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Harbury RFC 8 - 18 Wigan RUFC

Harbury RFC 8 - 18 Wigan RUFC

Daniel Morris6 May 2024 - 08:58

Wigan book their place in historic Twickenham final

Wigan travelled to the idyllic Warwickshire countryside, this weekend, to face the all-conquering midlands side, Harbury RFC in the semi finals of the Papa John’s national cup competition. Shakespeare’s county was an apt stage for a semi final that would be a tragedy for one side who would miss out on the prize of a Twickenham final, where the question of “to be or not to be” would be answered in full.

Harbury entered the game with the enviable boast of an unbeaten season with over 1000 points scored, feeling confident of their abilities. Wigan, despite the solid victory over a strong Northallerton side in the quarterfinals, entered the game as rank outsiders.

The game kicked off in bright May sunshine and the scene was set for fast and open play. Both sides moved the ball well, but defences remained unbreeched until the 16th minute when Wigan indiscipline led to a Harbury penalty right in front of the posts. Harbury broke the deadlock and took a 3-0 lead.

10 minutes later, Wigan fought back with a classy set piece move that saw Zack Barker take the ball on the half-way line. Barker set the move going with a well-timed pass that put Jacob Dugdale into space. Full back, Nathan Butler entered the line with perfect speed and timing and Dugdale showed great hands to put the youngster through the gap. Butler just had the opposition full back between him and the line, Butler fixed his man on his heels before finding Ollie Morgan in support who finished well in the corner to give Wigan a 3-5 lead.

Barker extended the lead to 3-8 with a penalty ten minutes from time, whilst Harbury missed a kick from in front of the posts on the stroke of half time.

During the break, coaches Martin Scott and Darren Fletcher, rallied their men and Wigan began the second half with renewed impetus.

Chris Carr found himself running into a dead end down the right touchline and attempted a grubber kick to turn the defence. The ball ricocheted off the defender’s heel and popped nicely into Jack Proffitt’s hands and Proffitt set off down the touchline. The defence scrambled and Proffitt managed to get the ball back inside to Carr who went over untouched to score under the sticks. Barker added the conversion and gave Wigan a 3-15 lead.

Harbury now ramped up the pressure and Wigan once again fell foul of the laws and had successive sin binnings. Down to 13 men, Wigan were pushed back closer and closer to their own line before Harbury went over in the corner to bring the sides back within one score at 8-15.

A nervy half hour ensued as neither side could gain a decisive foothold. Wigan defended diligently against an excellent Harbury attacking side and held out. With fresh legs on the field, Wigan managed to gain some territory and this time it was a Harbury infringement that gave Zack Barker the chance to put the game beyond reach. Barker cooly slotted the penalty for an 8-18 lead which was to be enough to see Wigan off to the final.

Wigan now face Old Elthamians in the final at Twickenham, this Sunday 12th May with kick off at 11am. Travel and ticket details will be announced on the club’s website in the coming days.

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