Despite scoring three tries to one in this exciting match at Lowmoor Road, Wigton were just pipped to the honours. The accurate boot of Bob McCullum kept Wilmslow in the running for most of this game. Wigton looked to have secured the points when they opened up a ten point gap, but a sequence of unfortunate events created ultimate frustration for the Greens and their supporters.

Tane Manihera returned to first team action for the injured David Hanabury in the stand off position. He contributed to the first significant action of the game, trying a little chip over the top to try and open up the visitors' defence. The kick was a teaser, but it frustratingly bounced back over the heads of the oncoming Wigton attackers, into the arms of Wilmslow centre Richard Hughes. He set off up field taking play into the Wigton 22. Wilmslow had the better of the next few minutes, keeping play in or near the Wigton 22. However, the Wigton defence held firm and periodic turnovers enabled them to clear their lines. Wilmslow looked to have pierced the defence at one point, but blew their chance with a forward pass. The pressure finally told when referee Sandy Jackson of Edinburgh awarded a penalty which standoff Bob Macullum slotted over to give the visitors an early lead.

Wigton first major attack came when winger Ryan Clark made a good run through heavy traffic. He was supported by centre Will Miller and then No 8 Mark Lee who through an excellent long pass to left winger Jordan Wood. This time it was Wilmslow's turn to man the defences, something they did successfully. Whenever the ball found its way to full back Gregg Smith, he showed great vision to use the wind to push play right back to the Wilmslow 22.

A fluent looking Wilmslow had another chance to score when full back Olly Wilkinson made a telling break. However, a poor pass which found the touchline brought that particular foray to an end. Rather concerning for the home team was their tendency to get on the wrong end of the referee's whistle, mainly around the ruck area, where they struggled all afternoon to fathom out Mr Jackson's interpretations.

Wigton started to enjoy more possession as the game moved into the second quarter.Second row Mark Deans started to become more prominent and was twice involved in a move which took play into the Wilmslow 22. The defence gave away a penalty and Wigton's scrum half Fergus Ledingham was quick to tap and burrow his way over the line. Manihera converted to give Wigton a 7-3 lead.

Both teams had their moments as the half wound down, without the tryline being threatened. Manihera was just short with a penalty attempt for Wigton. Macullum, on the other hand, took his chance with a kick to produce a score of 7-6 at half time. Wigton supporters were disappointed to see Gregg Smith, who had been perhaps Wigton's best player, leave the field at half time.

Wigton got on the front foot in the second half with a couple of good lineouts. Centre Richard Moffatt made a strong run, breaking into the 22, but support was unable to get on his shoulder. Wigton's continuity was hampered by a tendency to give the ball away with misdirected passes, allowing the opposition to get back on the attack. Wigton's defence remained very effective with line breaks quickly being covered by the scrambling defence. Wigton several times tried to effect choke tackles which, even if they did not always come off, did at least slow down possession.
Another problem remained Mr Jackson's interpretation of the law, which at Tim's was perplexing to both sides. Indeed, this was a match of well over thirty penalties, nineteen of them against Wigton, nearly twice the count in previous games this season. There were no yellow cards however. Another ruck offence gave Macullum the chance to retake the lead again, making it a 7-9 game in Wilmslow's favour.

Wigton now went through a period where they played the best rugby of the game. Quick hands from Manihera and Lee sent the rampaging Deans on his way into the 22, leading to a penalty for Wigton. Manihera was, however, unable to take advantage. However, from a midfield penalty shortly afterwards, he took a quick tap. A terrific run from Wood set play up in the Wilmslow 22. Quick ball was generated and as the ball was transferred right, Wigton had plenty of spare men and it was Matthew Atkinson who rounded off an excellent move. The conversion was missed, but Wigton now had a 12-7 lead.

Even better was to follow. Wigton got possession from the kick off but Clark's clearance kick went straight to Macullum in midfield. However, he was tackled hard by Manihera and Miller, turning the ball over. Quick hands moved the ball right where Wigton's strong running forwards were waiting. Lee outpaced a disorganised defence, making about forty yards. He passed to Atkinson who in turn found Deans in support. There were anxious moments as it seemed as if the pass might be spilled, but a little bit of circus juggling by Deans saw him retain the ball and plunge over the line. Manihera added the conversion to take Wigton out to a 19-9 lead.

Wigton now had their tails up and ran back strongly from the kick off. The next few seconds were influential in the final result. Moffatt charged at the 22, but was perplexingly penalised for holding onto the ball. At the same time, Deans, who had really been hitting his stride, departed with a twisted ankle. Moments later, Wigton were penalised for another ruck offence. The immaculate Macullum took the points, making it 19-12, putting the match on a knife edge.

Wigton were trying to close the game out with a bit of steady possession rugby, but Wilmslow hooker Max Harvey superbly anticipated an inside pass, intercepting and sprinting thirty yards to score. The conversion tied the score at 19-19. Wigton were frustrated at apparently having to settle for a draw, but disaster struck when from a Wigton scrum, Wigton were caught in possession, a situation which resulted in a penalty. Macullum never looked like missing and as the ball sailed between the posts, the final whistle blew, giving Wilmslow a 19-22 win, something which had looked very unlikely a few minutes earlier.

This was the most frustrating of experiences for Wigton. They would have hoped to have closed the game out from 19-9, but Wilmslow deserve praise for their resilience, and the excellence of their goal kicking. In retrospect, the injury to Smith was vital, and Deans' s knock didn't help. On the other hand there were two splendid tries and the centres, Man of the Match Moffatt and the splendid Miller had great games. Lee was once again on form and Deans had a big game. The biggest concern going forward to next week will be the growing injury list as we travel to Wirral.