Carlisle produced a determined second half performance to see off a lively challenge from Wigton at Lowmoor Road.
The Counties 1 Cumbria leaders were being held 12-12 at the break but produced a determined second-half display to win 44-19.
Carlisle had started the derby clash on the front foot with some physical, direct running from their forwards.
They punched holes at will to gain good field position in the Wigton 22.
Following a series of scrums where clearly the city side had the upper hand and on six minutes scrum half Vince Lung found a gap and got over for the first try which he converted.
Carlisle again showed excellent possession retention and an ability to move the ball wide when required. Space was ultimately created for full-back Lewis Tingey to show his undoubted pace to score a second try which was unconverted.
For the next half an hour the game ebbed and flowed with Wigton able to secure more possession, and with it field position, as well as a tightened defence.
Following some good phases of play they spread the ball wide and full-back Rocco Okesene scored in the corner but was unable to convert.
From the restart Wigton retained the ball and following a series of penalties Carlisle lot Dan Holmes to the bin.
This allowed Wigton more space and their lively backs exploited this. Following a fine break by Ollie Lewis, Robbie Pattinson was on hand to score a try which which was converted by Elliot Armstrong to tie the score.
Wigton then created one more chance before half-time but James Paisley was denied a try by some scrambling defence.
On the resumption Wigton took the lead with a try by Lewis, converted by Armstrong and at 19-12 down the League leaders had to stir themselves.
It was as good as it got for Wigton and when Carlisle brought on Guy Graham – on his break from summer rugby league with Whitehaven – it made a big difference.
His physicality provided Carlisle with some go forward again as he punched holes and dtragged0in defenders, as well as shoring-up the Carlisle defence with some well-timed tackles and turnovers.
The bigger Carlisle forwards started to take control and they dominated the rest of the game.
Possession was retained more effectively and after a long phase of play Wigton just ran out of defenders allowing Henry Longworth to go over for the try.
From the restart Carlisle repeated the effort, working there way into the home 22 again and this time it was Tom Graham who went over for the bonus point score and re-established the lead.
At the scrums the visitors were now completely dominant and a bit of frustration saw Wigton’s scrum-half Fergus Ledingham yellow carded for interference and with Carlisle playing some open attractive rugby now, further tries were added by Guy Graham and Rory Parish and with 20 minutes to go they had opened up a 15 point gap.
Wigton were now visibly tiring, but commendably their heads never dropped. They fought back tenaciously and had some pressure in the Carlisle 22.
This time however the visitors defence was aggressive and effective and just when Wigton looked as if they would score a fourth try a magnificent turnover on the line saw Carlisle clear the danger and the game was effectively won.
Two further scores by Carlisle, the first from Alfie Batty on 72 minutes and then a second from Tom Graham on 77 minutes added a bit of gloss to the scoreline for Carlisle but was perhaps harsh on Wigton.
