Aspatria and Wigton have turned the clock back to the halcyon days of thundering derby clashes between the two old rivals.
This one was in the more modest surroundings of Counties 1 Cumbria, and involved the Eagles – Aspatria’s second team – but the desire for victory was no less important.
In the end Wigton comfortably took the bragging rights from a 61-15 victory, to move fifth in the table and a point behind Aspatria.
Conditions at Bower Park favoured running rugby and with the young Wigton side continuing to show improvement in decision making and handling they enjoyed themselves for long periods.
The Greens competed well in the set pieces despite conceding significant size, with special mention for how number eight Josh Nicholson led the pack after a six-week injury lay-off.
From the kick-off Wigton moved the ball wide and soon raced into a 14-0 lead with tries from Robbie Pattinson and Johnny Dodd, both converted by Elliot Armstrong.
When Aspatria got some possession and field position they scored a well-worked try through winger David Wilson.
Wigton scored further tries through Ollie Lewis, Joe Marrs and Dodd with Armstrong converting two to leave them 33-5 ahead at half-time.
Aspatria brought-on experienced players Lee Tinnion and Gary Hodgson who inspired a strong start to the second-half and Andrew Miller got over to score their second try.
Wigton seized back control of the game and winger Pattinson scored his second try, converted by Armstrong.
Then, rewarded for his hard work, Armstrong went in for two tries which he converted himself.
Former Wigton player Stuart Creighton went over for Aspatria’s third try before Dodd finished-off the scoring with his hat-trick try which Josh Leeson converted.
Aspatria’s Stuart Creighton, who played over ten years for Wigton, and Jonny Dodd for Wigton earned the supporters MOM votes but stand-off Billy Stafford continues to improve every game for Wigton as well as 17-year-old Bruno Studholme who again came off the bench and impressed in the forwards.
Another positive for the Wigton club was their second team travelled to Cockermouth and just lost to a drop goal – 35-35 – from the last play of the game.
Matthew Harrison was given MOM for the young Greens.
On the Sunday Wigton Under-14s and under-16s were involved in County Cup action against Workington and Furness respectively, and both sides gained victories.
The Under-14s won 17-7 and the Under-16s were successful 33-21. It means the Under-16s progress to their third final in consecutive seasons and will seek to finish their age grade rugby journey on a high.
