1XV MATCH REPORT TEAM SHEETS Saturday 15th January 2022. Wigan 27 - 24 Eccles. Eccles arrived at the Douglas Valley Ground looking to start 2022 with a positive performance. The 1XV had achieved a 29-15 victory over Wigan at Gorton Street in October fielding a youthful team, and despite player availability once again resulting in an unfamiliar line up an away win would provide a welcome boost. It was a pleasant winter afteroon as the game kicked off in sunny conditions. Eccles started brightly putting Wigan under immeadiate pressure. An Eccles line out inside the opposition 22 was won by the hosts who attempted to counter attack, but Matt Parkinson collected the ball in his own half and weaved through the midfield, evading tackles to attack up the right flank, offloading to supporting lock Javi Manzanares on the wing, who in turn passed back inside to openside Reece Walker who charged though to score the opening try with 3 minutes played. Converted by the boot of Alex Speakman 0-7 Eccles. Despite striking the first blow, Eccles were kept inside their own half for the next 10 minutes by Wigan who, in responding to the early set back, enjoyed better possession and field position for the next 10 mins. At 20 mins Eccles made an effective break out fo defence, once again up the right wing, resulting in a line out and driving maul, leading to a penalty in front of the sticks, which Speakman slotted home without difficulty. 0-10 Eccles. Wigan made a concerted effort to respond and although Eccles were ahead they were not comfortable. The pressure eventually paid off when Wigan scored a try in the corner with 35 mins played and a following the restart a penalty for the hosts just before the break brought them right back into the game 8-10. Having made a good start, Eccles failed to take control of the game with Wigan confidence increasing as the first half progressed. HT 8-10 The second half kicked off and Wigan secured a penalty almost straight away for offside, giving them a straight forward opportunity to go ahead; 11-10. Wigancontinued their acendency as Eccles were unable to keep possession long enough to advance thier cause. Eccles played themselves into trouble more than once and the hosts eventually crossed the line to score on 50 minutes. The conversion hit the post, but there was no reprieve for Eccles as 2 minutes later, straight from the restart Wigan are awarded another penalty in the midfield and the hosts extended their lead. 19-10. Eccles attempted to shift momentum back in their favour with a sustained attack inside the 22, but a loose carry resulted in a deep exit kick from Wigan. The Eccles return kick did not find touch and the ball was returned with pace up the left wing by the Wigan number 12, who broke though attempted tackles to run the ball in behind the sticks. 24-10. Eccles restarted the game with renewed determination and for the next quarter of an hour put Wigan under attacking pressure. The Eccles forwards pounded away at the defence but are unable to find a way through to the goal line only a few metres away. At 66' Jay Christey breaks from an Eccles scrum with the ball, but is injured in the tackle as he drives for the line and is carried from the pitch with a suspected dislocated knee*. Eccles continue to build pressure, Wigan are pinned inside their 22 and another Eccles injury out on the right wing halts the clock. With 5 minutes remaining Chris Fortune ruptures the defensive line to score under the sticks to set up an exciting finish. 24-17. Wigan attack from the restart but Alex Speakman intercepts the ball and bursts free, running about 70m before he is caught and brought down just inches short of the goal line. The resulting mellie leads to an Eccles penalty scrum. With 3 minutes on the clock the ball is moved swiftly to Will Parky who swerves through the defenders to score under the sticks. Alex Speakman converts for the extras and it's all square with 2 minutes left to play. 24-24. Wigan restart, reclaim the ball in the middle of the pitch, are awarded a penalty and secure the victory with the last play kick. Whistle. FT 27-24.
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