The last away fixture of 2013 - the 15th week on the bounce - was to test playing resources to the full as no fewer than 12 lead players were unavailable for selection.

Behind the scrum disruption was minimal as the improving Ryan Clark replaced Gregg Smith who continues to be troubled by a niggling hamstring problem. Up front however it was a different story with Wanderers forwards Elliot Armstrong, Jonny Wood and Andrew Prentice making their 1st XV starting debuts.

Lindsay Walker making his first start for 7 weeks and a 'patched up' Stuart Creighton manning up at tight head once again. The bench too was an unique combination of Wanderers captain Dan Reed, 1st XV captain Andy Brown and Wizards captain Stephen Benson.

Park chose to make first use of an end to end gale and quickly got field position to pressurise the Green defence. However, some strong counters from the Wigton midfield saw progress being made up field .

Unfortunately Park took an early lead, as Wigton threatened to cross half way they were penalised for holding on a carry and full back Jordan Parker stroked over a 43 metre penalty. 3 - 0.

Whilst the set play was going well some strong counter rucking from the Park back row created turnovers and field position from which they would profit. Wigton had to concede two 5 metre scrums within 7 minutes and both led to scores by strong running Cumbrian winger Blake Mahovic; one wide out and the second through the 12 channel. Both were converted well by Jordan Parker and on 23 minutes the score was 17 - 0.

For the rest of the half the Wigton boys played effectively and denied Park further points - the pack inspired by captain for the day Matt Atkinson and Rob Marrs more than matched the Park 8 and the back three of Gardner, Clark and Wood coped well with the field kicks coming their way on a regular basis, creating a number of effective counter attacks. Miller also impressed during this period as his elusive broken field running took play forward. Half time 17 - 0 .

With the wind in their favour the greens immediately used the elements to set up field position and pressure the Park line. Strong drives from Jackson and Creighton went close and a knock on saw Park let off the hook. From the scrum a smart short side play saw Park break away and it took a brave tackle and steal from Dave Hanabury to save the day. Scrums continued to be a strength and following a wheel turnover, smart handling released Will Miller and he was pulled down just metres from the line.

The effective kicking game of Ledingham and Hanabury allowed Park no respite as Wigton dominated the half but some strong Park defence was to deny the Wigton team on a number of occasions and see them run out eventual winners. On 60 minutes Dan Reed and Andy Brown replaced Stuart Creighton and Jonny Wood.

The character in the side was epitomised by some great scramble defence, the pacy Mahovic broke the line and looked to be on his way but a 40 metre chase by Gardner eventually hauled him down as the ball was turned over. The match finished with Wigton on the attack and pushing for points, Atkinson and Moffatt both took play to within inches of the line but the resilient home defence held firm.

So another frustrating afternoon on the road for the Wigton faithful support. However, as always the squad need to honestly review the performance; in terms of individual performance, set piece play and just how effective offensive and defensive structures were. On reflection the game was lost in the first 15 minutes when some poor ball carries gifted possession and points to Park.

For a club looking to encourage and improve players from within, the input of the five Wanderers players involved was particularly pleasing, however, they missed out on the M O M award as the Supporters Trust opted for Fergus Ledingham.

Only one home game over the Festive season:-

WANDERERS XV v STUDENTS XV

Saturday 28th December 2 00 ko

League campaigns resume on the 4th January 2014:-

1st XV vs WIDNES Home
Wanderers XV vs SILLOTH Away