Miller Homes Leagues Division 5 North, 22nd March 2008

Colne & Nelson 2nds 15 v 17 Wigan 4ths

Visiting Colne and Nelson today was my first, to the Colne and Nelson Club. I must say a great experience. It was a wild day but set in the midst of the Penine Hills it was most picturesque. I would consider their Club to be a real Rugby Club.

Between heavy snow showers and no shortage of wind a terrific game ensued. Having seen a close game last week between the Wigan 2nd XV and Warrington 2nd XV in The Halbro Cup it soon became clear that this again was going to be a close game.

Wigan 4ths are flying high in the League and were under considerable pressure to resist incurring any undue penalties. In fact it was a remarkable match. I think we were agreed on the line there were certainly no more than 15 penalties awarded throughout the game. Can you believe it? Each side scored from 2 of them, a yellow card was awarded to a Colne Player for a high tackle and only one other for so-called foul play again a Colne player.

The game kicked off and Colne were pressing immediately. They scored wide out, Wigan came back with a well worked try. As half time approached Colne were leading 12 to 5 points. As last week Wigan 4ths scored a psycological try immediately before half time to take the score to 12 points to 10 points.

In the second half Colne took their scoring penalty and lead to 15 points to 10. Wigan were denied two scores after going over the line. One for touching down outside the dead ball area and one taken out of hand by the defence of Colne before it could be grounded. They came back strongly and scored a goal with 10 minutes to play.

Colne could not reply.

A great game of Rugby I must say expertly handled by Des Henry from The East Lancs. Referees Association. Thanks to Bert Lambert for his welcome, and great to meet up with the Wigan Officials, Cliff, Frank and David.

Sorry for quality of pics. Game was too exciting to be too concerned with these.

Fred Swarbrick