Wigan 17 - 7 Burnley

Wigan welcomed Burnley to Douglas Valley this weekend for the opening game of the league season. Both sides will be confident of a good showing in the ADM Lancashire & Cheshire League 3 competition, so it was an excellent opportunity to gauge just how the sides had shaped up after an extended pre-season campaign.

Wigan made an immediate impact through the enterprising play of half back, Ollie Morgan. A scrappy line-out on halfway was collected by Morgan, who weaved his way through the onrushing defenders towards the opposition 22. Jack Proffitt ran in support down the left wing and Morgan drew his man before playing the ball out wide. Proffitt took the ball on before stepping inside two defenders to go over for the opening score.

But it was to be no walk over. Burnley provided a much stiffer defence throughout the first half, which saw the home side camped in Burnley territory for long periods. It was on the stroke of half time that Wigan managed to strike once more. Sam Gee making the initial break and taking the ball towards the Burnley 22 before finding Chris Carr who ran a fine angle which took him beyond the defensive line almost untouched and left defenders sprawling in his wake to score under the sticks. Gee added the conversion to give Wigan a 12-0 lead at the break.

As the second half commenced, Wigan continued to pile on the pressure and Burnley, to their credit, were able to soak it up. It took some great improvisation from Chris Carr to break the line, whose deft grubber kick was chased down by winger Nathan Butler who dived on the bouncing ball to touch down for the score and give Wigan a 17-0 lead and within one try of a bonus point.

Burnley were not finished yet. Working their way into Wigan territory with some great ball retention a series of ‘missile’ balls saw the Burnley pack force their way over the line for a score which, with 20 minutes remaining, gave them hope of a revival.

But it was not to be, the game played out in similar fashion, with both sides well matched and opportunities squandered. Wigan, although satisfied with the win, will rue the missed opportunity of a bonus point as the game finished 17-7.

Wigan’s next game is this Saturday 23rd September as they welcome Ormskirk to Douglas Valley with kick off scheduled for 3pm.