Wigton

Furness

Rugby

Furness Rugby Union Football Club

Founded 1902

Saturday 3rd April

Furness 0 Wigton 73

Steve’s Match Report

It was obvious, even before the kick-off, that Wigton were not going to let Furness get as close as their earlier encounter as they looked like a team who meant business.

So it was to be as Furness suffered their heaviest defeat for many seasons as Wigton not only took the points but with it the North Lancs/Cumbria league title. Wigton were all-round too strong for a depleted Furness team who were out of the game as soon as the 10th minute when Wigton ran in their 3rd try.

Darren Holt took to the bench however was soon called into the fray when, in keeping with Furness’s season so far, centre Matt Nodden pulled up after the game was only few minutes old and left the field. Holt tried in vain to put some punch back into the game and bring his team around but the fly-half was clearly still suffering from an arm injury and was not able to influence proceedings.

Wigton were undaunted and reached the break in clear water at 40-0 and the championship in their pocket. Furness never gave up and tried hard, Phil Brockbank and Corne Els tackled ferociously and debutant Adam Pearce not only kept the scrum steady but the big prop gave his all in the loose. Winger Matty Studt ran well and was joined by his brother Rhys in the second half for the first time in the senior side. Rich Nolan, Chris Dalton and Craig Maclean all put in some big tackles but Wigton were too strong and always found men in support. Nick Beach took them on but all of Furness’s efforts came to nothing as Wigton wee solid in defence and quick in attack.

Furness also found Wigton scrum half Tane Manihera in form and the ex Barrow RL player only missed two conversions all afternoon with a very respectable return of 9 from 11. Holt will want his Furness team to take heart from the defeat and will encourage his squad to emulate the Wigton ethic next season.

No disgrace then for the blues who will hope to have a few more players off the treatment table for the visit of Heaton Moor to the Strawberry Grounds next week. Yet again another tough encounter in this very tough league.