Wigan 99 - 7 Dukinfield

Wigan welcomed Dukinfield to Douglas Valley for the latest clash of the ADM Leisurewear Lancs & Cheshire 3 division. Wigan came into the game in fine form, having only lost against top of the table Thornton Cleveleys, whilst Dukinfield had experienced more mixed fortunes in mid table.

Conditions were not exactly conducive to open running rugby as the rain lashed down and players and spectators alike hunkered down under the typical bonfire night downpour.

However, vice-Captain Harry Barker decided it was time to light the blue touch paper, after just three minutes, with an explosive break through the middle. Barker stood up and isolated the full back who could do nothing to cover Joss Parker who took on the ball in support and touched down under the sticks. Chris Carr added the conversion.

Not to be out done by his understudy, Captain Sam Gee made his own play with a long pass out the left wing which stretched the defence. Debutant, Nathan Blamire collected the pass and looked set to go over in the corner before the scrambling Dukinfield defence managed to close him down. With the line begging, Blamire selflessly offloaded the ball with a deft back of the hand pass to Nathan Butler who went over untouched for the second score of the game. Chris Carr converted.

The bonfire was well and truly lit under the home side and it was Craig Meadwell’s turn to be the ‘Guy’ to make the break. Collecting the ball from the kick-off, the big prop forward found himself in unfamiliar surroundings and acres of space ahead of him. Meadwell took the ball into the heart of Dukinfield territory before the ball was played out to the left wing for Chris Carr to finish in the corner.

Just moments later, Wigan were once again on the attack. Sam Gee making another break but this time turning the fullback inside out before going over for his own score, which he duly converted.

With only 17 minutes of the first half elapsed, Wigan already had the bonus point win in the bag and despite the best endeavours of the visiting side, the game became a procession as the home side ran up a remarkable 99 points to 7 victory.

Further tries from Will Morgan (3), Nathan Blamire (2), Chris Carr (2), Nathan Butler, Ollie Morgan, Joss Parker and Tom Hill. Further conversions from Will Morgan (8) and Nathan Blamire.