Many thanks to Mark Ashley of Standish Media Services for his generous sponsorship of the kit.
Photo by Mark Ashley.

Wigan warmed up for next week’s Lancashire Trophy clash at Blackburn with a convincing 21-7 victory over Kirkby Lonsdale who have just been promoted to North West 1.
Dominant from the outset it was the quality of the Wigan back play which impressed with half backs Andy Whittle and Steve Peacock leading by example, the former opening the scoring when he stepped his way through to the posts to touchdown and give himself a simple conversion.
Next it was elusive centre Danny Winrow who scythed through to the line from 20 metres. The Wigan scoring was completed by 2nd row Lee Roby, returning after a long injury break, who took the ball close to the line and stretched over. Whittle added both conversions.
As the game entered its final stages Wigan fully deployed their bench to the detriment of continuity and this allowed Kirkby Lonsdale a late consolation try.
Other positives for Wigan on the day were the performances of hooker Matt Gregory and debutant centre Tom Mason.

Report by Martin Rigby

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Wigan overcame the handicap of two late withdrawals as they triumphed in the 1st round of the Lancashire Trophy at Blackburn.

Playing with a stiff breeze in their favour Wigan soon got on the board when skipper Andy Whittle thumped over a long range penalty in the 2nd minute. Further pressure followed courtesy of some good work in the set piece where Roy Caine and Lee Roby were making a return to competitive action after long absences.

Eventually this told as Caine went on the charge in the Blackburn 22 and from the ensuing ruck Steve Peacock slipped through a gap to touch down beneath the posts. Whittle added the conversion. Wigan had chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalise on the breaks made by elusive full back Danny Winrow and some strong running by 2nd row Alex Austin.

Despite the conditions Wigan went on the offensive early in the 2nd period and were rewarded when a blindside move saw wing Jon Blan chip through to the Blackburn line for Winrow to gather the ball and score.

Blackburn then set about trying to reduce the deficit and pulled back 6 points through a drop goal and penalty in the 3rd quarter. However their handling let them down in the face of some determined Wigan defence. As the game scrappily drew to a close Blackburn did claim an injury time consolation try from a questionable pass but it was too late to make a difference.

Report by Martin Rigby

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Wigan’s opening league game ended in disappointment though they did gain the consolation of a bonus point as they narrowed the margin in the dying minutes.
Territorially Wigan dominated the first half but experienced problems securing set piece possession which allowed Winnington to relieve any pressure which was building. The latter took the lead from a lineout in the 12th minute when their rangy open side strode through some ineffective tackling for a try. Within 5 minutes Wigan turned the tables as a series of pick and drives saw No.8 Wayne Bullough force his way over from 5 metres. Andy Whittle converted and then put Wigan back on the offensive with some accurate kicking. Eventually this paid dividends as burly prop Roy Caine trundled over from a tap penalty despite the attention of several Winnington tacklers. A 3rd try went begging when Chris Lowton was hauled down following a good breakout by Jon Blan and Steve Peacock. Almost on the stroke of half time Winnington narrowed the margin with a penalty.
The 3rd quarter started ominously for Wigan as Alex Austin made a double try saving tackle in the 1st minute. The respite was temporary  as they then conceded 3 tries from driving mauls as the Winnington pack took control. It was only in the final 10 minutes that Wigan managed to retain field position and this led to their 3rd try. Again Wayne Bullough was prominent as he repeatedly carried the ball to Winnington whilst Mike Jones ran elusively from full back. Then, from a well judged grubber by Andy Whittle, centre Danny Winrow raced through to touch down. Unfortunately it was too little too late and Wigan had to settle for the bonus point.

Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

Photography: by Bill Speakman

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Photography: by Bill Speakman

Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Photography: by Bill Speakman

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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Report: by Martin Rigby

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