Tough Test for the Lads

Aldwinians were welcomed to the Valley hungry for revenge after their defeat in the Lancashire Cup. A friendly match with a lot to play for meant both sides took the fixture seriously. Unfortunately half term meant the Wigan were up against it from the start only being able to field 14 players.

After a fairly even start Wigan made a bit of progress halted by a high tackle on Sam C. A quickly taken penalty and swift hand looked to be sending Samson in on the right but for an excellent covering tackle by Winnies full back. Another break followed soon after to the opposite wing but the break ran up short of the line.
A tight period of play ensued with both side entertaining the crowd. Wigan’s forwards, Tim, Sam, Ethan, Toby, Xander, Ben and Max had a good battle against the opposition and the back line were flat in attack and didn’t have their usual penetration but all tackled well.
Aldwinians did show their finishing power with a couple of tries within the space of 4 minutes. Both tries came from good team play and good support up the right. The first good interplay within the forwards and the second a good passing move finding the defence short. Both tries were far enough to the side to make the conversion attempt too difficult and Winnies lead 10-0
More good play was to follow as Wigan were a bit under the cosh for 8 – 10 minutes but a great period of forward phases and recycling was followed up with a determined run from Ethan who barged over the line to score. Billy kicked in Joss’ absence and coolly slotted the conversion to take Wigan to half time only losing 10-7.

The second half continued to entertain like the first. After a tight start Aldwinians scored first after a good break up the left and showed some good football skills as they dribble the ball over the line and fell on it. Again the kick was too far from the posts and wet unconverted.
At 15-7 down Wigan didn’t panic and it came down to good team play to drive up the pitch and Ethan with another fine drive to score again. Billy calmly got the extras to get within a point at 15-14.
The match was tense and exciting at the crowd became increasingly vocal. Wigan’s next try was a well worked move from the base of the solid scrum, Sam C playing a scrum half made a good break to the right, broke through the first line of defence with a step and committed the next defender enough to finally release Billy who rounded the full back and got close enough to the posts to safely get the extras. 21-15
Wigan now had a short period of pressure, the backs, Sam C, Billy, Joe, Samson, Tap, Kieron and Kieran asking questions of Winnies defence and being strong in defence.
The icing on the cake was a well worked try following a couple of phases of good forward play Tap was released on the blind side and with some work to do rounded the defence for a great try. Billy converted arguably his most difficult conversion of the day to maintain his 100% record and extend the lead to 28-15. Great to have more than one good kicker in the team.
The last minute of the game saw a great break from Captain Ben who would’ve completed the next half of the pitch to the try line if not for the great tackle by the worm who just raised his head at the wrong time.
Final whistle and great relief for the home team who had been thoroughly tested by a good team.

Final Score Wigan 28 - 15

Another good display from the Wigan boys after a slow start, they showed great character to keep going and really graft for the win. Winnies played very well and gave us a great match thank you.

Keep up the hard work and continue to improve.

Team – Tim, Sam P, Ethan (MOM), Xander, Toby, Ben(c), Max, Sam C, Kieron, Joe, Samson, Billy, Tap, Kieran