Although well beaten 65-0 in their Papa John’s game at West Leeds the experience will have been invaluable to a young Wigton side.
Despite the scoreline in this quarter final tie the Greens could take plenty of positives from not just the game but their progress over the season.
The gulf in class and experience was evident in the first five minutes with Wigton going through the phases, but lacking the size to punch big enough holes in a well organised home defence.
After working their way up to West Leeds 20 metre line the Greens were penalised for a ruck offence. The home side kicked for touch and got field position from which they scored their first try.
This pattern was repeated throughout the game with Wigton retaining possession well between the two 20 metre lines but a mistake or strong defence would allow West Leeds the ball and they were ruthless in attacking and taking their chances.
It was 29-0 at half time but Wigton lost their captain and most experienced player Richard Moffat with a shoulder injury which didn’t help the cause.
The second half was a real challenge as West Leeds had most of the possession and the young Greens had to defend for long periods, breaking out into attack and working their way up field only to lose possession just as they seemed to have the home defence stretched.
The final score reflected the stage of development each team is at. West Leeds have a squad who, in the last eight years have reached three National Cup finals at Twickenham.
Of the 18 who represented Wigton, nine of them are in their first season of senior rugby but they received plenty of plaudits for their attitude and commitment from West Leeds who were excellent hosts.
Wigton coach David Warwick said: “West Leeds are targeting this Cup as the last hurrah for the current squad. They have had long term injuries to key members of the team but they are now back fit, so that probably explains their final League position of eighth which will be a false reflection of their ability.
“It will be interesting to see how they go at Aldwinians in the semi-final.”
