No points but some good positives to be taken

Multi tasking was to the fore for the trip to the Hough End sports grounds - with no Photographer, Reporter, TJ or Water carriers it was a busy afternoon for the management and bench.

The travelling support was restricted to a seasonal theme of 'three wise men ' Messrs Lynch, Greenop and Johnson. Regular travellers will perhaps question the merits of a protracted M O M debate which was finally resolved just short of Rosley.

Selection for the game brought changes to the squad - Cory Bouch and Tane Manihera were unable to travel so Jonny Charters came in to 10 and student Robert Graham replaced David Warwick, who, along with Mark Deans was unavailable through work commitments. Andrew Prentice moved up from the bench to partner Rob Marrs in the second row.

To summarise proceedings, this was a much improved workout by the 'Greens,' there was more grit in defence and the opening 20 was an even contest. Wigton missed out on an early lead as a Charters penalty drifted wide. Park took the lead on 22 minutes when a smart pass released the experienced Titoloye on a 30 metre run to the corner. The assured O'Brien converted for 7 - 0, in fact he went on to record a 100% return off the tee.

The forward contest remained fairly even with the Park pack edging ahead just before the break, some robust ruck drives resulting in a close range try. 14 - 0. Unfortunately, at this time hooker Elliot Armstrong had to leave the field with a knee injury and was replaced by 18 year old front rower Charlie Bunn. Further tries followed on 50 and 60 minutes, another close range forward effort and following some creative midfield play, a left wing overlap. 28 - 0.

From 60 minutes, and not for the first time this season it was Wigton who shaded the last quarter. Jonny Charters who was on debut at 10, was organising field play effectively. Strong carries from Pattinson and Creighton set up some promising field positions and it was just rewards for the Wigton forwards when from an effective 10 metre scrummage Stuart Creighton carried strongly up the short side to crash over on 68 minutes.

Unfortunately from the restart an ineffective exit play gifted a score to Park but in the final 10 minutes some excellent counter attacking runs from Harris, Moffat and Clark allowed the forwards the opportunity to put some power play together and Creighton controlled a text book maul to touch down and confirm a 35 - 10 scoreline.

So no change in the League points tally, but a week on week improvement in performance since the Vale experience and confirmation that this group of players are proud of their Wigton heritage and determined to take up the challenges one by one as the search for league wins goes on - 14 battles to go!

Fortunately, with no significant injuries to report it should be a competitive week on the training fields in preparation for the first visit to Wigton for a Bolton XV. The message from the players is a simple one - though there may have been a few issues with the transmission system recently the 'Green Machine' has a great engine and full tank of fuel, so don't back against us just yet, get down to Low Moor road and support your team!

Although it was clearly a close call, the Man of the Match award went to Ryan Clark ahead of Stuart Creighton and Jonny Charters who were also outstanding on the day. Ryan had a strong performance in the previous week and is on form as we head into the festive period of fixtures.

There were seven 'home grown' Under 20 players in Saturdays squad and fourteen Under 25 - the one certainty is this group will have a future together - let's get behind them and make sure it's in NW 1.