A dry but overcast day as Wigan welcomed Waterloo to the Valley in a third and final attempt to play their twice postponed round 3 Lancs Cup tie. Waterloo were really up for this in an attempt to avenge their semi-final defeat last season. Wigan, again missing a few including a late call from Sam C from full selection knowing that a performance like last week would not suffice.

A more or less full mini and junior schedule meant the club was full to capacity and beyond, but the later 1230 kick off allowed some them to dissipate before kick off.

Waterloo kicked off and a fascinating first 10 minutes ensued and most of them were spent between half way and the Wigan 25 as both teams showed great commitment in both attack and defence, but ultimately cancelling each out.

Much of the rest of the first half followed the same way, but was very entertaining. Each team had one great chance, Wigan seemlngly scoring with a bundled over try, adjudged knocked on over the try line and Waterloo seemingly heading for a try with an overlap, brought back for a forward pass adjudged by the ref who had a great game. Wigan were awarded a penalty which we opted to run, but that was defended well.

Plenty for the cloud to cheer then, but a pulsating half was drawn t a close with no scores on the board.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with Wigan now have a slight breeze behind them. Wigan awarded another penalty after 8 minutes, this time sensibly opting for the 3 point option in a low scoring match. Joss did the job and Wigan lead 3-0.

2 minutes later Billy showed skill with a kick over the upcoming Waterloo line and followed it up to touch down toward the right flank. Joss superbly added the 2 and Wigan now lead 10-0

Waterloo weren't down and responded with a kick chase of their own that was stopped just short but a Wigan knock on gave their scrum head and feed. The Wigan scrum I felt just had the edge on Waterloo today with some good pushes but they won this and the scrum half fed their centre who ran a great line to break through the defence and score under the post, and he duly converted to peg the score back to 10-7

This match now became very exciting, Waterloo fired up by that try and Wigan determined to push on. Wigan started to gain more territory and play a bit more in the opposition half. The forwards played well taking the game to Waterloo, the backs always looking dangerous but well covered by Waterloo. Patience finally rewarded though in the 20th minute when Isaac did well to get the ball down near the left touch line much to the delight of his team mates. Joss put the cherry on that one with another superb conversion. 17-7.

After 26 minutes Waterloo were awarded a penalty which they duly slotted over to take the score to 17-10 and leave a tense last few minutes (at least for those on the touchline) .

The game was made safe after 28 minutes with another try from Billy, who returned a Waterloo kick and rounded their back line to score in the right corner, this time it went unconverted despite a valiant attempt from Joss.

In the last minute Waterloo were awarded a penalty which they opted to kick, it rebounded off the upright and Sam P fielded it a hoofed it out of play knowing the final whistle was to follow much to the delight of his team.

Final score Wigan 22 - 10 Waterloo

One of the best fought matches I've ever seen this team play, all credit to Waterloo - rugby definitely the winner today

MOM - Billy

Squad
Billy, Isaac, Owen, Luc, Joss, James, Kieron R, Kieron F, Tim, Sam P, Ethan, Xander, Tom, Ben G, Max, Samson