Hoylake v's Wigan - Match Report

Hoylake 23
Wigan 6

Hoylake welcomed a resurgent Wigan side to Melrose Avenue hoping to put the disruption of the past weeks firmly behind them. With the exception of Stephen Young, the selectors had a full squad to choose from and this was reflected by the confidence brimming through the players in the build up to the match.

In a keenly contested match, it was the hosts who eventually had the edge and who came away with a deserved victory. The hosts faced a stiff breeze in the first period and faced a 6-5 deficit going into the second period. A trademark Chris Whiteley try was Hoylake’s only reward for a dogged display against the elements.

Before the nerves could set in, Hoylake took the advantage in the 2nd period. Number 8 Eddie McCulloch linked with the impressive Dom Kearney who in turn off loaded under pressure to supporting winger Matt McClaren who did the rest with a difficult but well-taken finish.

Richard Young then knocked over a penalty to extend the lead to 13-5 before Tom Lavin was finally given the space he needed by Whiteley and Dan Baldock for him to round the last defender and score another well-worked try.

To their credit, Wigan continued to press but Hoylake’s defence was resolute and their discipline was much improved on previous weeks. Eventually, Wigan made a mistake which Matt O’Hanlon seized, just beating McClaren to the ball to register the final score.

This was a solid but far from flawless victory, however, it was of great relief to return to winning ways particularly in preparation for next weeks tough away fixture to old sparring partners Wilmslow in the Cheshire Plate Semi Final.

Man of the Match went to scrum half Dom Kearney who seems to have rediscovered his early season form. He was closely followed by back row dynamo, Guy Byatt, who again was influential in the contact areas. Tom Corkhill also had another good game for his new club and impressed with his work rate from the 2nd row. Stand in skipper, Jack Collister, led from the front and was influential with ball in hand