A near full strength Wigan side, missing the unfortunate Christian Fleetwood – injured in the semi-final, took to the field to take on a big Sedgley Park outfit in what was to turn out to be a superb exhibition of attacking rugby, built on the cornerstone of hard work, determination and discipline throughout.

Early pressure from the kick off saw Park take an early lead with a penalty. With their tails up Park were again on the attack when a timely interception from Danny Goulbourne saw the winger sprint 60 yards upfield only to be hauled down a few metres from the line.

Wigan came more into the game and when a flowing backline move was finished off by Goulbourne who converted his own try it gave Wigan the lead for the first time, 7 – 3.
From the restart Wigan comfortably won a scrum on the half way line and Jacob Dugdale picked up at the base, broke away and outpaced the defensive cover to cross under the posts, Goulbourne adding the extras. Wigan 14 – 3 Sedgley Park.

Sedgley replied almost immediately. Gathering from the restart and asserting forward pressure, they forced their way over for a converted try to cut the deficit to 4 points. More pressure on the Wigan defence followed and from a scrum close to the Wigan line Sedgley’s pack kept the ball under tight control and despite tenacious defence from Wigan the sheer weight of numbers resulted in another close range score.

Approaching half time 15 – 14 down Wigan continued to play flowing, attacking rugby and another superb move saw Goldbourne cross for his second try of the game to go into the break 19 – 15 in front.

Taking full advantage of a strong replacements bench, Wigan freshened things up at half time and turned around with clear instructions to continue to play with the same discipline and flair and the game could be won.

The second half was a tense affair with both sides striving to take control. Wigan’s defence and commitment at the breakdown was as good as it had been all season and they continued to repel everything Sedgley could throw at them.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes the pressure on Sedgley resulted in a penalty for Wigan. Captain Harry Barker took charge and called on the trusted boot of Goulbourne to stretch the lead to 22 – 15.

Park, now chasing a converted score to tie the scores, threw all they had at Wigan who defended everything as a team. As the clock approached the last 5 minutes a magnificent break from inside their own half saw Connor Aspey touch down to send the Wigan team, coaches and vociferous travelling support into raptures.

With the Sedgley side out on their feet and facing a heart-breaking defeat, another devastating attack from the buoyant Wigan backline following a break up the middle of the field by Matthew Duckworth saw Man of the Match Aspey cross for his second try in as many minutes to leave the final score Wigan 32 – 15 Sedgley Park.

Whilst the clinical and at times breath-taking attacking rugby was the ultimate difference in the teams, the work and discipline of the Wigan forwards – including Ethan Hulme & Owen Crook stepping up from U15 - deserves equal acclaim. A solid scrum, well executed line out and tremendous defence laid the foundations for the back line to showcase their abundant talent and pace.

That’s how you play Rugby !!