Wigton begin their Cumbria 1 League campaign away to Creighton, a task they won’t be taking lightly.
Head coach David Warwick said: “Creighton continue to improve season-on-season with a thriving youth set-up and are developing well.
“We have retained the majority of the young squad from last year, although there is a notable absentee in experienced skipper Richard Moffatt who has retired.
“He will be a big miss as he’s been a consistent performer for the last 16 years.
“However, competition for a place in the match day squad is strong and expectations are high for the development of a young team. Pre-season has gone as good as any in the past few seasons.
“The signing of Tom Maughan, a powerful back five forward whose had experience with Preston Grasshoppers and ex-Wigton youth player Jonathan Dodd deciding to return from Tynedale have bolstered options in the forwards and added real dynamism and competition to the pack.
“In the backs the return of Oliver Lewis, who missed the majority of last season is a big bonus while Cory Bouch, a versatile player with a good skill-set has decided to return after six years away.
“We also have Josh Nichol and Josh Leeson back after long injury lay-offs.”
Warwick is optimistic about the season ahead as the team has an average age of 24 and is supported by a host of local businesses who continue to provide sponsorship and support the club. There’s a positive feel around the club.
Selection will be confirmed on Thursday night at training while Wigton are also fielding an Under-18’s team in the Durham/Northumberland League. The club is also looking for fixtures for a senior reserve team.
There’s a full programme of matches in Cumbria 1 will probably the stand-out game at Warwick Road where newly relegated Carlisle start their campaign to bounce right back against Penrith Seconds.
The other games are: Egremont v Windermere; Millom v Hawcoat Park; St Benedict’s v Keswick Seconds; Workington v Silloth.
