Three weeks ago Wigton had given Carlisle a scare before the city side had established authority to record the win. This time, on a crisp and chilly autumn day Wigton did more than cause a scare. For the first time in a number of years they recorded a victory over Carlisle at 1st XV level. Make no mistake, this was a thoroughly deserved triumph over the side that held an unbeaten league record to date this season.

From the off Wigton ran the ball back at Carlisle, a brave tactic they would employ throughout the game to great effect. But it was Carlisle who made the first significant impact after five minutes. From a scrum on half way the ball was moved to centrefield and Jason Israel and Josh Holmes made good carries before the break by Lewis Tingey saw space created for Rhys Callaghan to go over for the try, converted by Israel. If Carlisle expected this to be the start of domination they were to be sorely mistaken. From the restart Wigton forced an error and from the resulting scrum worked a couple of phases blind before some weak tackling saw a line break and the visiting lock went over for the equalising score. Back came Carlisle. A clearance kick by Wigton at the restart and Tingey and Robbie James combined to return it with interest, and following some quick recycling Carlisle exploited the resulting overlap and lock Alfie Batty was on hand to take an inside ball for their second try. Again Wigton responded positively, running the ball back from a Carlisle clearance at the restart they retained possession well enough to earn a penalty and establish themselves in the home sides 22. Carlisle looked to have cleared their lines, but a second lineout on the 22 saw a crossfield field chip over the top and the Wigton winger won the race to score their second try. Fifteen minutes in and 12 apiece.

The game went into a bit of a lull scoring wise with neither side able to dominate the possession. But Carlisle errors were beginning to creep in and Wigton’s ability to recycle well and keep the ball alive allowed them to gradually gain an upper hand. Having established themselves in the Carlisle 22 they retained possession well enough to extend the home defence too far and the overlap created saw them score a third try on thirty minutes which was converted. Carlisle were rattled. They began to make errors and conceded two needless penalties and Wigton were back in the Carlisle half. A dropped pass, a kick through and a fourth Wigton score from the excellent Ollie Lewis, also converted. Further rattled and Carlisle were now infringing and the wrong side of the referee. Wigton were playing with a real confidence. Another overlap created, another line break and it was outside centre Joe Marrs going in for their fifth try, also converted to give them a 21 point lead. Carlisle needed something and just before half time they got it. Harrison Reay broke through the midfield, overlap created and Robbie James was in for the try. This was unconverted and at half time score of 17-33 meant the home side were still in the game.

Harsh words were no doubt said at half time, but moments into the second half it got worse for Carlisle. They failed to clear their lines from the restart and from the resulting scrum Wigton’s Ollie Lewis crashed through the middle and rode a couple of weak tackles to go over under the sticks and the visitors were 17-40 ahead. Again Carlisle needed a quick response and again they got it. Breaking into the Wigton 22 they created some sustained pressure which on 47 minutes saw Guy Graham crash over from short range. Carlisle were beginning to dominate now and some determined drives saw them back into the Wigton 22 and applying sustained pressure. Wigton defended stoutly but were unable to prevent a fifth Carlisle score, another close range Graham effort, and suddenly there were only nine points in the game and 15 minutes remaining.

Wigton dug deep. An excellent restart saw them regain possession and they retained it for a further five minutes. They could have scored again but desperate Carlisle defence kept them out. Back came Carlisle, repeatedly getting into the visitors half, but then making errors that allowed Wigton to clear their lines. It looked as if the home side would come away with nothing but in the final moments they managed to create enough space for Josh Holmes to dive over in the corner and secure 2 bonus points. So, a twelve try thriller with the sides split by two points. Wigton deserved it; gritty determined and largely error free. Carlisle were below par and there can be no complaint about their first loss of the campaign. They retain top spot of the division but cannot afford further slip ups. Next week at Aspatria is now a key match.

They play Wigton again in two weeks! This time a Cumbria Cup quarter final at Lowmoor Road. Could be another thriller.

Report by Phil Healy