A difficult day at the office for Wigan Colts

Facing a higher ranked team was always going to be the biggest challenge of the season so far, but taking them on with 14 players against a team with a full replacements bench (which had a somewhat unsavoury impact late in the game) was to prove to be too steep a mountain for the gallant Wigan troops to climb.

The first half was dominated by Southport’s pack, starving their own backline of any chance to show anything in their lockers, who ground out 4 close range tries (much to the delight of their supporters).

Wigan bravely chased the game, counter attacking with ball in hand at every opportunity (It's in the DNA), but to no avail. This coupled with a heavy penalty count against them, Wigan ended the half with nothing to show on the scoreboard despite their efforts.

Half time Wigan SC 0 – 21 Southport

Wigan started the second period brightly and were rewarded with a converted try when Conor Law intercepted inside the Southport half to cross by the posts : 7 - 21

More visiting forward pressure coupled with penalties conceded, resulted in another pick up and drive and score in the corner : 7 – 27

Despite losing George Guest to a shoulder injury (reducing the Wigan team to just 13 players), Wigan were soon over the line again when a strong run from the impressive Harry Moxham, playing in the unfamiliar outside half position, scored under the posts : 14 – 27

Two further Southport tries (one, a rarity, from their own half through their back division, the other a more predictable rolling maul) either side of a mystifying Wigan yellow card (reducing the team to 12 players), put the game beyond doubt. The Wigan fightback wasn’t helped by alleged ill-discipline resulting in a Southport penalty restart which was gratuitously celebrated by players and spectators alike : 14 – 41

A further harsh sinbinning for Wigan (leaving them with just 11 players) pre-empted chaotic scenes on the Southport touchline, resulting in a single red card for a Wigan player and no sanction whatsoever for the 22 players plus others from the opposition ranks involved in the melee.

Despite mow being reduced to 10 men, and facing yet another penalty, Wigan managed to claim the final score with a rare but well deserved converted try from Jack Holt.

It was a valiant effort from all the Wigan players to keep going in the increasing difficult circumstances faced.
Final Score : Wigan Senior Colts 21 - 41

Match Report by Dave Porter