Wigan 2's clinch title with terrific Tarleton win

Our 2nd XV made the short journey over Parbold Hill to Carr Lane in Tarleton to play second in the league Tarleton 3rd XV. The promise of securing the league championship and maintaining the unbeaten run for the season rested on this game and the pressure of this hung heavy on the Wigan team through the opening exchanges.

Some uncharacteristic mistakes and indecision cost Wigan dearly as Tarleton soon racked up a substantial lead taking three penalty kicks and capitalizing on sloppy play to score two converted breakaway tries leaving Wigan trailing 23-0 at one stage. The Wigan lads rallied before half time with Johnson and Bullough managing to cross the Tarleton line for converted tries to give them some hope of a comeback in the second half.

There were clearly some stern words had at half time about the importance of the game and the Wigan team started the second half with renewed vigour but indiscipline at the breakdown cost Wigan again allowing Tarleton to secure two further penalty kicks extending their half time lead to 15 points, which at that stage of the match, seemed unassailable. At one point in the half Wigan were reduced to thirteen men with two men in the sin bin at the same time for high tackles, one of which was a much clearer the case than the first. This period of pressure seemed to galvanize the Wigan team and with the players coming on from the bench, the Wigan lads started to turn the pressure around and attacked Tarleton at every opportunity.

The events of the remaining minutes of the match will go down in club folklore as Wigan came from a 15 point deficit to secure a remarkable victory, that at half time and stages of the second half seemed far from achievable. A second try from Bullough followed closely by a try from Lucas gave the whole of the Wigan team renewed confidence that they could come back and win the game. A so it was to be as Beaney made a break and crossed the line to give Wigan the lead for the first time in the match, 31 points to 29. The result was still in the balance at this point and Tarleton had the opportunity from another penalty to retake the lead but the penalty kick fell short of the mark. Wigan cleared their lines and forced some real pressure on the Tarleton line. From a resulting scrum Kelly was able to read the Tarleton play and use his speed to intercept the ball close to the Tarleton line scoring the final try of the game which was converted by Beaney to secure the victory and the league for the Wigan team.

It’s fair to say that Tarleton gave the Wigan team a great game and they were made to fight to the last to earn the victory, but this game epitomized the spirit, the endeavour and the determination of this team throughout the season. To a man they have given their all to get to this position and thoroughly deserve to be the league winners.

With two games to go to the end of the league season, before going into the cup competition, the team are more determined than ever to finish on a high and remain undefeated throughout the season.

Congratulations and well done to everyone involved in the success of the team this season!

With thanks to Mike Robinson for the match report.