Recent injuries have seen the depth of our squad tested and given an opportunity to Wanderers players to prove their worth. Ryan Clark got an opportunity on the wing, Jonny Charters at full back and in a half back shuffle Fergus Ledingham made his debut at stand off with Wanderers captain Dan Reed taking the 9 shirt for his first start in two years. John Story was a late withdrawal through illness so Stuart Creighton started at 6 and ex-colt Cory Bouch made his 1st XV debut from the bench.

An encouraging start during which Wigton had ample possession and were able to structure several forays into Wirral territory all came to nothing as from the first of many turnovers during an error strewn first 40 minutes Wirral were able to counter attack with real pace and width.
Wigton's scramble defence stalled the inevitable as stand off Danny Harvey put a pin point field kick across the park to the unmarked James Annetts who strolled over. An excellent touchline conversion by James set him on his way to an immaculate afternoon during which he converted 6/6.

Though the Wigton pack led well by Atkinson and Brown continued to produce an even share of possession, a number of soft turn overs provided the Wirral backs with chances to counter. They were very effective; particularly through full back Annetts who had a fine game and wingers Loon and Baker.

The second score came after a speculative Wirral kick in behind ended with the greens conceding a 5 metre scrummage. Wirral took possession , hit hard into the 12 channel and a neat offload from Harvey put Chris Burrows into a hole and over the line.

Not for the only time Wigton responded well, Fergus Ledingham making his debut at 10 ran the plays as Wigton pushed for a score, but when a lineout maul went array Wirral raced away 65 metres to the Wigton 5 metre line. A good Wigton scrum and then an offside charge down resulted in Wirral getting the judgement on an in-goal scramble - Jason Green claimed the score and Harvey tagged on two.

The greens inability to retain possession in the Wirral red zone denied them any real opportunity to score - One example saw Jonny Charters ( returning to 1st XV rugby after an absence of 3 years and having a good afternoon at 15 with his effective kicking game) push a midfield penalty into the corner only for the normally dependable maul to falter under serious Wirral defensive pressure.

Just on half time Wirral handled with precision to give winger Matt Loon an overlap play and he grounded by the flag. Harvey needed the help of an in - off to maintain his 100% kicking display.

A half time deficit of 28-0 was not really in the script and after an honest review of the half, targets were set which would hopefully improve a dire situation. Fresh legs arrived as Walker and Jackson replaced from row union Mclean and Carruthers.

The arrival of a 30 minute monsoon had a major bearing on proceedings, Wirrals confident handling became fragile and Wigton seized the opportunity to get back into the game - the Wigton forwards relished the conditions and led by the robust Atkinson began to maul to good effect; Wirral conceded penalties and field position and on 55 minutes Wigton got on the scoreboard, Atkinson secured lineout ball and exposed a risky defensive ploy by barging over from 10, Jonny Charters converted from the touchline.

Bouyed by the score the Wigton lads set about a repeat dose, however, it was Wirral who were next to score and effectively seal the game; with effective handling a challenge Danny Harvey showed good skills by varying his play, an astute kick in behind a committed defence saw pacy number 8 Rob Pearl touchdown out wide and again Annetts improved to seven. Wigton continued to up their game with effective carries but a determined Wirral defence kept them out. On 60 minutes youngster Cory Bouch made his 1st XV debut, replacing Ryan Clark and coping well with his midfield role. Later Clark was to return as Fergus Ledingham took a knock.

The final try came on 60 minutes, Harvey again pushed the ball in behind and centre Chris Speed benefited from a liberal offside line to pick and dive under the posts. Annetts secured his 100% kicking and confirmed a M O M nomination.

Wigton can reflect on a disappointing first 40 during which the ball was turned over 14 times - credit to Wirral who looked impressive taking advantage of glorious Autumn conditions: they are unlikely to welcome the arrival of November and the onset of harsher climes. Wigton will be pleased to have got through the game without any further injuries and encouraged by the second half fightback. The play of Ledingham (supporters M O M ), Charters and Moffatt behind, allied to forwards Bell, Atkinson and Brown was crucial to an improved second half.