Aspull too strong for Wigan to gain local bragging rights
Wigan welcomed Aspull to Douglas Valley in the Brian Leigh Lancashire Trophy on a mild, dry September afternoon, conditions that seemed made for open rugby.
Before kick-off, both sides and supporters observed a minute’s applause in memory of Dave Makin. The rugby that followed, however, belonged emphatically to the visitors.
Aspull struck inside the opening minute, a knock-on from the kick-off handing the visitors a scrum deep in Wigan territory, and from the recycled ball, Aspull worked it wide for an unconverted try.
Wigan’s attempts to clear their lines were repeatedly stalled by indiscipline. One such penalty offered an easy exit, and from the ensuing play, Aspull created an overlap on the left, their winger racing clear from 60 metres to make it 12-0.
Sustained pressure brought a third. After being held up close, Aspull retained possession and forced their way over, converted for 19-0.
Just after the half-hour, their full-back stepped inside a string of tackles on the 22 and scored beneath the posts, 26-0 at half-time.
Wigan did find moments to rally. Early in the second half, good work from Harry Barker and George Lowe released Joss Parker down the right, and his pass put Tom Lowe in at the corner.
Later, Parker added a try via a quick tap five metres out, converted by Greg Brown. But Aspull’s control never seriously wavered, and their full-back added two more well-taken scores, including one break from deep, finished smartly under the posts to clinch a 40-12 triumph.
For Wigan, there were lessons in game management and discipline, but also reminders of what they can produce when they keep the ball and play with tempo.