Following last week’s home league game against Northwich being conceded by the visitors, a liquidated fixture away to West Park (St. Helens) and an impending “recovery week” the Wigan side were looking at a period of enforced inactivity.

The offer of a fixture against an equally frustrated opposition from across the Pennines was eagerly accepted and what is believed to be the first encounter at any level between the two clubs was arranged.

The White Rose contingent were early arrivals at Douglas Valley, making the journey from Halifax in better time than some of those from Ashton, Hindley and even Whitley.

Wigan fielded a strong side, bolstered by a quartet from the stellar Under 16’s squad eager to make the step up to Senior Colts rugby, and an all “Harry backrow” of the returning Cruickshanks, influential Moxham and Captain Barker.

A sign of what was to unfold was epitomised by 3 quick-fire crunching tackles from Cruickshanks as the opposition immediately put the Wigan defence to the test. Undeterred the visitors continued to test the home side’s resolve with a start to the game that rewarded their preparation and commitment.

Dominating the possession it was no surprise when O.R. crossed for their first try following a period of pressure supplemented by a succession of penalties, one conceded by the unfortunate Joe Sharples-Lowe who’s last ditch tackle to hold the player up over the line was deemed illegal. 0 – 5

O.R. continued their dominance with controlled forward play and ball retention and sensed the game was there for the taking. When a further try seemed inevitable, a long pass was dropped and picked up by debutant Billy Sheridan who had a clear run to the line, only to be pulled back by the referee who inexplicably failed to play advantage and awarded Wigan a scrum in their own 22. The ref’s apologies to the Wigan side-line were hardly sinking in when a fumble behind the scrum resulted in a score out wide for the opposition. A 7 – 5 advantage turning into a 0 -10 deficit

Wigan rallied and took the game back to the visitors. The home forwards were now coming into the game more and were giving the talented back line an opportunity to test the Yorkshiremen’s defence. The pressure eventually paid off when the ball was moved left and Aiden Donaldson ghosted through for a try converted by Will Morgan. 7 -10

As the half drew to a close with Wigan defending stoutly they found themselves further behind when a well-executed cross kick from the O.R. fly half was superbly gathered on the full by the winger to cross for another unconverted try. Half time Wigan 7 – 15 O. Rishw.
A couple of basic pointers at the break was all that was needed to convince the Wigan troops that the game was there for the taking if discipline and tenacity was maintained.

What transpired was probably the best half of all round rugby from the team all season. Controlled aggression in defence and attack alike, linked with good decision making to gain field position allowed Wigan to run at the O.R. defence and cause untold problems for the whole of the second period.

Despite a further poor decision to not allow Wigan to turn a knock on into a try, the team pressed forward and were rewarded when a break was confidently finished by another debutant, Sam Carleton, to reduce the deficit to 12 -15.

Wigan continued to dominate and went into the lead for the first time when Carleton repeated his predatory finishing to again cross in the corner. 17 – 15

The turnaround was completed when Harry Moxham completed the scoring, capping an immense performance from him and his teammates to leave a shell shocked opposition looking at a 24 – 15 following Will Morgan’s conversion.

This was easily Wigan’s best performance of the season with the second half being nothing less than exceptional in execution. To turn a losing position into a thoroughly deserved win with a 17 – 0, three tries to zero chances - let alone scores - second half masterclass was a credit to all.
All the lads deserve credit and praise for their individual contributions, but more pleasing than anything is we looked like a team and stood up and defeated a confident and expectant strong opposition.

With the Under 16’s already mentioned plus strong forward performances from Owen Crooke and Ethan Hulme the outlook is certainly positive at Douglas Valley

Full Time : Wigan RUFC 24 – 15 Old Rishworthians

On a final note, thanks and gratitude to our visitors who made the trip across to the right side of the Pennines, contributed to an entertaining game of rugby, were gracious in defeat and stayed for a while afterwards. They are keen on a return fixture so let’s hope we can reciprocate later in the season

Wigan RUFC

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