Due to a combination of injury, illness and festive unavailability, coaches Martin Scott and Darren Fletcher were forced into several changes for the trip to chilly New Brighton. Critchley and Rigby came into the backline and veterans James Hunter, Chris Blan and assistant coach Lee Butler bolstered the forwards with young Rhys Clayton.
Wigan came hot out of the blocks with an early try for Rigby with an assist from Harvey Halley to take a 5 point lead. The influential Nathan Butler was forced to retire to be replace by Clayton and this was followed by a period of domination from the home side as they brought there much bigger forwards into the game and scored 4 converted tries with no reply to take a commanding 28-5 lead after 20 mins.
Things were indeed looking bleak for the travelling Wigan faithful at this juncture but, inspired by captain Harry Barker, Wigan rallied and ended the first half in the ascendancy with a try for the mercurial Logan Astley, converted by Wheatly. Half time 28-12.
Wigan were on the end of an early setback in the second stanza when New Brighton scored a try in the corner. With Hamish Rendall and Will Boarman carrying strongly Wigan enjoyed their best spell of the game, moving through the phases they worked an opening for prop/hooker/wingman Luke Sutcliffe to score an unconverted try. This was quickly followed by an interception from Mason Fillingham who raced fully 80m to score another, Wheatly added the extras. With only a 9 point advantage the home side looked rattled and speedy winger Morgan went close after a great run.
New Brighton were able to settle their nerves with a converted try but Wigan refused to give uo up and Rigby danced down the touchline to make the score his second of the afternoon. 40-31 with 10 mins remaining.
Wigan pressed hard for more but reduced to 14 for the third time in the game following a yellow card for Barker they finally succumbed to a final try in the closing moments to make the final score 47-31.
Wigan now have a much needed break to recharge their batteries and get some more players fit for the second half of the season as they resume the league campaign and fight for silverware in 2 cup competitions.
Merry Christmas to one and all, roll on 2026!