Wigan welcomed Garstang to Douglas Valley on Saturday to play the last 16 of the Papa John’s national cup competition. Having beaten the visitors home and away this season, hopes were high of progressing one step closer to the Twickenham final.

A great start from the home side saw Will Boardman break down the Wigan right flank. A classy interchange with Chris Carr in support saw the ball taken into the opposition half before Carr set Jack Proffitt off on a 40-yard dash for the opening score.

Garstang were undeterred and grabbed a score back themselves with a break, through the middle, brought down just short of the line. With the defence scrambling to reorganise, Garstang went in on the blindside and added the conversion to take a 5-7 lead.

The game was fast, flowing and end to end, but neither side could claim dominance. Wigan landed the next blow when Chris Carr made a characteristic barn storming break down the right wing before finding, hooker, Tom Hill in support to take the ball over. Joss Parker added the conversion for a 12-7 lead.

Wigan went up through the gears now and it was Carr who was the driving force. Another break saw defenders scattered all around before Carr fixed the fullback and put Jack Dugdale over under the sticks. Parker converted for a 19-7 lead after just 23 minutes of breathless rugby.

Despite the gap in the scoreline, Garstang were full of heart and were showing great running of their own. A move down the left wing saw the away side go in in the corner with just 4 minutes of the half remaining. A Wigan infringement at the restart saw Garstang awarded a penalty which they used to gain great territory and a lineout just yards from the Wigan line. Garstang won the lineout before setting up a maul and driving over the line to bring the half time score to 19-17.

Garstang had the momentum now and used it to great effect after the restart. A Wigan clearance kick found touch and Garstang seized the opportunity to catch the Wigan defence napping. A quick throw in was taken and the ball was played through hands to the opposite wing for the score and a 19-24 lead.

The topsy turvy nature of the game continued as it was Wigan’s turn now to hit back. Ollie Morgan cut his way through the defence with quick feet before setting the back line on its way. Great use of hands saw the ball through to Jack Proffitt on the wing who sprinted over to level the scores.

Wigan now looked to steady the ship and kept the ball tight. Some good possession and excellent work from the forwards took Wigan within striking distance. Danny Chadwick took the ball on, and the prop dived over from 5 yards to score.

Any Wigan nerves had seemed to evaporate in the balmy spring sunshine as Wigan took another commanding lead. Wayne Bullough crashed over after a break by Carr had been played via Dugdale into the waiting arms of the Wigan back row. Parker added the conversion for a 36-24 lead with just 9 minutes remaining.

Cool heads were the order of the day now for the home side. Just needing to see the game out, a stray clearance went straight to the Garstang back three and they tore through the chasing defenders for a score which took them to within 5 points. Garstang smelt blood and when awarded a penalty in the middle of the park, they took a quick tap and forced the ball over. A kick to win the game fell short and the game was paused at 36-36 whilst the sides geared up for extra time.

Wigan hearts sank further when Garstang continued their good form just moments into extra time, with a break down the right which Wigan couldn’t rebuff. On the brink of half time in extra time, Wigan fought back. Chris Carr was again the catalyst as he took a quick tap penalty which brought the ball close. Wayne Bullough took the ball on and forced his way over. Parker added the conversion to bring the scores level once again at 43-43.

Half time in extra time saw the sides contemplating a rarely seen penalty shootout in a game which neither side deserved to lose. However, the home side rallied with a well worked score. Chris Carr once again making the break and Dugdale in support. Ollie Morgan finished the move to go over under the sticks but there was a heart in the mouth moment as the conversion kick was charged down leaving the score poised at 48-43.

With just seconds remaining and nerves shredded, Adam Pierce looked to settle the game once and for all. A crushing break saw the defensive line scattered every which way, whilst medical tape flew from ever sinew. The big second row found support from Tom Hill who crashed over in the corner, to the jubilation of the home faithful. Joss Parker composed himself with a neatly slotted kick from the touchline and gave Wigan a 55-43 victory.

Wigan will now play Northallerton away, this Saturday 27th April in the quarter finals of the competition.