Report: Roy Knowles
Wigan opened the season with Rossendale the visitors for the first time in 6 years in the first round of the Lancashire Trophy. Wigan had Chris Blan at prop and Jon Hogarth at centre, both making their debuts.
Wigan soon found themselves up against a big, fast moving side but Rossendale soon realized that they were up against a very hard tackling side in Wigan.
Wigan opened well, winning good ball particularly in the line outs where Dave Carter, aided by Peter Rigby and Cois de Lange, were winning lots of good ball.
As is often the case, the side battling for possession often break the laws and Rossendale were penalized very heavily. For the first 20 minutes Rossendale found themselves in their own half of the field.
In the 20th minute Wigan won the ball, immediately lost it and the Rossendale backs moved 60 yards at speed to score through Danny Collins. James Hilliard converted and much against the run of play Wigan trailed 0-7.
Ian Arnold came off the bench, and out of retirement, to replace Chris Blan, and with only minutes to half time, Andy Whittle reduced the visitors' lead with a penalty to 3-7.
Rossendale began the second half well. Winning more ball they attacked Wigan. Danny Winrow fielded a difficult kick, kicked to the Rossendale line but was just short. Wigan received a penalty and Andy Whittle kicked a magnificent goal from 40 metres out. This put the score at 6-7. Jim Brown made a try scoring tackle, and Wigan were faced with a five yard scrum. Nick Wilkinson replaced Andy Reay in Wigan's front row as Wigan won the scrum and cleared the danger.
In the 20th minute, Mike Rigby crashed over from a scrum and with the conversion from Whittle, Wigan led for the first time at 13 -7. But in the 23rd minute, a missed tackle and some swift handling by the Rossendale backs put Simon Entwistle in for a try, reducing Wigan's lead to 13-12.
Then with just 6 minutes left to play, Wigan lost the ball and quick passing put winger Setareki Kolinisau in for a try. With the conversion by Shaun Stirrup, Wigan looked down and out trailing 13-19.
But the spirit was strong, and as the game went into stoppage time, replacement Sam Gee went through a gap to score. The goal kick, wide out, must have put Andy Whittle under extreme pressure, but he kicked it and Wigan were home 20-19.
Next week Wigan begin their league programme with a local derby at home to Aspull, who have not visited Douglas Valley for a number of years.

Manager's View: Martin Rigby
A last gasp effort by late replacement Sam Gee followed by a conversion from
unflappable Andy Whittle allowed Wigan to progress to the 2nd round of the
Lancashire Trophy at the expense of an adventurous Rossendale outfit, who
showed commitment to open rugby, and counter-attacked at every opportunity.
Wigan started well and pressed for the first quarter but were undone by a
series of unforced errors and some frailty in the set scrums. Then disaster
struck as Rossendale broke out against the run of play and supported well to
open the scoring with a try which was subsequently converted. Wigan replied
with a Whittle penalty before half time.
Whittle further reduced the arrears with a similar effort early in the
second period before No.8 Mike Rigby picked up from a scrum 10 metres out,
shrugged off the would be defenders, and battled his way to the line.
Whittle converted. However, indecision at the restart gave Rossendale the
initiative and poor tackling let them in for their second try which reduced
Wiganâs lead to 1 point.
Sensing that the game could be theirs Rossendale surged forward and took
advantage of defensive disorganisation to cross for a third time. The
conversion left the score at 12-19 with 5 minutes remaining and Wigan's
proud home record, which had endured for 12 months, was slipping into
history.
By this time Wigan had introduced veteran props Ian Arnold and Nick
Wilkinson and these two brought their weight and experience to bear in the
closing stages. Rossendale were pinned in their own 22 where they struggled
to clear the ball from the scrum. The pressure forced a penalty and the ball
flashed across to Gee whose strength took him over. Young Whittle then kept
his nerve and slotted over the conversion to give Wigan an unlikely,but not
undeserved, victory much to the relief of the Douglas Valley faithful.

By Roy Knowles
This was Wigan's first league win, it was most emphatic and the result of very hard preparation. It would be difficult to pick a man of the match - Sam Gee with 4 tries, Danny Barker for a non-stop display and the backs generally for their running and handling at speed.
But one must not overlook the Wigan pack. They provided the platform with a good supply of ball. They drove forward rucking and mauling well and all in all they all had good games.
Danny Barker opened the scoring. Mike Rigby kicked well to put Wigan attacking, Peter Rigby drove forward with a powerful burst and Danny Barker followed him to score. Andy Whittle added the goal and Wigan were 7-0 up after 2 minutes. Then Sam Gee was well served, dummied and went through a gap to score. Whittle added the goal and Wigan were 14-0 up after 8 minutes. Ruskin Park had a period of attacking. but found the Wigan defence solid. Danny Barker kicked well and Sam Gee ran well to put Tom Wood in and Wigan were 19-0 up.
Four minutes later the backs spread the ball and Sam Gee went 40 yards for his second try. Whittle goaled to put Wigan 26-0 up. With 3 minutes to half time, Peter Rigby again made a powerful drive and Danny Barker was on hand to finish off. Whittle goaled and Wigan changed round 33-0 up.
The second half began with Wigan attacking. Danny Winrow was over but had put a foot in touch. Wigan were awarded a penalty near Ruskin's line. They tapped and set up a maul from which Mike Milward scored. With the goal, Wigan led 40-0. Two minutes later the backs moved at speed and full back Jim Brown was in. Whittle goaled and the score was 47-0. In the 65th minute Sam Gee made it a that trick of tries, Whittle just missing the conversion, and Wigan were 52-0 up. Then substitutewinger Aaron Markar hacked a loose ball going forward, won the race and scored his debut try for the club. Sam Gee scored his 4th and finished it all for Wigan to win 62- 0. A devastating attacking display that will settle the early season nerves and build confidence ahead of the tough trip to Sale next week.

Manager's View...
Wigan opened their league account in style with a 10 try demolition of last season's promotion rivals, Ruskin Park. The visitors, having previously set the standard in SLC2, have been hit hard by defections and were unable to reproduce the direct attacking style which had served them so well.
14 points up after 7 minutes and 33 to the good at half time the Wigan backs thrived on the forwards' domination of set piece possession. Props Andy Reay and Roy Caine caused Ruskin Park some discomfort in the scrums whilst Nick Simm and Peter Rigby ruled the lineout. Sam Gee was the pick of the backs as his speed and strength saw him over for four tries whilst Danny Barker backed up well for two. The other tries came from Mike Milward, Jim Brown, Tom Wood and lively debutant Aaron Markar. The scoring was completed by stand off Andy Whittle, who hit 6 conversions and sensibly dictated the play throughout.
Though outclassed and frequently overwhelmed Ruskin Park refused to capitulate and fought gamely to the death to prevent the margin from being exaggerated by a late points rush. Having overcome their early season jitters, Wigan now look forward to a testing fixture against Sale at Heywood Road.

Report: Roy Knowles

Wigan won their second game of the season with an outstanding performance at Sale. 
The Wigan forwards again had a great afternoon, controlling the set scrums and completely on top in the line outs, where Cois de Lange, Nick Simm and Peter Rigby were all outstanding.  Props Andy Reay and Roy Caine were very powerful in the set scrums, and the Wigan back row with Simm, Milward and Peter Rigby were very prominent.
Sale went on the attack from the start but found the Wigan defence very strong. 
Tom Bullough put Sale ahead with an easy penalty, and Simon Ward had to retire injured.  He was replaced by Jon Hogarth, and in the 25th minute centre Sam Gee made a good break and put Hogarth in for a try.  Andy Whittle improved and Wigan led 7-3.
 Wigan continued to attack, and  with three minutes to half time, full back Phil Carter found a good touch, Nick Simm won good line out ball which was quickly spun out to John Hogarth, who went on a  30 yard run, and the Wigan forwards handled well to let skipper Cois de Lange finish powerfully to put Wigan in a comfortable half time lead 12-3.
 After 49 minutes  Wigan were penalized and Bullough reduced Wiganâs lead to 12-6.  Danny Barker, having another powerful game, went 20 yards but finished just short of the Sale line.  On 60 minutes, Whittle kicked a penalty and Wigan's leading margin was restored at 15-6.
With 3 left on the clock, Wigan set up a driving maul 10 yards from the home sideâs line, and flanker Mike Milward scored to put Wigan as good as home 20-6.
 In the third minute of stoppage time, a kick over the Wigan line saw Sale win the race to touch down and score a rather dubious try which was not converted, and the game finished at 20 -11.
Wigan are at home to Hoylake next week - KO 3 pm.

Manager's View by Martin Rigby
Wigan’s improved form continued at Heywood Road where team spirit and determination secured a more comfortable win than the scoreline would suggest. Strong contenders for promotion, Sale made all the early running, but were restricted to a single penalty as fanatical defence kept the Wigan line intact.
 Then a series of fine touchfinders from stand off Andy Whittle and full back Phil Carter turned the tide and put Wigan on the offensive. Centre Sam Gee was proving difficult to contain and from one of his breaks replacement centre Jon Hogarth battled over near the corner. Whittle hit an excellent conversion from the touchline.
 As Sale reeled under pressure from the youthful Wigan pack, five of whom were 21 or below , a drive to the posts was halted and the ball flashed across to skipper Cois DeLange who was loitering with intent in the centre. Sale were powerless to stop the charge of the South African 2nd row as his try gave Wigan a 12-3 advantage at the break.
Both sides exchanged penalties early in the third quarter before Wigan adopted a low risk strategy which kept Sale pinned in their own half for long periods. Danny Barker, Tom Wilson, Mike Rigby and Mike Milward were all prominent around the ruck and it was no surprise when the latter capped a fine all round performance as he dived over from a driving maul.
As the clock ran down Sale mounted a final challenge and were given some consolation with a dubious try as the ball was grounded close to the dead ball line from a grubber kick. However it was too little too late as Wigan ran out deserved winners on the day.

Report: Roy Knowles

For their league game against Hoylake at Douglas Valley, Wigan had experienced prop Ian Arnold in the front row and Gareth Pearce making his debut at centre. Gareth had a good game and was chosen as Man of the Match.
Wigan looked stronger from the start, winning good ball in the line outs where Nick Simm was outstanding, rucking well and on top in the set scrums. Once again the Wigan back row, Tom Wilson, Mike Milward and Peter Rigby, were outstanding both in attack and defence. After 6 minutes, Tom Wood stole the ball in a hard tackle and went 40 yards to line for a try. Andy Whittle added the goal and Wigan led 7-0. Ten minutes later, Wigan won a line out and Peter Rigby made space on the blind side of the ruck to send Danny Winrow on a strong run to line to put Wigan 12-0 up. Steve Young kicked a penalty to reduce Wigan's lead to 12-3.
Then with 10 minutes to half time, Andy Whittle, with a near side step and dummy, went 25 yards to score and put Wigan 17-3 up at half time. The second half opened with Hoylake very much on top and putting pressure on Wigan. Young reduced Wigan's lead with a penalty and in the 48th minute, Dominic Kearny scored to put Wigan in front by just 17-11.
After 68 minutes Peter Rigby kicked through for Danny Winrow, the winger made a superb pick up to score a grand try and Wigan looked more comfortable at 24-11 after Whittle's conversion. Young added another penalty and then John Fisher scored to give Wigan a worried look at 24-19. But two minutes later, Sam Gee ran onto a great pass from Gareth Pearce to score and put Wigan 29-19 up. With 3 minutes left, Sam Gee broke free and sent Mike Milward over for a try which Whittle converted to give Wigan a comfortable win 36-19.
Wigan are away in the Senior Vase next week to Didsbury Toc H. KO 3 pm.

Didsbury Toc H 19 Wigan 31
EDF Energy Senior Vase R2
Saturday October 13 07
Report: Roy Knowles

WIGAN'S visit to Cheshire for the second round of the EDF Senior Vase saw them travel without captain Cois de Lange but otherwise at full strength.
The Wigan pack was again on top form keeping the ball away from the fast and dangerous home side's backs. Wigan's second row of Nick Simm and Lee Roby, who was playing for thefirst time after injury, were very much in charge of the line outs. Wigan's first real chance came in the 6th minute when Danny Winrow gathered a loose ball, but was surprisingly caught from behind. Then in the 12th minute Wigan's pressure set up a maul and from 5 yards Mike Milward crashed over for a try. Andy Whittle landed the goal from the touchline and Wigan led 7- 0. Four minutes later, the pack again won good ball and the backs sent winger Tom Wood in for a good try. Another great conversion from Andy Whittle and Wigan were 14-0 up.
Whittle added a penalty to make it 17-0, but the Toc H backs handled well to send winger Dave Hoar in at the corner. Peter Davies added the goal and Wigan's lead was cut to 17- 7.
Four minutes from half time, with Mike Milward receiving attention off the field, Wigan's pack pressured the home side and from the maul lock Nick Simm crashed over for a try, which Whittle converted to put Wigan 24-7 in front at half time. The second half was less inspired: on 46 minutes Wigan won a scrum against the head and from the ruck Danny Barker went over for an easy try on the blind side. Whittle continued with his magnificent goal kicking to put Wigan 31-7 up. After this the game became somewhat scrappy as Toc H competed well at the breakdown and disrupted Wigan's rhythm.
On 65 minutes the home backs handled well and put Hoar in for his second, then with 1 minute remaining, Phil Cooper scored for Didsbury to make the final score a more respectable 31-19. On Saturday Wigan return to league action with a visit to unbeaten league leaders Burnage.

Report: Roy Knowles
Wigan were still below full strength as they welcomed Bowdon to Douglas Valley, with Danny Barker, Nick Simm, Sam Gee, Cois de Lange and Simon Ward all unavailable.
The good news however was that Wigan welcomed the return of flanker Dave Carter into the back row after his sojourn at Preston GH. Andy Whittle moved to scrum half ,with Danny Winrow at stand off and Nick Dando at centre.
Bowdon, who are lying bottom at the moment, were soon under pressure as the Wigan pack pushed them all over the field. The front row of Reay, Rigby and Caine was solid, Peter Rigby and Lee Roby were in almost complete charge in the line outs and the back row was all over the field.
However, in the 5th minute Bowdon pounced on a loose ball and broke away down the left. A try looked certain, but Man of the Match Matt Tonks covered from the other wing to make a tremendous try saving tackle.
After 7 minutes Wigan pressure told, and the pack mauled 20 yards before Mike Milward scored to put Wigan 5 -0 up, the conversion missed.
A few minutes later Matt Tonks kicked a 45 yard penalty to put Wigan 8 -0 up, and after 20 minutes Danny Winrow swooped onto a loose ball to make a superb pick up. The backs moved the ball swiftly, and centre Gareth Pierce scored. Tonks added the goal and Wigan led 15 -0, which was the score at half time.
The visitors showed more fight in the 2nd half as they put Wigan under considerable pressure but the Wigan defence was solid as it kept out the visitors.
In the 56th minute, it looked like the visitors must score on the left, but a superb tackle in the corner by Winrow held the man up to prevent him grounding the ball.
With 12 minutes to go, Tonks added another penalty to put Wigan 18 - 0 up. Jim Brown made a great run from defence to clear Wigan's line, and with 8 minutes remaining the pack won a scrum against the head. They drove the ball to the line, sent the ball wide and Matt Tonks crashed over to score, adding the goal to put Wigan 25-0 up.
A good win, which keeps Wigan in contention in 3rd place.

Manager's View...
Wigan kept up the pressure at the top of SLC1 with an ultimately comfortable, but hard earned, victory over lowly Bowdon at Douglas Valley. Once again the Wigan pack signalled their intention to dominate the set piece from the outset and this brought the opening score. Lee Roby cleanly won a lineout on the Bowdon 22 and the pack drove the full distance to the line giving Mike Milward a simple touchdown.
Wigan continued to press but the Bowdon defence stood firm and they eventually had to settle for a well struck Matt Tonks penalty from over 40 metres. As half time approached Wigan secured what was to prove to be the crucial score of the game. Stand off Danny Winrow made a brilliant one handed pick up without breaking stride and sent Nick Dando off down the touchline. He then found fellow centre Gareth Pierce on the inside and he crossed near the posts giving Matt Tonks an easy conversion.
The third quarter proved difficult for Wigan as scrum half Andy Whittle and Nick Dando withdrew with injuries necessitating a reorganisation of the back line. This coincided with Bowdon's best spell of the match and they piled on the pressure in the Wigan 22. During this period Wigan were indebted to their back row defence of Dave Carter, Mike Milward and Peter Rigby and also full back Jim Brown who made 3 try saving tackles.
Having weathered the storm Wigan took play into Bowdon territory and consolidated their advantage with a further Matt Tonks penalty. The centre then completed an eventful afternoon when he strode through the Bowdon defence for the try which sealed the victory and again he converted.

The restart saw Wigan gradually take control before mounting an onslaught in the final quarter. As the scrum settled and Peter Rigby guaranteed lineout possession the backline began to ask questions of the Vagabonds defence. Matt Tonks ran elusively from the wing and got Wigan on the board with a simple penalty but Vagabonds similarly restored their advantage on a rare visit to home territory. Undeterred Wigan pressed forward with Gareth Pierce and Dave Carter prominent. Eventually Vagabonds cracked and Tonks was rewarded for his efforts with a try following fine a touchline run. Though Wigan continued to search for the winning score the Vagabonds defence held firm and both sides had to settle for what was a fair result in a game of two halves.

Roy Knowles reports
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 side's 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.

Manager's View
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.

Report: Roy Knowles

Anselmians, second from bottom of South Lancs and Cheshire Division 1, were Wigan's opponents for the 10th league match of the season. Wigan were fielding a strong team and confidence was high.
Winger Matt Tonks was the first to bring the crowd to life, with a powerful 50 yards run through the middle straight from the kick-off only to be stopped about a yard short. Then in the 8th minute, Wigan handled well and David Carter crashed over for a good try. Andy Whittle added the goal and Wigan led 7-0.
Right winger Danny Winrow kicked through, made a superb pick up, but he too was stopped just short of the visitors' line. Immediately after that chance, Wigan were on the attack again and Andy Whittle made a good break, with skipper Mike Rigby in support to score. Whittle converted and Wigan were 14-0 up.
Five minutes later center Sam Gee kicked and gathered to score a great individual try and Anselmians, looking desperately fragile, were trailing 19-0. Gee broke through some poor tackling again and sent flanker Mike Milward in for a good try which Whittle improved, and things were looking bleak for the visitors at 26-0 down.
Just before half time, Nick Simm won a clean line out, Wigan rucked the ball out well and Peter Rigby crashed over the Anselmians' line from close in for a good try. Whittle goaled and Wigan finished a breathtaking first half 33-0 up.
Nick Simm and Mike Rigby were outstanding in a great pack display in the first period.
Gareth Eves replaced Tom Hampson in the Wigan front row at the start of the seond half, and Anselmians were once again under pressure as Danny Winrow chased a kick, outpaced the defence and gathered the ball cleanly, but again just failed to make the line. After 55 minutes, Mike Milward went in for his second try, unimproved, and Wigan were 38-0 up.
Then Anselmians found another gear and spent a good 15 minutes attacking Wigan's line: only solid well organized defence kept them out. Kilian Wallace replaced Sam Gee on the wing for his first team debut and Peter Rigby, with a bad eye injury, was replaced by Lee Roby.
With the pressure off, Wigan handled well once again to put pressure on the visitors: a handling mistake in defence enabled full back Jim Brown to scoop up the ball and score a good try. Whittle goaled, and Wigan were 45-0 up. But Anselmians heads stayed up, and they once more went in search of a score. A desperate pass on the right went to ground in Wigan's 22 and Matt Tonks was on hand to gather the ball and streak 70 yards for a killer try in the last minute of the game try. Whittle added the goal to make the final score a convincing 52 Ð 0 and cement Wigan's second position in the division.Next week Wigan have a tougher task away at Wirral. KO 2.30 pm.

Manager's View
Wigan took the opportunity to give their points difference a boost as they swamped struggling Anselmians with 8 tries at gloomy Douglas Valley. The writing was on the wall from the first kick off as Matt Tonks strode through the visitors defence from his own 22 only to be hauled down a metre short of the line. Though the chance went begging the break soon came as Bob Carter charged to the posts and further tries then came at regular intervals. These were claimed by 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 then 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 SLC2 by virtue of a slender points advantage. Aspull and Widnes were both defeated and lost ground whilst Hoylake, emerging from the chasing pack, did everyone a favour by beating Wilmslow.

Wigan, held to an 8-8 draw at Widnes just five weeks ago, were fielding a strong side for this return fixture.
It was a cold day at Douglas Valley, but infinitely preferable to the previous Saturday's drowning, with an excellent crowd that consisted of many former players who were sponsoring the game in memory of Mike Higham.
Widnes silenced the vociferous home support early on when Andy O'Neill kicked a penalty in the first minute.However Wigan's pack were quickly on top in all departments and just three minutes later Andy Whittle equalized with a good penalty.
Danny Winrow made a fine run but was put in touch just short of the Widnes line.
Wigan continued to press as the half progressed, but it wasn't until half an hour had gone that flanker Mike Milward crashed over the line from close range, Whittle adding a great goal from wide out to make it 10 ö 3 in Wigan's favour.
Within five minutes Peter Rigby made a powerful run and skipper Mike Rigby was in support to go over for a great try to put Wigan 15 -3 up, Andy Whittle just missing the conversion.
Flanker Peter Rigby then came off injured and was replaced by Tom Wilson as half time approached and the whistle went with Wigan 15-3 in front.
In the 47th minute a Wigan mistake in defence allowed Widnes to score a try and reduce the home side's lead to 15-8.
Inspirational skipper Mike Rigby, having a great game, made another impressive run with ball in hand to give centre Phil Carter a scoring chance which he duly took, Andy Whittle converting and Wigan, in a game that was scrappy at times, were surging ahead 22-8. A few minutes later Phil Carter came up with his second try of the match to put Wigan 27-8 up, the conversion by Whittle just edging wide.
Widnes refused to capitulate, and were back in it when winger Phil Wright scored to put bring the score to 27-13.
In the closing minutes Wigan, under pressure in their own 22 from the visitors, broke out in spectacular fashion in an 80 yard move that saw Pat Gallagher score the try of the game to close out Widnes 34-13 after another Whittle conversion.
Wigan's next league game is on January 5th after a long Christmas break when the squad crosses the Irish Sea for the pilgrimage to the Isle Of Man to play Vagabonds.

Martin Rigby's View...
Wigan took advantage of the forced inactivity of their closest rivals, Burnage and Hoylake, in SLC2 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 up the scores with a penalty of his own.
Widnes then had the misfortune to have a man dismissed for stamping and this gave further impetus to Wigan's offensive.
The first try came when flanker Mike Milward pounced on a loose ball over the Widnes line as they failed to clear from a 5 metre scrum. Whittle's conversion took the score to 10-3. The impish stand off then created the second touchdown when, realising that the Widnes defence were preoccupied with the menacing figure of Roy Caine, his cut out pass put skipper Mike Rigby through a gap to the line.
At 3-15 down at the break, with a man short, and facing a stiff breeze Widnes dug deep and began to throw the ball about. Their adventure was rewarded when they took advantage of some indifferent Wigan defence with a try in the corner. This revival was short lived as Mike Rigby broke through and managed to feed Phil Carter who scrambled over. Whittle converted.
The chunky centre was soon on hand again as he powered through the Widnes defence from a scrum and doubled his try tally. Though 27-8 in arrears the latter still refused to capitulate and came back with a second try before Wigan claimed their 5th in the last minute. Again Carter was involved as he straightened the line and released Pat Gallagher in space. The wing then outpaced the defence to claim a well deserved try which capped an impressive return to the side.

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

Wigan’s hopes of securing a promotion play off took a severe jolt as they failed to take chances and allowed rivals Burnage to take the points from a fiercely competitive contest at Douglas Valley. Playing with a strong breeze behind them Burnage kicked effectively and kept Wigan pinned in their own half for much of the first period. They deservedly took a 10 point lead at the break from a penalty and converted try from a driving maul following a lineout. Wigan’s best efforts came from breaks by Pat Gallagher, Phil Carter and Peter Rigby but all died through lack of support. They were then were guilty of spurning a kickable penalty on the stroke of half time.
After the restart Wigan took the initiative and subjected Burnage to considerable pressure and eventually broke through when Danny Winrow gathered a kick and weaved his way to the line from about 30 metres. Shortly afterwards he broke through again and linked with Phil Carter but the final pass went down with the line begging.
Then the opportunity for a further 3 points was turned down in favour of a scrum but this came to nothing. As time ran down Burnage kept Wigan at bay with some intelligent kicking, the facet of the game which gave them the greatest advantage throughout.
On a disappointing afternoon Wigan could take greatest satisfaction from the performance of their front row in which Chris Lowton made an impressive full debut.

Wigan returned to winning ways on Saturday in a hard fought game away at Hoylake. Unfortunately, they paid a high price for the victory as they lost Andrew Whittle to a broken ankle and Andy ‘the bear’ Reay to a broken thumb.
The game started at quite a pace, with Hoylake taking the initiative and testing the Wigan defence. Wigan were looking a little rusty after a frustrating January in which only two games have been played. However, the defence held firm and repelled what seemed to be the full Hoylake arsenal. Noted for his ability to chase the ‘white thing’, David ‘James’ Carter was ever present at the break down, slowing the ball and making a nuisance of himself.
Following this period of pressure Wigan managed to steady the ship and play the game in the opposition’s half. Good tactical kicking from Whittle and Carter enabled this to happen. During this period Winrow came close with some darting runs down the right wing. With the lineout functioning well, the pressure eventually told. From a 10 metre lineout Wigan set up a rolling maul and  Milward crossed after good control from the pack. Whittle, who kicked well all day, converted from a difficult angle.
As the half progressed, Hoylake’s number ten pressed Wigan back into their own half with some intelligent kicking. After clearing their lines Wigan got a penalty from a kickable distance for handling in the ruck and Whittle converted to bring the to 10-0 at half time. The second half began in a similar way to the first with Hoylake managing to exert some pressure. After a high ball took an unfortunate bounce, the quick reacting Hoylake number ten managed to get to it first and touch down for a converted try. This was shortly followed by a penalty which brought the scores to 10-10. The worry at this point was that a resurgent Hoylake might steal the win in a game which Wigan had controlled quite well in the first half. Fortunately, after a period of pressure in the Hoylake half Milward made a break, offloaded to Matt Tonks who unselfishly fed Mike ‘beefcake’ Rigby who crossed in the corner. Whittle once again added two points with a difficult conversion.
As the second half progressed and Wigan having used all of their substitutes, Whittle fell the awkwardly in a tackle and had to be taken to hospital. This meant that for the last quarter Wigan had to play with fourteen men and at times it was ‘backs against the wall’ rugby. During this period there was a typically spirited defence effort from Wigan and the rampaging Bruce Lloyd once again came off the bench to make an impact. With Wigan disrupting the Hoylake lineout they struggled to build any real pressure and the game drew to a close at 17 –10.
It was good for Wigan to get back to winning ways, especially against a good side like Hoylake. With two serious injuries, the gloss was somewhat taken off the win, but Wigan will look to regroup and come out fighting in a tough test at home to Sale FC next week. (Martin Rigby)

Wigan’s first visit to Bowdon’s new facilities at Clay Lane proved somewhat disastrous as they crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season and saw the casualty list grow with serious injuries to Matt Tonks and Jim Brown.
Though Wigan made an encouraging start and competed well in the set piece all afternoon they were found wanting at the breakdown and allowed Bowdon to turn over a lot of possession. Thus they were on the back foot for much of the first period and Bowdon built a lead through a penalty and two tries from a No8 pick up and an interception.
Just before the interval Tonks left the field with a broken wrist and then Brown with a neck injury sustained in a debatable tackle which went unpunished by the referee. Despite the forced reorganisation Wigan staged a revival and reduced the arrears with a Phil Carter penalty. Danny Barker and Mike Rigby were also prominent but all too often careless handling saw the moves break down.
Recognising the threat Bowdon reasserted their control and pegged Wigan back with some accurate touch finding by stand off Brian Capewell. As frustration surfaced the latter added two penalties and then a conversion when Bowdon pounced on a loose ball from a lineout in the dying minutes.
This defeat realistically ends Wigan’s hopes of a play off spot as rivals Burnage triumphed over Widnes and are now 6 points clear in second place.

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. During this period the Wigan pack monopolised possession and prevented Ruskin from using the elements to such an extent that their line was never under threat.
The running of the forwards in the blind side channel proved particularly profitable and led to the first try when No.8 Peter Rigby broke from a scrum, fed Danny Barker, who then put wing Tony Unsworth over in the corner. Phil Carter then extended the lead with a well struck penalty before converting Mike Milward’s scrambled try under the posts.
A 15 point lead with the wind advantage to come should have seen Wigan build a convincing margin in the second half but this failed to materialise. Ruskin Park took the initiative and demonstrated why they have a sound home record. After a period of sustained pressure they eventually got over wide out but failed to convert.
Any hopes of a revival were quickly squashed as a good chase by Tony 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 though this came far too late to influence the outcome of the game.(Martin Rigby)

High flying Wilmslow were brought down to earth with a bump as their bid to clinch promotion foundered on a rock solid Wigan defence in an absorbing clash at Douglas valley.
Having lost only once in 18 games, and averaging 30 points per outing, they deservedly arrived as favourites but could not have anticipated the examination awaiting them at the hands of the dynamic Wigan pack.From the outset all 8 shared the work and repeatedly carried the ball over the advantage line, forcing Wilmslow to back peddle for much of the first half.
When in possession the latter’s laudable attempts to play open rugby in difficult conditions came to nothing as the Wigan threequarter line denied them time and space. Wigan’s best chance came when centre Gareth Pierce hacked through but was a little unlucky not to gather the ball when a try looked certain.
Thus the half ended pointless.Wigan got off to the best possible start after the break when skipper Mike Rigby broke through the Wilmslow line on the 22 and showed deceptive pace as he charged to the line. Shortly afterwards Phil Carter kept his nerve and added a penalty which dropped in via the post and crossbar. With the deficit at 8 Wilmslow then demonstrated why they have been the pacesetters in SLC1 as they took the initiative and moved forward menacingly.
During this period Wigan were indebted to stand off Danny Winrow, for some fine pressure relieving kicks, and flanker Mike Milward who had some good runs out of defence. Nick Simm and Peter Rigby guaranteed line out ball whilst the two unrelated David Carter’s were prominent in the tackle area.
As the clock ran down Wigan stubbornly refused to allow 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. Wilmslow will have to wait until the end of March to claim their prize at home to Bowdon, a reward that no one at Douglas Valley would deny them following their sporting interjection on behalf of Danny Barker earlier in the season.