Cockermouth RUFC vs. Wigton Wanderers
15th November2008
This was an entertaining game, both sides limiting their kicking and trying to keep the ball alive whenever possible. Although the first half remained scoreless there were plenty of near scores, either penalties just falling short, players being held up in goal or superb try saving tackles close to the try line. The best move of the half saw the powerful Wigton winger released and leaving the home back line in their tracks. Setting off from the half way line he outstripped the home defence only to be bundled into touch 5 metres out by a superb tackle from Cockermouth full back Andrew Skillen, a definite try prevented. On the stroke of half time Luke Steele was sent away to what would have been a well-crafted try but the final pass was adjudged to have been forward.
The home side had the best possible start to the second half when they scored almost immediately from the kick off. Brett Malloy gathered a clearance and cleverly feigned inside but took his opposite winger on the outside, the covering defenders managed to eventually stifle the attack and clear their lines, however, Andrew Skillen gathered the ball and set off on a powerful run evading several would be tacklers to score, conversion of his own try giving a 7-0 advantage.
Cockermouth were very quick to pressure any potential danger that Wigton could muster and superb forward counter rucking meant ball was often retrieved in the tackle, turning defence into attack. Five minutes on from Skillen’s opener Cockermouth’s pack showed great strength near the Wigton try line when attempts were made to collapse a driving maul, eventually it was collapsed but it was in-goal and Owen David emerged from the bottom and a try was awarded. Andrew Skillen converted making the score 14-0.
Wigton worked extremely hard to contain the lively home attacks and the exertion was beginning to take its toll. Cockermouth’s good supply of ball and speed of movement around the park continued to cause problems. Owen David, carrying the ball forward strongly, sucked in the visitor’s defence who then had no answer when the ball was quickly released down the blind side to Jonny Taylor who scored out wide, Andrew Skillen once again converting. Cockermouth were now in confident mood, players were taking the ball at pace and releasing to support when tackled, coupled with quick ruck ball this meant Wigton’s only solution was to concede a penalty, which was duly converted by Andrew Skillen, taking his personal tally for the day to 14 points.
There were no further scores but Wigton did have a good remaining 15 minutes. Seeming to get a second wind, they put Cockermouth under enough pressure for Luke Steele to be sin binned for persistently laying on and killing the ball. Unfortunately, for Wigton they couldn’t take advantage and the score remained at 24-0 on the final whistle.
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