Bowdon miss out

Although it was Wigan that started the game the brighter of the two teams Bowdon were determined not to concede early and the boys from the Clay weathered the storm and managed to come back with a chance of their own after only five minutes. The attempt was stopped just short but adjudged illegal which allowed the away team to take an early lead with a penalty.

Wigan responded and using their quick fire switch play in midfield caught the Bowdon defence dawdling to allow the backs to combine for a breakaway try to take a 5-3 lead. This should have been the wake-up call for Bowdon but Wigan kept probing and finding holes in the Bowdon first up defence as they dominated the early exchanges. The scramble defence continued to hold them out until a long kick into space and resulting good chase forced a penalty in the Bowdon 22. A quick tap and pass to a supporting runner sent them clear under the posts for an opportunists try. 12-3.

As the break approached Bowdon began to work out their defensive issues and went on the front foot forcing a series of Wigan penalties allowing us to camp upfield. A lovely move on the 22 put Liam Connolly into space and despite having options to go round the last defender to the left or the right he took his favoured direct route and smashed over for the try to narrow the lead to 2 points.

The 2nd half period began with Bowdon showing real intent but despite dominating proceedings we managed to butcher a number of great opportunities. The cause was not helped by the referee calling a fantastic break back for a ‘marginal’ forward pass. Finally the pressure told though as Swetman crossed to score beside the posts to finally take the lead. 12-17

Bowdon were now definitely on top and should have been out of sight with the number of chances being created. Problem was the chances were either not being taken or were failing at the final pass. Butchered I think is the technical term. The Bowdon backline of Joe Harris, Paul Mosley, Liam and Alfie Dudman-Jones were cutting the Wigan line to shreds on the outside but final passes were just not going to hand. One of these failed opportunities led to a Wigan break out from deep within their own 22 as Bowdon hesitated at a ruck after a last ditch Wigan tackle. The opportunity was on to pick and go but the hesitation allowed the Wigan defence to fly hack the ball clear and then beat the Bowdon cover to the chase to allow a breakaway 60m try. 19-17. Frustration was mounting. Wigan began to wind the clock down. Numerous injuries and penalties. Finally a late opportunity came from a penalty just within kickable range. Unfortunately Swetman’s attempt fell inches short dropping just below the bar. Despite a lengthy period of extra time this was the last clear chance on a day when many, many more went begging. The Wigan support and players sighing deeply at the final whistle all agreed that they had got out of jail free. Coach Murray whilst obviously disappointed at least took solace from the number of opportunities created. On another day this would have been an easy bonus point win and maybe the rugby gods were evening things up after our equally narrow win against Wigan at home when they too missed a late penalty chance to win the game. There’s always next week……………the gods willing…….