Wigan 13 Leigh 25
Lancashire Trophy Semi Final
Saturday April 26th 08

his was a fiercely contested game but in the end the difference in league status was the deciding factor as Wigan, a league below, were unable to match the pace and power of the Leigh outfit. It was also the farewell game for Wigan players Nick Simm and Danny Barker.

Leigh started well and although Wigan matched them with some good fringe defence it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a try from a catch and drive claimed by Paul Hampson. Wigan responded almost immediately from the restart with Mike Milward forcing his way over after the pack had driven towards the Leigh line.

Ian Wood slotted a penalty for the visitors and from turn over ball in the Wigan '22', slick handling by the Leigh backs resulted in a try for Paul Wilcocks converted by Wood. Leigh scored again from good ball off the top of the line out and a neat run-a-round in the centre creating the opportunity for Anthony Bentham to 'steam' into the line at pace to cross in the corner for a 20-5 lead at the break.

n the second half a penalty by Phil Carter  and a second try from Milward who crossed from 20 metres out brought Wigan back into contention but Leigh put the game out of reach with a try from Adam Dyson breaking down the blind side after the visitors had driven a maul towards the Wigan line.

Wigan's 2nd team won the Championship Trophy of Miller Homes Div 2 in style on Saturday April 26th with a convincing 63-0 away thrashing of Vale of Lune.

Wigan's U17 Colts side swept Blackburn away 35-0 in the final of the Halbro Lancashire Shield held at a rainswept Douglas Valley on Sunday April 27th. The team are pictured above during the post-match celebration: picture courtesy Ian Boardman

Orrell Anvils 13 Warrington 11

A penalty in the closing minutes afforded Orrell Anvils a well deserved 13-11 victory over Warrington in an over fractious game at St.John Rigby.

Warrington took an early lead with two penalties but a try from Andrew Statter created from a set move by Neil Liptrot and David Ralphson converted by the outside half gave the Anvils a 7-6 lead at the break.

A try early in the second half restored Warrington's advantage and with the Anvils down to thirteen men with Steve Ormisher and Max Huxley in the sin bin, the visitors piled on the pressure.

But heroic defence kept the line intact. Liptrot slotted a penalty to make it a one point game and with minutes to go a quick tap penalty by David Wane was enough to move the opposition back a further ten metres for failure to retreat leaving Liptrot well within range for the winning penalty.

Wigan 13 Wirral 19

Wigan's league programme came to a disappointing end with an insipid second half performance which allowed Wirral to claim the points at Douglas Valley. Having repulsed an early Wirral onslaught, Wigan dominated the first period and built up a 10 point lead, Danny Winrow creating the chance for wing Tony Unsworth to score the opening try in the corner before utilising his pace to dash through a gap to the posts for the second. Unfortunately in time added on Wigan failed to clear their own lines and then collapsed an attacking scrum, the referee haaving no hesitation in awarding a penalty try. With the wind behind them in the second half Wigan should have confined Wirral to their own half but a series of aimless kicks allowed the visitors to counter attack effectively affording them two them tries and a conversion as Wigan's defence began to look fragile. Wigan's best chance came when once again Winrow broke through only to see skipper Mike Rigby tackled into touch near the corner. Phil Carter added Wigan's only points through a penalty but despite the loss Wigan claimed their highest league position since 2001 by finishing in 3rd place in SLC1.

Leigh 16 Northwich 22

In North2West, the fight against relegation proved the decisive factor as visitors Northwich avoided the drop with a 16-22 win over Leigh at Round Ash Park. The Cheshire side undoubtedly had the greater desire and 'rocked' Leigh with three tries, two conversions and a penalty to take a 22-3 lead just before the interval, Leigh's points coming from a penalty by Ian Wood. With just minutes to go before the whistle Leigh woke up and from  great forward play deep within their own half took play right up to the visitors line where Craig Anthony took advantage of a quick tap penalty to power his way over. Wood added the conversion to make it 10-22 at the break. In the second half Leigh continually pressured the Northwich line but determined to keep their North2West status they proved solid in defence limiting the visitors to two penalties from Wood.

Stockport 78 Tyldesley 3

Also in North2West the end of a disappointing season for Tyldesley ended as it began with yet another crushing defeat. Stockport crossed for eight tries in the opening half with a conversion giving them a 42-3 lead at the break, Alan Glassie successful with a penalty for the visitors. It was little different in the second half as Stockport scored a further six and added three conversions. Alan Higson, who took over the coaching reigns from Heath Cruckshank half way through the season, has now also resigned the

post.

Bowdon 43 Aspull 23

Aspull entered the game knowing that a win was vital if they were to avoid taking their battle against relegation into the final game of the season at home to Burnage this coming Saturday. Aspull began well and took a 9-5 lead in at the break through three penalties from  Jeff Gavin despite being reduced to fourteen men with hooker Jake Gard yellow carded.

Aspull 1st XV 0 Wigan 1st XV 10
South Lancs & Cheshire 1
Saturday March 29th 08

Fleetwood 3 Wigan 22
Lancashire Trophy Quarter Final

Wigan booked a home Lancashire Trophy semi final clash with
Leigh as they eased past Fleetwood at Melbourne Avenue. Once
again the Wigan pack laid the foundation for success as they
totally dominated the first period and kept Fleetwood pinned in
their own half.

Mike Milward had a try disallowed for a double movement but
later set up the position from which Mike Rigby squeezed over in
the corner. Rigby added a second after Phil Carter had turned
over possession, Carter also adding the conversion.

On the stroke of half time the Wigan front five marched
Fleetwood off their own scrum ball,  No 8 Peter Rigby picked up
and showed good pace as he got outside the cover for the touch
down.

The second half proved a drab affair as Fleetwood employed some
dubious tactics, which went unpunished, to stop Wigan driving
forward. The highlights were the tackling by 2nd row Bruce
Lupton, a cameo appearance by hooker Peter Topping, some
effective harrying around the scrum by Stuart Carter and a
brilliant individual try by Danny Winrow, taking the ball on his
own '22' before chipping over the defence to gather the ball and
then outpacing the cover to go over in the corner.

Wigan now take a week off before the derby game with Aspull on
March 29th. The date for the Leigh semi-final has not yet been
arranged.

Leigh 12 Broughton Park 7

Nrth 2 West

Wigan's Lancashire Trophy semi-final opponents Leigh further
consolidated their North2West status with a hard
fought 12-7 win over Broughton Park at Round Ash Park.

Two tries from Paul Wilcock proved the difference, the fullback
coming up to create the extra man on the outside after quick
hands from a scrum mid-pitch had opened up the opportunity. For
the second Wilcock ran back a kick through by the visitors
before chipping over the defence and being first to the line.
Ian Wood added one conversion to give Leigh a 12-0 lead at the
interval.

Broughton Park struck back almost from the restart with a
converted try but although they had Leigh under pressure for
long period as they fought to get on level terms, super defence
with locks Dave Penn and Paul Hampson outstanding kept them out.
   

Wigan 8   Wilmslow 0

Solid defence proved the key as Wigan 'lowered the colours' of
South Lancashire/Cheshire One  league Wilmslow in an absorbing
clash at Douglas valley.

The wigan pack were in great form form repeatedly carrying the
ball over the advantage line, forcing Wilmslow to back peddle
for much of the first half. When in possession their attempts to
play open rugby in difficult conditions came to nothing as the
Wigan threequarter line denied them time and space.

The first half ended pointless but from the restart Mike Rigby
broke through from the '22' for the game's  only try. Shortly
afterwards Phil Carter added a penalty which dropped in via the
post and crossbar.

Wilmslow fought back but the Wigan defence held with Danny
Winrow relieving the pressure some great kicking out of defence.
Nick Simm and Peter Rigby guaranteed line out ball whilst the
two David Carter's were prominent in the tackle area.

As the 'clock ran down' Wigan refused Wilmslow any concession
and their collective determination was epitomised by replacement
wing Arran Markar who pulled off a thumping try saving tackle.

Though the win should now guarantee 3rd place for Wigan they
were unable to close the gap on 2nd place Burnage who had a home
victory over Sale.

Widnes 17 Aspull 3

Aspull's fight against relegation from SLC1 suffered a further
blow losing 17-3 away at Widnes

Aspull started well and led by veterans Paul Keegan and Pip
Ivory put the home side under pressure. Johnny Linekar made
several breaks but it was Widnes who took the lead with a
penalty after Ivory was sin binned at the ruck and with Ivory
off a converted try for the home side from within their own half
extended that to 10-0.

Pressure on the Widnes line resulted in a penalty for Aspull
converted by Jeff Gavin but a spilled pass when a try was
begging was hacked on by the home team for a try under the posts
to give Widnes a 17-3 lead at the break.

Playing against the wind Aspull continued to work hard but were
unble to break a very solid Widnes defence.

Lymm 12 Leigh 25

Leigh further emphasised their right to be in North2West with an
emphatic 25-12 victory away at Lymm.

Although the home side were first on the score board with an
early try, a penalty from Ian Wood and a try from Steven Lee on
the back of a powerful burst by prop Craig Anthony and strong
running from lock Paul Hampson, Wood successful with the
conversion,  gave the visitors 10-5 lead at the break.

In the second half a break from Tom Forshaw from well within his
own half, taken on by Paul Wilcock created a try  for Ian
Roberts. With Leigh now in control Dave Wood forced his way over
after the pack had set up a rolling maul on the Lymm line before
Wilcock rounded off the Leigh, effort taking advantage of a neat
ball tipped off the top of the line out.

In the closing minutes with Leigh still pressing to increase
their score Lymm intercepted and came back with a converted
consolation try.

Tyldesley 0  Sandbach 62

Another heavy defeat for Tyldesley for whom the end of season
cannot come soon enough.

Down 36-0 at the interval to five tries and four conversions the
home side were struggling to stay in the game despite the
efforts of scrum half Paul Martin and No8 Craig Pullman.

In the second half with Eddie Wallbank yellow carded and Darren
Edge sent off for referee abuse the Tyldesley challenge faded
completely as the visitors ran in a further four tries and three
conversions.

Orrell Anvils 22 Wallasey 16

Orrell Anvils will be ruing the two league points deducted for a
mistake over replacements in an earlier game against Warrington
as they notched  up yet another win this time over Wallasey at
St.John Rigby.

Neil Liptrot opened the scoring with a try after the the outside
half had broken through the defence from 30 metres out. Danny
Jones added the conversion but a conveted try brought the
visitors level.

With veteran Steve Huxley driving the forwards on the No 8
touched down for a try after the pack had taken a strike against
the head on the opposition five metre line. Jones again
successful with the conversion.

Wallasey cut the deficit with a penalty before  Huxley again
forced his way over after intense pressure from the pack on the
Wallasey try line to make it 19-13 to the Anvils at the break.

The second half was much more of a stop/start affair with the
only scores from an exchange of penalties, Jones successful for
Orrell.

_

Ruskin Park  10    Wigan 20
South Lancs & Cheshire 1

In South Lancashire/Cheshire One a  controlled first half
display in the face of a strong wind laid the foundation for
Wigan's 5th away victory this season against relegation haunted
Ruskin Park. The Wigan pack monopolised possession and prevented
Ruskin from using the elements to such an extent that their line
was never under threat.

Attacking the blind side channel proved particularly profitable
and led to the opening try when Peter Rigby and Danny Barker put
wing Tony Unsworth over in the corner. Phil Carter extended the
lead with a well struck penalty before converting Mike Milward's
scrambled try under the posts.

A 0-15 point lead with wind advantage to come should have seen
Wigan build a convincing margin in the second half but this
failed to materialise as Ruskin took the initiative and after a
period of sustained pressure got over for a try wide out.

Any hopes of a revival were quickly squashed as a good chase
Unsworth pressured the Ruskin defence and allowed centre Gareth
Pierce to turn the ball over and battle his way to the line.
Ruskin still refused to capitulate and were rewarded with a
consolation try following a mix up behind a scrum but came far
too late to influence the outcome of the game.

Aspull 11 Anselmians 7
South Lancs & Cheshire 1

Aspull gained two valuable points beating fellow
strugglers Anselmians 11-7 at Woodshaw Park.

Aspull attacked from the kick off  and with the pack through
Pete Jackson and Pat Wilson winning good ball the pressure
resulted in Jeff Gavin kicking a penalty.

Gavin increased the lead with a penalty before a break by Hughie
Bloor and a chip over the top of the defence by  Gavin created a
try for Dave Brown

Ex-colt Tom Kennedy was having an excellent game at No 8 along
with  Wilson in the back row.

The visitors howver hit back early in the second half with a
converted try  but although Aspull had most of the territory
they were unable to turn pressure into points.

Wilson continued to impress but the whole team showed great
spirit to hold on for a morale boosting win. Also outstanding
for Aspull were Todd Foster and Johnny Linekar.

Crewe and Nantwich 8  Orrell Anvils 24

South Lancs & Cheshire 2

Another win for the Anvils away at Crewe and Nantwich which
keeps them in fourth place in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two but
only on points difference behind third place Ormskirk .

Orrell put pressure on the opposition line right from the kick
off and, with the pack in control, Jeff Huxley picked up at the
back of a scrum to force his way over for the opening try, Danny
Jones adding the conversion. The home side came into the game
with a penalty to make it 3-7 to Anvils at the break.

Orrell began the second period as the first with Huxley again
crashing over from an attacking maul close to the Crewe line,
Jones again succesful with the conversion. A poor restart by the
home team from a '22' drop out was picked up by Andrew Kelly who
ran straight through the defence for a try wide out .

A drop in concentration allowed the home side to come back with
a try but in the closing minutes quick ball across the line gave
John Ireland the chance to out pace the cover defence on the
outside to bring up the third.

Leigh 5 Sandbach 6

North 2 West

A game played in dreadful conditions at Round Ash Park went the
way of the way of visitors Sandbach 5-6.

Leigh elected to play against the wind in the first half and
took a five point lead after a quick tap gave scrum half Dave
Wood the opportunity to go over from 20 metres out. Unable to
get good field position against the wind Leigh were finding it
difficult to get out of their own half and paid the price as two
penalties by Lee Pickles gave Sandbach a 5-6 lead at the
interval.

With the wind behind them Leigh expected to take control of the
game but with Sandbach keeping the ball tight, possession was at
a premium but great defence by the home side ensured the line
remained unbreeched. However there were few chances to create an
attacking platform to bring the backline into play despite the
efforts of No 8 Ryan McInstry and prop Tom Baker.

Tyldesley 0  New Brighton 33
North 2 West

Not the 'drubbing' previous results had indicated and, despite
losing 0-33 at home to New Brighton, there was some
encouragement from the Tyldesley performance.

Against a much bigger pack the home side defence did well to
limit the visitors to three tries and two conversions in the
first half, all from rolling mauls which they were unable to
hold up.

It was little different in the second half as New Brighton
extended their lead with two more converted tries both again
from the rolling maul.

Behind a beaten pack scrum half Paul Martin did well as did man
of the match Craig Pullman at No8.

Tyldesley 4ths  17 Aspull 2nds 27 

Miller Homes Div 5N

This was the game that most had been anticipating all season. Aspull in 2nd place versus the bottom club – who had just one win all year. The home tie had been cancelled earlier in the year so off on the relatively short trip to Tyldesley eagerly awaiting a big result.

Captain Mike Walsh made his debut at fly-half after some good shadow boxing training but power players Stu Alston and Big Tom Thumb Kennedy were missing.

Did complacency set in? because the expectation of a big win was not realised, a real game took place and Aspull could even have lost this fixture. Aspull did score first when Dave Arms & Legs notched up his first try for the club. He’s not that big and daft that he couldn’t disappear before buying the required jug!

Tyldesley fought back and scored a converted try near the posts following some very poor defending by Aspull. The game was evenly poised and the high wind made matters difficult but a jinking, mazy run to the posts by Gareth Cosens eased the worries and a Stephen Fillingham penalty settled the nerves.  He left the field shortly afterwards with ‘cramp’ but not before sparkling with an impromptu John Cleese impersonation.  

However, Tyldesley were not going to go down without a fight and commenced another come-back - scoring again and posting a penalty. The dog fight continued but Aspull’s apparent superior fitness began its ascendancy. Firstly a good try by Andy Crawford and then a further one by David Vaal flattered the visitors leading to the final score of Tyldesley 17, Aspull 27.

 A win again but definitely not good enough and the report cries out, “Must do better”.

Bowdon 26 Wigan 3
South Lancs & Cheshire 1
26th Feb 08
Report: Roy Knowles
Wigan travelled to lowly placed Bowdon for a rearranged league fixture.  Wigan, way back in October, had beaten Bowden by 25 points but Bowden had some good results in recent weeks.   
Wigan were well aware that they would be facing some tough opposition.  This was the case and Wigan had probably their worst game of the season.  Stand off Capewell kept Wigan pinned in their own half with some powerful kicking. 
  In the 11th minute Wigan were penalised for off side and Capewell kicked a 40 yd goal to put Wigan behind 3-0.  Wigan’s tackling was good with the back row particularly strong and they kept Bowdon out.  In the 28th minute Matt Tonks had to retire with a serious wrist injury.  A minute later there was a scrum on the Wigan line and Clegg was over for a try to put Bowdon 0-8 up. 
     Wigan’s only breaks came from Mike Rigby who was having a great game. as was Peter Rigby in the line outs.  With 40 minutes up a dropped ball by Wigan allowed Harrison to go half the length of the field to score Bowdon led 13-0. 
     In the early minutes of the second half a strong break from David Carter  sent Danny Barker on a strong run but the chance failed with a dropped ball.  Phil Carter kicked a penalty for 13-3 but Capewell replied for 16-3 and 5 minutes later another penalty saw Bowden leading 19-3. In the 75th minute Mei added a further try for the home side,  Capewell adding the goal to compound Wigan’s poorest result of the season.   

Wigan 4ths 52 Clitheroe 2nds 6  
Miller Homes Div 5N
23rd February 2008

Wigan's season goes from strength to strength on the crest of a a wave of stunning attacking rugby that is a delight to witness. Clitheroe quite rightly put out a stronger side than that faced by the home side in the two previous games played between the sides this season, but there was no answer to the pace, power and remarkable ball handling skills of the Wigan side.
With the pivot of all attacking moves being the Captain, Shaun McHugh, (who is also very effective with the boot) and the tireless work of forwards and backs, this was champagne rugby at its best.
This side has strength in every position and strength coming off the bench - two second half subs, Andy Murray and Sean Brannan scored searing individual tries to put the match well out of the game visitors' reach, and this is undoubtedly the best 'Veteran' side put out by Wigan in the last few years.
Picking an individual out in such an accomplished team effort is difficult, but centre Tim Sharkey played a blinder - dazzling running, aggressive tackling and superb offloads added up to a perfect game His centre partner Roger Cooper also had a good game, as did the two young flyers Jamie Redfearn and Chris Lyon.
At times the running and passing was breathtaking, especially when Wigan elected to run at the opposition from defensive positions deep in their own half, a move that led to several scores as the visitors were caught out of position. As usual, Big No 8 Scott Buckley terrorised the visitors' defence, with towering performances alongside from Keith Lowe and Steve Morters, Malc Holland and Martin Jump bossed the breakdown and the set pieces from scrum half for Wigan, and lock Chris Caw totally dominated the lineout.
The forwards and backs did their collective business, and it is difficult to see who in this league can beat this side, now sitting on 18 straight wins from last September. Credit to Clitheroe as well who despite being run off their feet in the second half never let their heads go down and were a credit to their club.

Wigan's Man of the Match against Clitheroe Tim Sharkey makes a break with the cavalry in support.

Carnforth 2nds 14 Aspull 2nds 14 
Miller Homes Div 5N
23rd February 2008

Report: Joey Heaton
One or two unhappy first teamer’s expressed an interest in playing for the second team but it is difficult to accommodate all of them in a winning team....  So Aspull ventured the long road to Carnforth, again with twenty plus players hoping to emulate the good win of the previous week.

However, the game started calamitously. First scrum lost then several woeful tackle attempts allowed the Carnforth forwards a free run to the posts for the first try in the first minute.  Heads down but spirits still high, Aspull gradually gained the upper hand with centre Stu Alston and big Tom Thumb Kennedy powering upfield time and again. Then some good rucking and mauling in the forwards was let down by panic passes in the high wind which led to loss of momentum on several occasions.

Further disaster was soon to follow. A meaningless long kick from Carnforth to the Aspull wing was easily picked up by David Vaal, but a botched pass to Graeme Smith allowed Carnforth another easy converted try under the posts.    

Half-time Carnforth 14 Aspull 0, but confidence still high as Aspull started the second period with a strong wind behind them.  The rewards came immediately. A long kick down field saw Stephen Fillingham chase and outpace the Carnforth defence to touch down under the posts, a score which he himself converted. A further try was given up  a few minutes later when Kellet should have backed his pace but instead passed to winger Joel who fumbled the easy pass. But Kellet made up for this some minutes later when he outpaced the Carnforth backs with an excellent try, again converted by Fillingham. Later on Bobby Goulding came close and Fillingham missed a kickable penalty which would have secured the victory.

A second draw in the space of two weeks, Wigan took over top spot after their win against Clitheroe, and Aspull need to work hard to secure a promotion spot. 

Wigan 15 Sale FC 13

South Lancs & Cheshire 1

Wigan consolidated 3rd place in South Lancashire/Cheshire 1 with
a narrow victory over closest rivals Sale FC at Douglas Valley.
They made the worst possible start when a lack of concentration
in defence allowed Sale to break out straight from the kick off
and go full length for a try in the first minute.

With the Wigan pack dominating  both at the set piece and in the
loose where the back row of Mike Milward, Dave Carter and Peter
Rigby completely outplayed the visitors the home side began to
take control.  To their credit Sale's youngsters  defended
stoutly but succumbed to a catch and drive from 5 metres,  Danny
Barker pouncing from close range.

Level at the break, Wigan took the lead at the beginning of the
second half from 'a stike against the head' in the Sale 22. Wing
Danny Winrow went close before Dave Carter plunged over in the
corner and Matt Tonks added what proved to be a match winning
conversion from the touchline.

Sale fought back and their willingness to run the ball from deep
caused consternation amongst the home support. The margin was
narrowed with a penalty but almost immediately Matt Tonks
replied to restore the advantage.

As the clock ran down Sale finally got over for a second try
wide out but missed the conversion which would have levelled
matters once again. Wigan however retained their composure
through an interminably long period of injury time, during which
Gareth Pierce, Pat Gallagher and Mike Rigby all pulled off
potentially try saving tackles, before securing the points.

Action from Wigan v Sale: Wigan Lock Lee Roby gets the lift from his teammates in a lineout

Wirral 102  Aspull 5
South Lancs & Cheshire 1

Aspull's chances of avoiding relegation have been given a severe
mauling after a 102 - 5 defeat away at Wirral in South
Lancashire/Cheshire Two. This was the worst defeat in league
rugby for the Woodshaw Park side and with only five matches to
come they face a massive task in re-building confidence if they
are to give themselves any chance of survival.

With a total of eight players crying off Aspull were forced to
include six second teamers for this crucial game. It was never
going to be good enough and so it proved as with commitment to
both training and playing becoming a major issue at the club
Aspull simply imploded. Captain  Liam Reeve did his best to
rally his troops but it was too tough a task, the only
consolation being a try by Jake Gard after a break by Reeve.

Orrell Anvils 41 Southport 0

South Lancs & Cheshire 2

Following early season  insults from the opposition concerning
the 'old and 'new' Orrell, the Anvils hit back with the perfect
ripost and in addition kept their promotion hopes alive with
41-0 six try rout of Southport in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two.

It may have taken the Anvils 30 minutes before they opened the
scoring with a try from Neil Liptrot after the pack had driven
the opposition off the ball but from there they held the game in
a vice-like grip.

Danny Jones added the conversion and moments later Andrew
Statter increased their lead to 14-0 from a charge down
clearance , Jones again successful with the conversion.

It was Statter again at the beginning of the second half
crossing out wide as quick ball across the pitch found the
Southport defence short on numbers. Jones added the extras and
three further tries in quick succession from Gary Nicholson
cutting inside to fool the defence and two from former colt John
Ireland, the winger showing real pace on the outside on both
occasions gave Orrell an unassailable lead.

In the closing minute Steve Raphael brought up the sixth
claiming the touch down after the pack had driven over the line.

New Brighton 25  Leigh 10

North 2 West

Controversy surrounded Leigh's 25-10 defeat at Hartsfield in
North2West as the incompetence and inexperience of the referee
almost always seemed to favour the home side. With the official
at a loss of how to control the ruck and maul area playing into
the hands of the bigger opposition pack Leigh were on the back
foot for most of the game.

New Brighton took an early lead with a penalty and a try,
although there was a suspicion of a forward pass. It stayed at
8-3 until just after the interval when a high cross field kick
from Terry Knapman was taken on the full by Paul Wilcock who
rounded the opposition winger to go 70 metres for a try.

New Brighton added a penalty and two converted tries but in the
closing minutes Leigh got the extra points their effort
deserved. Anthony Bentham picked up a loose kick through before
sending Ian Roberts away and with Wilcock up in support on the
inside, the winger put the full back over under the posts.   

 Rochdale 90 Tyldesley 3

North 2 West

The euphoria of the previous week's win over Winnington Park
took a severe 'nose dive' as Tyldesley lost 90-3 away at
Rochdale, the visitors' only points coming from a penalty by
Alun Glassie. With only five games remaining this season,
although Tyldesley have a mathematical chance of staying up,
they  are now to all intents and purposes relegated and will be
playing  in either South Lancashire/Cheshire One or the
Lancashire/Cumbria league next season.

Hoylake 10 Wigan 17 

In South Lancashire/Cheshire One Wigan returned to winning ways
in a hard fought game away at Hoylake. Unfortunately, they paid
a high price as they lost Andrew Whittle to a broken ankle and
Andy Reay to a broken thumb.

The game started with Hoylake taking the initiative. However the
Wigan defence held firm and having 'steadied the ship' began to
play the game in the opposition's half due good tactical kicking
from Andrew Whittle and Dave Carter. After Danny Winrow had come
close and with the lineout functioning well, the pressure
eventually told as Milward was driven over from a catch and
drive. Whittle converted  from a difficult angle and added a
penalty after the home side had been penalised for handling in
the ruck.

Early in the second half Hoylake took advantage of an
unfortunate bounce from a high kick to cross for a try, the
conversion and a later penalty levelling the scores at 10-10.

Wigan restored their lead with a try from Mike Rigby after a
break by Milward and an unselfish scoring pass from Matt Tonks,
Whittle again successful with the conversion.

With all replacement used and down to fourteen men with Whittle
taken to hospital it was `backs against the wall' rugby for the
visitors as Hoylake tried to take to make their extra man count
but with Wigan disrupting the Hoylake lineout they struggled to
build any real pressure.

Aspull 12 Vagabonds 42

Yet again Aspull were their own worst enemy losing 45- 12 to
Isle of Man visitors Vagabonds, the result leaving the Woodshaw
Park side in relegation trouble at the wrong end of the table.
Needless points thrown away was the problem as the home side
failed to come to terms with a Vagabonds side casting away their
poor traveller image.

Tries by Dave Brown, converted by Martin Greaves and a fine
individual effort by Alex Thompson proved to be the only
highlights of a disappointing performance by the home side.

Dukinfield 26 Orrell Anvils 26

A missed conversion in the final minute denied Orrell a deserved
victory away at South Lancashire/ Cheshire Two league leaders
Dukinfield but the draw has probably just kept them in
contention for a promotion play-off spot at the end of the
season.

The Anvils took an early 10-0 lead with a try by Andrew Statter
charging down an over anxious clearance straight from the kick
off. Andrew Kelly converted and added a penalty to give his side
a 10-0 lead.

A converted try from a rolling maul brought the home side into
the game with a penalty levelling matters just before the break.

Statter hacked on after Dukinfield had lost the ball in the
tackle to score a seccond and a second penalty from Kelly pulled
Orrell clear at 18-10 but Dukinfield crossed again through their
forwards. Kelly extended Orrell's lead yet again with a penalty
but two penalties and a two drop goals in the closing minutes
looked to have given Dukinfield the match until David Wain broke
from a scrum to level the scores again but Kelly's attempted
conversion from wide out to take the match drifted wide.

Leigh 26 Rochdale 13

A second half performance of pace and power was enough to ease
Leigh to a 26-13 victory in their North2West fixture at home to
Rochdale.

Despite an early try from Ian Wood, the hooker punching through
some weak defence from a line out converted by Terry Knapman,
Leigh struggled to stay in the game as the visitors took the
lead at the break with a converted try and a penalty.

A second penalty just after the interval extended the lead but
at this stage Leigh began to rally and a try from Ian Roberts,
the winger sent in after Steve Lee had broken through centre
field brought them to within a point.

Anthony Bentham, the benficiary of a missed pass, cut between
the defending centres to cross for a third and restore to put
Leigh back in front. Terry Knapman converted and with Leigh now
in control Paul Wilcock finished off with a try from inside his
own 22 sending Roberts away before hacking on the winger's chip
ahead and winning the chase to the line, Knapman again adding
the extras.

Tyldesley 14  Winnington Park 3

A first league win of the season, duly celebrated, might not
have lifted Tyldesley off the bottom of the North2West table but
has certainly gone some way in lifting the gloom  hanging over
St.George's Park and the relegation threatened club.

The home side got the perfect start with a penalty from Alun
Glassie as the Tyldesley pack took the game to the visitors but
with both sides strong in defence there were no further scores
before the break.

Early in the second period Glassie extended his side's lead with
a second penalty but although Winnington replied, a third effort
from the full back maintained the difference.

In the final quarter it was all Tyldesley as the pack began to
turn the screw and they got the try they deserved as good ball
from the line out was spun across the backline before hooker
Travis Twizzell cut inside for the score.

Liverpool Collegiate 6  Orrell Anvils 26

South Lancs & Cheshire 2

A performance of power in attack and intensity in defence moved
Orrell into second place in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two
defeating Liverpool Collegiate 6-26 in dreadful conditions  at
Aigburth Road last Saturday.

Collegiate took an early lead with two penalties but from then
on it was all Orrell who monopolised possession and had the home
side on the backfoot with some forceful driving play by the pack.

A break from Neil Liptrot brought up the first try as the the
outside half found Steve Ormisher  steaming in on the crash ball
with a super pop pass. Liptrot added the conversion to give his
side the lead before the visitors went further ahead, David Wain
darting over after the Orrell pack had driven to the line,
Liptrot again successful with the conversion.

The outside half brought up the third this time looping round to
score wide out after good handling from the line out. Half time
Liverpool Collegiate 6 Orrell Anvils 19

As conditions deteriorated further in the second half Collegiate
came more into the game but solid defence from Orrell prevented
a score.

In the closing minutes Orrell raised themselves for one last
effort and after some powerful pick and drive play by the pack
Max Huxley peeled off the back of a maul for the final try,
Liptrot adding the extras.

Tyldesley 6 Vale of Lune 13
North 2 West

A disputed try in the final minutes of a disappointing game
denied Tyldesley their first points of the season going down
6-13 to next to the bottom club Vale of Lune at St.George's Park.

Tyldesley were under pressure straight from the kick off and
with the Vale pack in almost total control the home side were
forced to defend. No one could doubt their commitment as Vale
were unable to force any kind of breakthrough  and two penalties
apiece to make 6-6 at the break, Alan Glassie for the home side,
emphasised the Tyldesley effort.

It was more of the same in the second half and with Michael
Kubik rallying his forces it looked as though the home side
could hold out for a draw. It was not to be as Vale crossed
under the posts in the final minute but although he looked to
have been held up, the try was given and converted. 

Aspull's game away at Ruskin Park and Wigan's fixture away at
Bowdon in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two were postponed  as was
Leigh's home encounter against Broughton Park in North2West.
Re-arranged games are expected to be played on Saturday 2nd
February, the day England open their Six Nations campaign against
Wales at Twickenham.

Hoylake 36 Aspull 5

South Lancs & Cheshire Div 1

Yet again a slow start forced Aspull into playing 'catch up'
rugby as the home side took advantage to rush into a 17-0 lead.
Aspull came into the game on the half hour with  excellent
attacking play with Liam Reeve and Martin Greaves in good form.
A move involving slick handling down the right brought a try for
Dave Brown, the winger going over in the corner.

Despite losing Reeve to injury Aspull continued with some
enterprising attacking rugby with breaks from Jeff Gavin causing
concern in the Hoylake defence. Unfortunately 'catch up' causes
its own problems and with the Hoylake winger intercepting an
Aspull attack for a try under the posts,  the game was well
beyond reach.

Aspull continued to attack but could not break down the Hoylake
defence leaving the home side to 'mop up' with two further tries
in the closing minutes.

For Aspull Greaves had another solid game with Pete Jackson once
again leading the pack well .





LYON ON THE CHARGE - David Lyon, ball in hand, made his first appearence at centre for Wigan 4ths in their convincing 87-10 league win at Clitheroe 2nds on Saturday. The former GB and Warrington star scored a try with virtually his first touch of the ball, and he played alongside his son Chris for much of the game.

South Lancs & Cheshire Div 1

Vagabonds 8 Wigan 13

A tremendous second half performance enabled Wigan to secure 2 valuable league points on their first visit to the Isle of Man for 3 years. However, their inability to utilise a strong wind in the first half almost cost them dearly as Vagabonds gave them a lesson in forward driving and ball retention.

Following a bright start, during which Andy Whittle hit the post with a penalty attempt and Roy Caine was unlucky to lose the ball over the line, Wigan were guilty of surrendering possession too readily and Vagabonds’ 9 man game effectively tied up the ball.

With half time approaching there was an exchange of scores as first Whittle hit a simple penalty. Vagabonds then drove over for a try from a lineout before wing Tony Unsworth restored Wigan’s advantage when he touched down in the in-goal area from Jim Brown’s delicate chip through.

Given the strength of the wind 8-5 never looked enough but Wigan were transformed in the second period and repeatedly forced Vagabonds back with aggressive defence. Though Wigan’s discipline was good an unfortunate penalty brought Vagabonds level with about 15 minutes remaining. As the latter’s pack then began to wilt Wigan began to make inroads with the back row and centre Pat Gallagher prominent. Danny Winrow also prompted his pack well in the unfamiliar position of scrum half. Eventually the pressure told and No.8 Peter Rigby broke the defensive line and charged over from about 20 metres to cap a fine display which earned him the Man of the Match. On a day when all the top sides in SLC1 won Wigan held on to 2nd place.

Aspull 0 Sale FC 30

Aspull suffered a new year hangover and were soundly beaten by a
well organised Sale FC. With five  late cry-offs due to illness
Aspull recalled the experienced Steve Bailey at prop and Gary Owen on the wing.
Sale scored three tries in the opening half to take complete
control of the game.
Martyn Greaves was outstanding for Aspull in both defence and
attack with Jeff Gavin having his best game of the season and in
the pack Pete Jackson worked hard.
The second half was much better for Aspull as they slowly got
into the game but they could not break down a resolute sale
defence, the only score coming  late in the game when Sale
scored an converted try to seal the win.

South Lancs & Cheshire 2
Orrell Anvils 15 Oswestry 3

Having lost the away fixture 29-0 this result just shows how far
the Anvils have come since the beginning of the season.

In control of the set piece and aggressive in the loose Orrell
took the lead with a try from veteran Jeff Huxley, the back row
forward coming up with the ball after some powerful pick and
drive play by the pack in the visitors '22'. Andrew Kelly added
the conversion but with Oswestry mounting an attack from the
restart solid dfence limited the opposition to a single penalty
to make it 7-3 at the break.

In an excellent  second period for the home side with man of the
match Daved Wane out of position at scrum half and Neil Liptrot
playing the right options, Orrell were well on top.

A well executed driving maul  created an opportunity for Max
Huxley to go over for a second try with Liptrot crowning an
imperious display with a late drop goal.Anvils now up to 3rd in the table.

Miller Homes League Div 5N

Chorley 2nd's 12  Aspull 2nd's 12

Report by Joey Heaton

An early kick off, a walk through barbed wire and over a river to an atrocious, waterlogged, bog of a pitch and a howling gale greeted our boys. Also, injuries and the ‘promotion’ of several key players to the first team (who lost anyway) was not the best start to an afternoon.
 Aspull started very slowly and both teams sticking in the mud and gaining not much ground either way. Not many chances but two penalties were scored by Chorley to give them a half time lead of six points to Nil.
 Two further penalties were scored by Chorley in the second half giving them what would have seemed an unassailable lead of twelve points to Nil. However, the revival started late on in the game. A good scrum pushed Chorley off the ball, causing confusion and allowing Bobby Goulding to score in the corner. Stephen Fillingham missed the difficult kick. Minutes later, following constant pressure, Posh Ben 'Grizzly Risley' scored in the corner. Fillingham converted with an excellent kick from the touchline to level the scores. Further pressure saw several Chorley players go down ‘injured’ which ate up the time to the final whistle.

Other results

Miller Homes League Div 2
Wigan 2nd's 24 Warrington 2nd's 26

Miller Homes League Div 5N

Wigan 4th walkover Preston Grasshoppers 7th

Miller Homes Div 5W
Wigan 3rd's 19 Christleton 17

Wigan 34 Widnes 13

Wigan took advantage of the forced inactivity of their closest
rivals, Burnage and Hoylake, in South Lancashire/Cheshire One to
pull clear in 2nd place with a comprehensive triumph over Widnes
at Douglas Valley. The visitors got off to the best possible
start with a long range penalty in the 1st minute but had few
opportunities to extend this lead thereafter. Wigan's domination
of the set piece was reflected territorially and it wasn't long
before Andy Whittle levelled the scores.

Widnes had a man dismissed for stamping and this gave further
impetus to the Wigan offensive. Mike Milward pounced on a loose
ball over line for the first try as Widnes failed to clear from
a 5 metre scrum.Whittle's conversion gave the home side a 10-3
lead and it was the outside half who created the second
touchdown, his cut out pass putting skipper Mike Rigby through a
gap.

Still a man dpown Widnes came back and their adventure was
rewarded when they took advantage of some indifferent Wigan
defence with a try in the corner.

The revival was short lived as Mike Rigby broke through to
before sending Phil Carter scrambling over, Whittle adding the
conversion.

The centre was on hand again powering through the Widnes defence
from a scrum to cross for his second.

Widnes refused to capitulate and came back with a second try
before Wigan claimed their 5th in the final minute. Again Carter
was involved, straightening the line before releasing Pat
Gallagher in space, the winger outpacing the defence to claim a
well deserved try which capped an impressive performance on his
return to the side.

Aspull 0 Old Brodleians 28

Aspull were knocked out of the EDF Energy Senior Vase after
going down at home 28-0 to Yorkshire One side Old Brodleians

The visitors, who have won all of their 16 matches this season
to top the league, clearly showed why they are tipped for
promotion.

Aspull started slowly and paid the price as the Yorkshire outfit
raced into an 11-0 lead from a try and two penalties.

In the second half Aspull again came off second best and had no
answer to the power and pace of the opposition who added a
further 17 unanswered points to run out worthy winners.

Oldershaw 12 Orrell Anvils 16

A try in the final minute of injury time and the Orrell revival
continues with a 16-12 win away at Oldershaw, a result that has
moved then up to third place in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two
just five points behind league leaders Dukinfield.

With Orrell down to fourteen men after David Waine had been
dispatched to the sin bin in the first half the home side took
full advantage and crossed for two tries with a conversion
affording them a 12-0 lead. Back to strength Orrell came into
the game in the closing stages of the half, a oenalty from
Andrew Kelly making it 12-3 at the break.

Orrell had much the better of the second half with some
outstanding defence keeping the opposition pinned into their own
half. With the Orrell pack beginning to take control of the set
an attacking scrium and swift handing across the lihne created a
try for newcomer John Ireland.

Further pressure forced a penalty to make it a one point game
before Ireland took advantage of goos line out bal and again
slick handling to slide in for the 'winner'.

Leigh 17 Chester 17

Leigh may have only drawn 17-17 at home to Chester but this
was a great result for the club against the second place side in
North2West and shows just how far the Round Ash Park side have
come since they began their campaign at the beginning of the
season. They are now in eighth spot and six points clear of the
next placed club, well out of the relegation zone.

Leigh took the early lead with a try from colt Tom Forshaw, the
winger the beneficiary of ball off the top of a line out and a
neat pass out of the tackle from centre Steven Lee. Paul Wilcock
added the conversion and it was Forshaw again who brought up the
second off a break from the base of a ruck by scrum half Dave
Wood to give his side a 12-0 lead.

Chester responded and after some sustained pressure hit back
with a converted try to make it 12-7 at the break.

Chester had the better of the opening session of the second half
and with Leigh finding it difficult to contain a series of
concerted attacks the visitors took the lead with a second
converted try and a penalty.

Five points adrift points and into the final quarter Leigh threw
everything at the opposition. Their tenacity paid off as a kick
through by Anthony Bentham created good attacking position and
from a line out Forshaw nipped in for his hattrick following up
a chip over by Neil Donlan.

Chester powered back in the final twelve minutes but magnificent
defence from the home side kept the line intact.

Tyldesley 6 Northwich 20

Tyldesley's season is turning into a real 'nightmare'. Still to
record a win and going down 6-20 at home to Northwich, a game
they had targetted as a 'must win' fixture.

"It's back to the drawing board yet again," said head coach Alan
Higson but as the season reaches its half way point it is
difficult to see the St.George's Park club avoiding relegation.

The home side were still in touch with the Cheshire side at the
break just 15-6 behind, two penalties from Alan Glassy to a
penalty plus two tries and a conversion by the opposition.

Tyldesley imporved in the seond half but despite some good work
by No8 Craig Pullman and replacement open side Michael Kubick
they were unable to fashion a break through a solid Northwich
defence.

In the final quarter the visitors mounted an attack and crossed
for a third try giving, on Tyldesley's second half performance,
a rather flattering points margin.

Oldershaw 12 Orrell Anvils 16

A try in the final minute of injury time and the Orrell revival
continues with a 16-12 win away at Oldershaw, a result that has
moved then up to third place in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two
just five points behind league leaders Dukinfield.

With Orrell down to fourteen men after David Waine had been
dispatched to the sin bin in the first half the home side took
full advantage and crossed for two tries with a conversion
affording them a 12-0 lead. Back to strength Orrell came into
the game in the closing stages of the half, a oenalty from
Andrew Kelly making it 12-3 at the break.

Orrell had much the better of the second half with some
outstanding defence keeping the opposition pinned into their own
half. With the Orrell pack beginning to take control of the set
an attacking scrium and swift handing across the lihne created a
try for newcomer John Ireland.

Further pressure forced a penalty to make it a one point game
before Ireland took advantage of goos line out bal and again
slick handling to slide in for the 'winner'.

Wigan 3 Sandal 8

EDF Energy Senior Vase
Saturday December 8th 07

With both Tyldesley's Lancashire Cup game at home to Oldham
postponed due a prior commitment by the east Lancashire club and
Aspull's Senior Vase tie against Old Brodleians called off due
to a waterlogged pitch the only action in the area was the
Senior Vase tie at Douglas Valley between Wigan and Sandal which
the home side lost 3-8
With the weather very much in charge Wigan paid the price for
not taking advantage of their early dominance. Key to the
visitor's success was discipline as they rigidly adhered to the
game plan, particularly in the final quarter when Wigan were
chasing the game.
Once again the Wigan pack was outstanding and provided good
lineout possession through Nick Simm and Peter Rigby to set up a
series of driving mauls which provided them with two of their
best chances in the opening period. The first coming from a
penalty which was naively kicked away, and the second resulting
in a penalty to Sandal as some needless grappling curtailed a
drive destined for the line. Further infringements saw a Wigan
man despatched to the bin and in his absence Sandal opened the
scoring with a try from a driving maul.
Late in the half outside half Andy Whittle intercepted and put
Dave Carter away but the opportunity was lost as Sandal
scrambled back in defence.
Facing the elements Wigan carried the game to Sandal,
particularly through Danny Barker, Mike Milward, Mike Rigby and
Roy Caine. This gave them a foothold in Sandal's half rewarded with a
penalty from Andy Whittle.
Further efforts to break out came to nothing as Sandal pegged
Wigan back with some accurate kicking for touch and extended
their lead with a penalty to close out the game.
Though the result was a disappointment Wigan came out of the
game with great credit and demonstrated that they can compete
with the best teams at this level. Sandal now look to be the
North's strongest challengers in the competition which
culminates in a Twickenham final.

Wigan 2nds 28 Waterloo 3rds 5
Halbro Trophy
Saturday December 8th 07
aWigan's 2nd team moved into the quarter finals of the halbro Trophy with a convincing four try win over Waterloo on a rain-soaked pitch at Douglas Valley.
Despite the appalling conditions both sides dished up some enterprising rugby, but it was half back dominance from excellent scrum half Stuart Carter and shrewd kicking from stand off Steve Kelly that made the difference. Wigan's forwards were dominant in the loose and delivered sufficient good ball to enable Wigan to pin the visitors back in their one half for long periods of the game.
Wigan's tries were scored by Anthony Unsworth, Kilian Wallace, Wayne Bullough, and with a 100 per cent conversion record by Wigan centre Paul Bullough.

Wirral 11 Wigan 10

South Lancs & Cheshire 1

December 1 07

Wigan were forced to surrender their 10 match unbeaten run in
controversial circumstances as they were pipped by a late Wirral
penalty at the Memorial Ground.

The Wigan pack took control from the kick off with Matt Tonks
crossing for a try under the posts. Andy Whittle's conversion
appeared to have scraped the bar but with the touch judges
uncertain the referee did not allow it.

Wirral hit a penalty to narrow the margin but Wigan again poured
forward and although 'tries' by Danny Barker and Mike Rigby were
disallowed as the referee was unsighted Barker was not to be
denied, darting over from close range following a driving maul.

Wigan again dominated the third quarter but were unable to
increase the margin but some poor kicking  handed the initiative
to the home side and attacking from deep crossed for a try in
the corner.

With 10 minutes remaining, Wigan fell foul of the referee and,
despite winning good possession, could not escape their own
territory allowing Wirral to sneak the win with a penalty in the
final minute.

Aspull 11 Bowdon 17

South Lancs & Cheshire 1

December 1 07

In SLC1 not for the first time this season Aspull suffered
another defeat in a game they should have won. The pack took
control from the start  with Jake Gard going over for his first
try for Aspull from a catch and drive in the line out.

Bowdon hit back and took the lead with a converted try before
Marc Kellet kicked a penalty to regain the lead for the home
side, 8-7 at the break.

Bowdon crossed for a try early in the second half  but despite
Aspull's  pack continuing  to dominate at both the set piece
and making some excellent metres through  driving mauls, their
only reward was a penalty from Kellett.

In the closing stages Aspull pushed for the victory but after
several chances had gone begging a pass was intercepted and
Bowdon scored to seal the game.

Warrington 11 Orrell Anvils 18
South Lancs & Cheshire 2

December 1 07

Fifteen points from outside half Neil Liptrot proved the
difference as Orrell Anvils came away from third place
Warrington with a well deserved  18-11 victory in SLC2

Orrell took an early lead with a penalty from Mark Hewlett and
with the pack in control throughout the game and defence
excellent they were never to fall behind again.

A neat kick through by Liptrot collected by the outside half
brought up the first try. Warrington came back strongly but
despite some great defence by Orrell the line was eventually
breeched allowing the home side to draw level for a second time
with a try wide out.

Pressure by the Orrell pack in the closing minutes of the half
created the opportunity take the lead again, Liptrot successful
with the penalty.

Warrington were first on the attack after the interval but an
interception by Liptrot, who also added the conversion was the
turning point with Orrell now two scores ahead.

A penalty by Warrington closed the gap to a single score but
again a  superb defensive effort in the closing minutes as the
homeside fought to come back was enough to secure the points.

Northwich 17  Leigh 32
North 2 West

December 1 07

Make no mistake Leigh have certainly arrived in North2West after
a tremendous 17-32 win away at Nothwich.

This was not just about points on the board but Leigh played
with the same style and panache  that won promotion last season
and should give them sufficient confidence to power on for the
rest of the season. The hardest season in any league is the
first and after a hesitant start the Round Ash Park side are
well on their way.

A try by Paul Wilcock on the back of a break by David Wood
opened the scoring. The fullback added the conversion and from a
neat one two with winger  Forshaw went over for the second from
40 metres out. Wilcock slotted a penalty and with the pack
working good position Steve Peacock knocked over a drop goal to
give Leigh an 18-3 lead at the break.

A break by Anthony Bentham set up a try for Simon Barton early
in the second half converted by Wilcock who brought up his
hattrick slicing through a bemused defence from deep within his
own half again adding the extras.

32-3 ahead and with the 'foot off the pedal' Leigh allowed the
opposition to run in two late converted tries to add a
respectabilty the scoreline did not deserve.

Tyldesley 21 Stockport 40

North 2 West

December 1 07

Tyldesley may have lost this North2West encounter at home to
Stockport 21-40 but this was probably their best performance of
the season so far and has given some small hope to the
beleaguered club languishing at the foot of the table.

The home side held a 14-0 lead with tries from No 8 Craig
Pullman going over from a catch and drive and Andy Dickison
crashing over after a drive by the pack had sucked in the fringe
defenders, both converted by Alan Glassey.

Unfortunately Stockport came back in the final ten minutes of
the half to run in three converted tries to take a 21-14 lead in
at the interval

Two tries  early in the second period plus one conversion left
Tyldesley chasing a 33-14 lead but a second try for Pullman,
again from a catch and drive converted by Glassey brought them
back into the game until in time added on Stockport crossed
again for a converted try.

Wigan 52 Anselmians 0

Wigan took the opportunity to give their points difference a
boost as they swamped struggling Anselmians with 8 tries at a
gloomy Douglas Valley.
Immediately from the kick off Wigan made their intentions known
as Matt Tonks strode through the visitors defence from his own
'22' only to be hauled down a metre short of the line. Though
that chance went begging the break soon came when Bob Carter
charged to the posts with further tries coming at regular
intervals from Mike Rigby, Mike Milward, Sam Gee and Peter Rigby
with playmaker Andy Whittle adding 4 conversions.
The carnage continued after the break as Mike Milward got over
again before Jimmy Brown rounded off a break by Gareth Pierce.
Anselmians staged a mini revival and camped in the Wigan 22 for
some time before Matt Tonks broke away and scored under the
posts. Andy Whittle hit 2 further conversions from 3 attempts
during the half.
The result takes Wigan above Burnage into 2nd place in SLC1 on a
slender points advantage.

Burnage 19  Aspull 10
In SLC1 Aspull went down 19-10 away at Burnage. the home side
were first on the board with a try to take a 5-0 lead. A drop
goal increased the advantage but as Aspull came into the game on
the back of some good work by Pete Jackson creating  space for
the backs to spread the ball wide, an excellent long pass by
Martyn Greaves put Marc Kellet clear for a 20m gallop to the line
for a try in the corner to make it 8-5 at the break
In the second half Burnage again started the stronger and forced
their way over from a driving maul, and further pressure added a
penalty. 
Aspull brought on the experienced prop Steve Bailey to steady
the scrums, and with 10 mins remaining a break by Johnny Linekar
set up good field position for prop Hughie Bloor to crash over.
Now within a score Aspull upped the tempo but good defence kept
them out with a further penalty increasing Burnage's the lead.
Johnny Linekar had a good game, Martin Greaves tackled well and
Pete Jackson once again was the outstanding forward.

Orrell Anvils 11  Ormskirk 5
In SLC2 Orrell Anvils beat local rivals Ormskirk 11-5 in a close
and hard fought game at St.John Rigby.With both sides having
difficulty coping with the dreadful conditions there were plenty
of mistakes but a powerful run by winger Gary Nicholson gave
Orrell a 5-0 lead with a try wide out. Orrell should have
powered on from their but were unable to put chances away and
paid the price as Ormskirk levelled matters with a try just
before half time.
Despite the advantage of the wind Orrell struggled for
possession in the second half but with defence solid Ormskirk
were unable to take advantage. Andrew Kelly and veteran Jeff
Huxley were the pick of the pack with Huxley expert at playing
the elements to close the game down.
What possession Orrell had was kicked deep into the opposition
half to put pressure on Ormskirk within their own '22'. The
tactic paid off as two penalties from Steve Taberner swung the
game in the home side's favour.

Leigh 27  Tyldesley 10
Leigh shook off the disappointment of last week's cup exit with
a resounding 27-10 win over bottom of North2West Tyldesley at
Round Ash Park.
Tyldesley took the early points with a penalty from Shane
Glassey but with the Leigh pack taking control Dennis Bate
picked up the back of a ruck to power his way over for a try to
give his side the lead. A drop goal from Steve Peacock increased
the advantage with a try by Ian Wood, the hooker the recipient
of a sublime pass from prop Gustavo Marandi after Simon Barton
had set up the ruck. Paul Wilcock added the conversion to gave
Leigh a 15-3 lead at the break.
From a catch and drive taking play 20 metres into the Tyldesley
'22' a great pass from Peacock put Steve Lee over under the
posts for the third, Wilcock again slotting the conversion.
Tyldesley who had been living off scraps of possession refused
to concede and their efforts were justly rewarded when Shane
Edwards burst through centre field  for a try. However the last
act was with Leigh  and after the pack had driven through 18
phases of play Calvin Crompton picked up and forced his way over
to bring up the fourth.   

Widnes 8 Wigan 8
South Lancs & Cheshire Div 1
Saturday November 10th 07

It is a number of years since Wigan went to Widnes, and this game was hardly an advert for a local derby, being a drab encounter. What it would have been like had the referee allowed it to flow more, we shall never know as he awarded 34 penalties, 17 to each side.
Widnes had the better of the first half, although they never really looked like scoring, apart from the one occasion in the 6th minute when Wigan dropped the ball to allow winger Peter Wright to race 45 yards to score an unconverted try and leave Wigan trailing 5-0. The rest of the half was uninspired stuff, and on 32 minutes Stan Mellor kicked a penalty to put Widnes 8-0 up at the break.
The second half saw Wigan take control of the game, attacking for most of the half. Lee Roby, Nick Simm and Peter Rigby continued to control the line outs and Matt Tonks, very much neglected on the wing, came into the game making some good runs. In the 20th minute, Wigan pushed Widnes hard close to the home sideÕs line and as the scrum wheeled, Danny Barker crashed over for a try to put Wigan 8-5 behind. On the hour, Sam Gee was harshly sin binned for an alleged late tackle.
Wigan continued to press but were unable to crack the Widnes defence, and with 8 minutes to go, it was relief all round as stand off Andy Whittle made it 8-8 with a successful penalty kick.
Wigan put everything into the last few minutes but they could not break the Widnes defence so, just as the previous game at home to Vagabonds, the game ended in an 8-8 draw.

Aspull 0 Hoylake 6
South Lancs & Cheshire Div 1
Saturday November 10th 07

A close and tense encounter at Woodshaw Park went the way of visitors Hoylake who beat Aspull 6-0.
Against the wind in the first half Aspull were in control with Pete Jackson outstanding in the pack and Alex Simpson making some good runs. Having held Hoylake to a penalty at the break, Aspull looked to utilise the elements in the second period.
Unfortunately they come up against a rock solid Hoylake defence and were unable to make the necessary break through. As opportunities were missed Hoylake sealed the win with a second penalty.

Orrell Anvils 18 Oldershaw 18
South Lancs & Cheshire Div 2
Saturday November 10th 07

A try in the final seconds by Oldershaw to draw the scores level at 18-18 denied Orrell a deserved win in a highly entertaining Lancashire/Cheshire Two league match at St.John Rigby College.
Oldershaw took an early lead with a try but with Orrell taking control at the set piece two penalties from Andy Kelly put the home side ahead. A try from a rolling maul by Steven Coombs converted by Kelly increased the advantage and with Paul Liptrot and Steve Taberner beginning to probe the visitors defence with some astute kicking, Orrell were well on top. A great break by Liptrot split open the Oldershaw defence and with Adam Benjafield in support the centre cut back on the angle for a try close to the posts to give the home side an 18-5 lead at the break.Into a strong wind in the second half Orrell were force to defend. A penalty for Oldershaw brought them back into the game but with Orrell now having severe problems at the line out the visitors began to exert some pressure. A try with fourteen minutes remaining put them within a score but with time running out it looked as though the home side were going to come away with the points but kicking a penalty into touch when either a tap and go or a scrum would have been the better option handed possession to the visitors who moved up field for the crucial try.

Wigan's 2nd team kept top place in Miller homes Div 2 with a walkover against Oldershaw, Aspull's 2nd team recorded a superb win away at third placed Fylde 17-10 in Div 5N, and Wigan 4ths remain top of that division with their 9th straight win of the season away at Carnforth 34-12. Wigan 3rds beat neighbours Leigh 41-7 in the local derby at Douglas Valley to keep up the pressure in Div 5W.