Wigan travelled over the hill to Aspull in their own version of a Rivals Round in ADM league division one. The home side narrowly avoided relegation last season, with victory on the final day. Whilst the visitors celebrated back to back promotions and were newcomers to this level.
Conditions were perfect for running rugby and Aspull were the first to capitalise with a break from 30 yards which was finished by the strong running outside centre. The conversion was added to take Aspull into a 7-0 lead with just 2 minutes on the clock. What looked like a baptism of fire, failed to materialise and Wigan soon found their footing in the game.
With less then 10 minutes gone, Wigan worked into the Aspull 22 before shipping the ball out to rangy second row, Adam Pierce who forced the ball over. Joss Parker added the conversion to level the game.
Aspull found themselves under consistent pressure now and just 5 minutes had passed when an attempted clearance was played high and deep into the Wigan backline. Nathan Butler fielded the ball at fullback and set on his way, making good ground before chipping through for Logan Astley to collect and score under the posts. Parker added the conversion.
Wigan set about pressing home their dominance with a scrum on the Aspull 5 metre line. The ball was taken up by number eight, George Lowe who managed to offload the ball to Will Morgan who finished in the corner for a 7-19 lead after 25 minutes.
Aspull did their damnedest to get back into the game and managed to keep hold of the ball long enough to work into the Wigan 22. However, Ollie Morgan was having none of it, and the wily scrum half ripped the ball and set Wigan on the counter attack. With the ball immediately sprayed out left, Wigan wing, Jack Proffitt took the ball all the way from his own 22 to finish under the sticks. Parker added the conversion for a 7-26 score.
On the stroke of half time, Wigan were awarded a penalty which Parker slotted over for a 7-29 lead at the half.
Aspull regrouped at half time and started to work their way back into the game. Under pressure, the Wigan side’s discipline started to slip and they suddenly found themselves with 2 in the sin bin. Against 13 men, Aspull started to dominate the possession and territory and managed to trundle one over for a score on the 17th minute of the second half.
Aspull pressed home the numerical advantage and used the overlap well to add another score just minutes later. With the try converted the scores were getting closer at 19-29.
With 10 minutes to go, and with Wigan back up to full strength, the visitors set about widening the margin once again. A Wigan penalty was kicked into the corner for an attacking lineout which was taken in close before Kilian Wallace forced himself over for the score that broke Aspull hearts.
Wigan put Aspull to the sword once more before fulltime, Logan Astley making a break into the Aspull 22 and putting an inch perfect flat pass into the arms of Will Morgan who scored his second try of the game for a 19 – 39 lead.

Aspull managed a consolation score with the last play of the game which was converted to finish the game 26-39.

Wigan welcome Tarleton to Douglas Valley this Saturday 13th September with kick off scheduled for 3pm.