Wigton lost 26-7 at home to Percy Park in National 2 North.
But this was a much improved display from the greens despite the defeat and the game was much closer than the scoreline suggests.
Percy Park were relegated from the League above last season so a stern test was expected.
Wigton played into the stiff breeze for the first 40 mins and were camped inside their own half for much of it, but good discipline in defence and looking after the ball well in possession meant Percy Park were frustrated for long periods.
From a penalty conceded, Park kicked for the corner and a well worked catch and drive saw them score in the corner and then land a successful conversion.
When Wigton had the ball Percy Park’s ill-discipline in the tackle led to them conceding numerous penalties for offside and hight tackles, allowing Wigton to keep them away from their try line.
However, on 30 minutes Park put together several phases and scored a well worked try after a flowing backs move allowed the winger to go over under the posts to allow a simple conversion.
The young greens heads didn’t drop and when the half time whistle blew with the score at only 0-14, there was a real chance of an upset if Wigton played the conditions right.
But from the re-start the ball was spilled, giving Park possession and a 10-minute spell inside the Wigton half.
When the hosts did get the ball a great 50/20 kick by Billy Stafford allowed them to put real pressure on.
As the attacks pounded away at the line, numerous penalties were given away until Jonny Dodd crashed over and Eddy Miller converted to make the score 7-14 with 25 minutes to go.
After the restart the referee’s patience finally broke and a Park player was sent to the bin for another high tackle.
This spurred on the greens, but almost immediately they lost a player to the bin for the first penalty conceded by them for a high tackle.
Momentum was stalled, this allowed the visitors to re-group and they scored a breakaway unconverted try on 75 minutes.
Then with the final play of the game they went 70 metres to secure a bonus point win.
It was a disappointing finish for Wigton, but gained valuable experience in playing to the conditions.
However the work rate was exceptional and if the players commit every week, allowing consistency in selection they can be competitive at this level.
