Carlisle’s hopes of going through the Counties 1 Cumbria season unbeaten ended at Warwick Road when they lost 40-38 to Wigton.
Three weeks ago Wigton had given Carlisle a scare before the city side had established authority through their dominant pack to record the win.
But this time they did more than cause a scare they record the victory which was thoroughly deserved.
From the off Wigton ran the ball back at Carlisle, a brave tactic they would employ throughout the game to great effect. After receiving the kick-off and going through several phases they conceded a penalty at the breakdown.
This handed Carlisle field position and on five minutes, from a scrum on half way the ball was moved to centre-field where both Jason Israel and Josh Holmes made good carries.
Then a break by Lewis Tingey saw space created for Rhys Callaghan to go over for the first try which was converted by Israel.
But Wigton hit back almost immediately. Billy Stafford made a half-break and off-loaded to the supporting Stephen Harris who scored and Josh Leeson added the extras.
Back came Carlisle with a second try to set the tone for the afternoon.
A Wigton clearance kick saw Tingey and Robbie James combine to return it with interest, and following some quick recycling Carlisle exploited the resulting overlap and lock Alfie Batty was on hand to take an inside ball for their second try.
Wigton’s set piece held-up well throughout the game despite conceding significant size in most positions.
This allowed them to move the ball around and test the Carlisle defence all over the pitch.
What followed was Wigton’s best period of play in over three years as Robbie Pattinson scored a try from a cross-field kick by Stafford. He was followed over by Ollie Lewis and John Nicholson with both converted for a 26-12 lead.
Then followed a terrible spell of five minutes when Wigton lost Dave Miller, Ryan Armstrong and Leeson to serious looking knee injuries.
Momentum was lost but Wigton did score again through Jonny Dodd, converted by Stafford.
Carlisle needed something and just before half time they got it. Harrison Reay broke through the midfield, overlap created and Robbie James was in for the try. This was unconverted and at half time the score of 17-33 meant the home side were still in the game.
Upon the re-start Wigton went through the phases and powerful centre Lewis, who had an excellent game, surged over under the posts and Stafford converted.
Another injury to experienced scrum-half Fergus Ledingham prompted another re-shuffle and the last 35 minutes proved a game of resolute and disciplined defence by the Greens against wave after wave of Carlisle attacks.
Breaking into the Wigton 22 Carlisle created some sustained pressure which on 47 minutes saw Guy Graham crash over from short range.
Carlisle were beginning to dominate now and some determined drives saw them back into the Wigton 22 and applying sustained pressure.
Wigton defended stoutly but were unable to prevent a fifth Carlisle score, another close range Graham effort, and suddenly there were only nine points in the game and 15 minutes remaining.
Wigton dug deep. An excellent restart saw them regain possession and they retained it for a further five minutes. They could have scored again but desperate Carlisle defence kept them out.
Back came Carlisle, repeatedly getting into the visitors half, but then making errors that allowed Wigton to clear their lines. It looked as if the home side would come away with nothing but in the final moments they managed to create enough space for Josh Holmes to dive over in the corner and secure two bonus points.
The young Wigton players are improving with each game they play and this was a true squad effort with every player contributing to the win.
They play Carlisle again in two weeks! This time a Cumbria Cup quarter final at Lowmoor Road. Could be another thriller.
