Heaton Moor 17 - 19 Wigan

Winless Wigan travelled to Stockport this weekend to face fellow strugglers, Heaton Moor. Having been promoted to the ADM Leisurewear Premier Division this season, Wigan were finding it tough at the top.

A tight first half commenced amidst blustery and damp conditions but it seemed south Manchester had been spared much of the deluge that had engulfed the north west over the weekend. It was Wigan who opened the scoring after 23 minutes, when Ethan Jukes slotted a penalty over from within the opposition 22 yard area. Jukes added another after a ‘Moor tackled was adjudged to be high.

It was now Wigan’s turn to fall foul of the law, a series of penalties gave the home side excellent field position from which to pick and drive over the try line to bring the score back to 5-6.

On the stroke of half time Wigan were awarded another penalty which Jukes converted to leave the scores at 5-9 at the break.

In the second half the momentum swung towards the home side as a mazy run down the left led to a try in the corner. With the conversion missed it was 10-9.

A nervous restart saw Wigan regather the ball and an excellent break from 17 year old Joss Parker, making his full debut at scrum half, was hauled down deep within ‘Moor territory. The pack managed to recycle the ball well, before Kilian Wallace took the ball over and gave Wigan the lead. Jukes added the conversion to put Wigan up 10-16.

With 15 minutes remaining the home side worked their way back into Wigan territory before their no.8 made a break on the edge of the Wigan 22 yard area. Having made the break he then stepped inside the fullback to go over the line. With the conversion added the score was 17-16.

Wigan fought back and spent the remaining minutes camped on the opposition try line. With just a minute remaining and the pressure mounting, Wigan were awarded a penalty and the chance to win the match. Jukes converted the penalty to give Wigan the win, 17-19.

Wigan’s next match is against Trafford MV at Douglas Valley, this Saturday 5th October with kick off scheduled for 3pm.