Wigton hosted Regional 2 leaders Northern and gave a spirited performance despite the seemingly one sided scoreline of 0-41.
The game started with both sides sharing field position and possession. Wigton’s kicking game has improved since the start of the season as they get to grips with the improved standard of the League and they kept Northern at bay through excellent kicking by stand-off Billy Stafford.
After 20 minutes Northern scored the first try, going through several phases before their South African hooker found space down the wing and scored an unconverted try in the corner.
This spurred Wigton into attack and they were looking decent going through several phases inside the visitors’ 30 metre zone, but a strong tackle forced the ball loose and was kicked on.
James Paisley got back and looked to have dropped on it first, then the Northern player landed on him before he could regain his feet.
The ball squirted out and a follow up Northern player hacked on to score a converted try under the posts.
It was harsh on Wigton and against the run of play.
The next Northern try, however, came from a touch of class and showed why they are unbeaten.
Straight from a well-worked line-out move the ball went out to the backs and accurate handling, coupled with good lines of running created space for the right winger to show his pace and leave the Wigton defenders for dead.
From the restart Wigton won the ball and went through several phases before Rocco Okesene burst the line and made 40 metres, eventually being stopped ten metres from the try line.
As the Wigton players surged onto the ball and Northern’s defence in tatters, they killed the ball at the ruck.
A penalty was awarded, but such a cynical transgression did not lead to a yellow card to the defending player.
Wigton battered at the line for the next two minutes until a knock on led to the Northern defence being reprieved, allowing the referee to blow for half time.
The 19-0 score did not reflect the game, but was a harsh lesson in finishing for the Greens.
The second half followed a similar pattern as Northern’s backs looked threatening every time they received the ball and their forwards were lively in possession.
Wigton stuck to the task and defensive efforts were met by encouragement from the large crowd.
Again Wigton had chances as the forwards were held up over the line following a drive and the backs just lacked that killer pass to turn an overlap into points.
With 18 minutes to go Northern’s size advantage started to make a difference and they scored the try of the game, going 50 metres with offloads and supporting runners for a great converted try.
In the last 10 minutes Northern scored three unconverted tries but if Wigton keep up the effort displayed in this game they should get some reward against future opponents.
Dodd & Co Accountants were sponsors for the day.
Next for Wigton is a trip to Consett, who turned the form book on its head and beat Morpeth on Saturday, so it’s going to be another challenge for the Greens.
