Wigan travelled to Thornton Cleveleys this weekend to continue their bid to win the ADM First division. The game started in appalling conditions, described by some as the worst for a generation. Icy rain driven by gale force winds on the Fylde coast, reduced both teams to shivering wrecks. With the wind chill taking temperatures down to -9, it was testament to their fortitude that the game took place at all.

Wigan had the best of the early pressure only to be denied on multiple occasions by the strong ‘TC’ defensive line. So it came as no surprise that when Wigan were awarded a penalty close in, they opted to take the 3 points on offer through the boot of Sam Gee.

With conditions worsening, players began to suffer and some were forced off. With many unable to speak, their teeth chattering and lips turning blue there was genuine concern for player safety and thoughts turned to a potential abandonment.

However, Wigan dug deep and from deep inside their own half, Sione Afu picked up the ball from the back of the scrum and went on a devastating break up the field. As the tackle came in he was able to offload to Adam Dwyer who continued the run deep into opposition territory before finally being hauled down 20 yards from the line. Kilian Wallace was in support and Dwyer’s pass off the floor went straight to hand and gave Wallace a free run to the line. Sam Gee added the conversion to give Wigan a 0-10 lead.

Thornton Cleveleys showed determination of their own and a combination of spirit and sheer bloody mindedness saw them work their way into great attacking position. From a 5 metre scrum the ball was sent out wide and some great handling saw the ball taken over the line for their opening score. 5-10.

Wigan struck back almost immediately. With the opposition in possession a loose pass was intercepted by Aseri Biutanaseva who was able to run it in for another Wigan try. Sam Gee added the conversion to give Wigan a 5-17 lead at half time.

With conditions so poor, the referee asked both Captains if they would prefer to perform a quick turnaround and so the teams switched ends and the game restarted without a break.

Wigan now found themselves playing against the wind and in a situation where players were playing out of position due to the extreme cold having forced other players off. Both sides were suffering and the game descended into a forward battle as players found they no longer had the ability to pass the ball.

Thornton Cleveleys took some advantage in the wind and consistently kicked Wigan back into their own territory and it was from this position that they would add their next scores. An attacking lineout was driven over and gave the home side some hope that they would be able to overcome the visiting league leaders. 10-17

Wigan fought back and battled valiantly upfield one drive at time only to be knocked back by some excellent place kicking from the ‘TC’ stand off. Deep in their own territory Wigan conceded a penalty and Thornton Cleveleys took the opportunity to kick the points to bring them within one score of the lead. 13-17

But it was not to be for the home side. Wigan dug in and found new resolve, keeping the ball for long spells and driving once more up the field. There was no sweeter sound as the referee blew for full time and both teams bolted to the warmth of dressing rooms and the promise of a hot shower.

Head coach, Martin Scott said, “From what I’ve seen and heard today it was clear that the Wigan fighting spirit and brotherhood was what made the difference. To dog it out like that and the belief that was shown in each other was awesome and they should be proud that they found depths of resolve that maybe they didn’t know they had.”

Wigan retain first place in the ADM first division with other league rivals having had their own games called off they’re now 5 points clear. Wigan’s next game will be the Ronnie Dutch memorial game against Wigan St Patricks Rugby League this Saturday at 1pm at Douglas Valley