Burnley 19 - 22 Wigan

Wigan travelled to Burnley to conclude a successful league campaign which had already resulted in a second-place finish and promotion to ADM league 2.

With little to play for and the prospect of a tantalising national cup tie against Bakewell in a week’s time, there was potential for the final game to be a damp squib, but it proved to be an exciting affair played in warm but blustery conditions courtesy of storm Katheleen.

Burnley started the brighter and Wigan struggled to get out of their own 22. Burnley took advantage of the territory and created space down the wigan flank to open the scoring with a converted try.

Despite having the wind at their backs, the Douglas Valley men continued to struggle to put together any meaningful attacks until the 34th minute. A break by Chris Carr was taken deep into the Burnley 22 before the ball was recycled and taken close by Wayne Bullough. Jack Dugdale quickly moved the ball from the base of the ruck to Sam Gee who offloaded to Danny Chadwick who carried his man over to score the opening try for the visitors. Joss Parker added the conversion to level the game at 7 apiece.

Burnley were rocked by the score and Wigan seized on an opportunity to put their opponents to the sword. Another Chris Carr break created space behind the defensive line, and he found Jack Proffitt on hand to finish from 30 yards and to take a 7-12 lead into the half time break.

Wigan were in the ascendancy and continued to press the momentum after the restart. A scrum on halfway led to a break by Nathan Butler down the left wing before he managed to draw in the fullback and put Will Boardman over for Wigan’s third try of the day.

It was Butler again on the 60-minute mark who made the decisive play. A break of all of 70 yards with Butler starting out left and working his way infield, saw the defensive line scattered and in disarray before Butler found support again in Will Boardman. Boardman took the ball on and ‘fixed’ the fullback before playing the ball out to Jack Proffitt for his second try of the day, to take the scores to 7-22.

With just 20 minutes remaining it seemed that Wigan were coasting to a final day victory, but Burnley showed great heart and fought back almost immediately to force themselves over in the right corner to bring the scores within 10 points at 12-22.

Burnley continued the attack and with just over 10 minutes remaining they score again, a break down the right wing was scored right in the corner and the conversion made it 19-22.

A nervy final few moments ensued but Wigan held on for the victory and can be pleased with both the result and a successful season overall.

Wigan’s next game is Saturday 13th April in the RFU National cup, where they will travel to Bakewell Mannerians.