Good Experience for Wigton's Youthful Team

A youthful looking Wigton squad traveled to play league leaders Birkenhead Park on Saturday with 9 changes from the team narrowly beaten by Carlisle the previous weekend.

Wigton were immediately on the back foot after the kick off failed to reach the 10 metre line. Birkenhead Park took full advantage from the scrum retaining the ball through several phases of play and after only 4 minutes on the clock, a try and conversion gave Birkenhead a 7-0 lead. Prop Lindsay Walker suffered a leg injury and was unable to continue with Charlie Bunn coming on as replacement prop. Wigton were now under constant pressure and after pulling down the scrum in the red zone, the referee awarded Birkenhead a penalty try, duly converted and Birkenhead led 14-0. Further pressure and from a 5 metre line out the powerful Birkenhead pack drove over the line to lead 21-0.

Wigton finally started to gain some possession and a strong run by Richard Moffatt almost brought a try but the final pass went astray and the chance had gone. Wigton continued to compete well in all areas and were awarded a series of penalties for infringements but were unable to penetrate the Birkenhead defence, who responded with a bonus point try and conversion on 34 minutes to extend their lead to 28-0. Just before the break, Josh Nicholson broke the line and looked certain to score and put Wigton first points on the scoreboard until the referee brought play back for a forward pass and the half time whistle blew with a healthy 28-0 lead for the hosts.

Wigton started the second half having much more of the ball in hand but were unable to turn good possession into points and on a couple of occasions the ball was lost in sight of the line. Birkenhead stemmed the tide and a break through the heart of the defence gave Birkenhead a 5th try and conversion in front of the posts and the score was 35-0. Wigton were still playing positively and Gregg Smith almost crossed the line but the ball was lost in the tackle. Charlie Bunn, who was coping well at tight head, took a blow to the shoulder and had to be replaced.

On 67 minutes Birkenhead Park lost possession in the Wigton half, Gregg Smith collected the ball and ran 60 metres unchallenged to give Wigton a well-deserved 5 points. Birkenhead Park responded with 2 further tries before the end and came out worthy winners 49-5. Birkenhead Park are a strong, powerful unit and demonstrated why they are top of North 1 West with seven converted tries and a convincing win.

Praise must be given to the young Wigton squad, nine of whom were Under 21. The lads never gave up the fight and were a credit to the club - their respective 'Junior Coaches' at the NTS and the club can reflect on a job well done. Marrs and Moffat were at the heart of proceedings 'fore and aft' but the travelling supporters awarded the port to the '18' for a tremendous squad effort. Birkenhead Park officials picked out number 8 Josh Nicholson for a traditional down in one.