccles Club.

Both teams looked focused as they came out of the tunnel. Wigton had expected the home team to come out hard at them, and they did not disappoint. Also on the list of expectations was that Eccles would look to impose dominance in the scrum, and this too, was fulfilled. However Wigton hoped to counter that with their try scoring potency and an ability to attack from anywhere on the pitch. In the final balance, that proved to be the deciding factor in this pulsating match.

Eccles started very strongly, dominating all the early possession. A couple of penalties enabled them to make ground and go over for a converted try, taking a 7-0 lead after three minutes. They had their tails up and for the next fifteen minutes Wigton had to show their defensive mettle. Eccles applied good pressure whenever Wigton tried to counter, leading to some poor passing from the visitors putting pressure on themselves. Wigton were harried into mistakes by the fast line speed of the home defence, sometimes taking wrong options over when to kick and when to pass. The rush defence was also producing some turnover ball. The question was, could Eccles maintain this intensity? The answer seemed to be no when Wigton hit back in the 21st minute with a long range effort. Quick ball gave fly half David Hanabury the chance to pass to full back Greg Smith coming on an outside line. He showed good pace, making forty yards before passing to winger Callum Studholme who in turn, passed back inside to the supporting Hanabury. Ali Ledingham added the extras and tied up the score at 7-7.

Wigton continued to be hurried into imprecision by Eccles, but the knowledge that if they got it right, the tries would come, gave mental strength to the visitors to get over the rocky patches in the game.

In the 28th minute, scrum half Fergus Ledingham, exploiting a large blindside, made a break, passing to centre Will Miller. The 19 year old used strength and footwork to beat three or four defenders on his way to the line for an unconverted try. Indeed Miller, who has been consistent all season, was to pick up the travelling supporters Man of the Match award, after coming close on several previous occasions.

Just before half time a deep kick out of defence by Eccles gave Ali Ledingham the opportunity to launch a counter attack. Again Miller was prominent, turning provider as he beat three defenders before releasing his winger Studholme. The conversion produced a 19-7 lead at halftime.

Any belief that Eccles had shot their bolt was quickly dispelled as they came out strongly for the second stanza, once again scoring an early try to peg it back to 14-19. The game was now in the balance and entering its defining period. Wigton responded with their best fifteen minutes of the game. Hanabury's line breaking ability became a key feature, as did turnovers by Brown and Lee.

On 53 minutes the ever-elegant Hanabury ghosted through a gap and hit the accelerator. He found Deans roaring and snorting up on the outside. The athletic second row took route one to the line and crashed over the winger from five yards out. Ledingham's fine conversion took the score out to 14-26.

There was then a long break in play as an ambulance had to called for a suspected neck injury to one of the home players.

When play resumed, Ali Ledingham charged down a kick which was picked up by Gregg Smith, whose pace took him over. With the score 14-33 the travelling supporters started to feel some relief. A few minutes later, following some time in the Eccles half, Wigton were awarded a penalty near the line. The well- practised maul move produced another try for the collection of Matthew Atkinson. As the conversion took the lead to 26 points with fifteen minutes left, the travelling supporters started slightly premature celebrations.

Eccles now actually upped their game, following some stern words behind the posts, and they went on a mission for at least a vital bonus point. Wigton Coach Brown emptied his bench, but Smith was yellow carded for a breakdown infringement in the 71st minute. Indeed Wigton had struggled to get to grips with this all day and had given away frequent penalties of not rolling away or not releasing.

Eccles came up with an immediate try and then in the 79th minute, much to Aspatria's disappointment, a tremendous counter attack produced the try of the game and a bonus point. They were not quite done yet as they scored again in injury time to make the final score 31-40.

On the final whistle Wigton celebrated. Hands were shaken and plaudits handed round. There was visible relief from players and spectators as this first target of the season was reached in great style. Eccles were very complimentary and were as hospitable off the pitch as they had been competitive on it.

Congratulations to the Wigton Club and all involved on and off the field. However, the season is not over yet and Wigton will not want to slacken their efforts as there are still goals to achieve.