Hoylake 1st XV v's Wigan

Hoylake 23
Wigan 6

A tale of two halves really. After a promising opening 10 minutes by the home side, Wigan began to look threatening and enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory. The only real respite for Hoylake was Matt MacLaren's 65 metre interception try, against the run of play. Despite the setback, Wigan continued to press and although they rarely threatened the Hoylake line, they did convert two penalties via their fly half, giving them a slender lead at half time of 6 points to 5.

The vociferous Hoylake faithful could have been forgiven for expecting the visitors to go on and comfortably win the match, as the hosts seemed to be unable to awake from their slumber. However, the riot act was read at half time and with the slight breeze at their backs, Hoylake took the ascendancy. Playing deep in their opponents half, the first breakthrough of the half came from Steve Young's boot, edging Hoylake into the lead with a well-struck penalty. Then a powerful scrum, some 15 metres from the Wigan line resulted in the defending scrum breaking apart and Rob Kurton picking the ball at the base and just grounding the ball on the line for the try. Young converted, giving the hosts some breathing space at 15-6.

To their credit, Wigan got themselves back into contention when Hoylake's substitute back rower, Martin Williams, was penalised (and subsequently sin binned), with the Wigan number 10 confidently taking the 3 points. However, with a man down, Hoylake again worked themselves into a good position and were rewarded with 3 points via the boot of Young.

With the hosts having maintained their dominance, even with a man disadvantage, they sealed the game when back to full strength. Firstly, the refreshed Williams was harshly adjudged to have been held up over the line. Then soon after, a weakness in the Wigan defence was well spotted and Will Dow and Kurton linked to put Dan Baldock into space. Baldock fed pace man, Joe Lavin, who in-turn passed back inside to the supporting Kurton. As the Wigan defence closed in, a floated pass found Lavin again who had the legs to round of a well-worked try. Young missed the extras and there were 5 minutes left to try and secure the bonus point. Not for the first time this season, Hoylake came up just short but were well-satisfied with the win and their second half performance.

The Vice Presidents' Man of the Match went to the ageless number 8, Rob Kurton. Fellow back rower Matt O'Hanlon and winger Matt MacLaren were also mentioned in dispatches for their strong performances. Jason Pell also put in a good shift in his least favoured position of hooker.

This Saturday, Hoylake are away to Ashton-on-Mersey who are always a difficult proposition on their home territory. Despite a turbulent and injury hit season so far, Hoylake will be looking for a win to ensure a top 5 position as the season is reaching the final straight.