THIS was the second meeting of these two sides, in just a week, due to the original fixture being postponed, back in December, so how would the hosts respond, after last week’s very difficult encounter at the home of this week’s visitors

On a slightly heavy pitch with a constant light drizzle throughout, the conditions where far better than their previous meeting, both sides contributed in what turned out to be a cracker of a game.

This contest was only two minutes in, when Tyldesley recorded a seven pointer. Excellent forward pick and drives, from Matthew Crampton, Craig Pulman, Rob Cox and Damien Twizell had Wigton retreating towards their own line before, prop forward, Travis Twizell, came on to a great ball from Lee Cunliffe before crashing over under the posts. Martin Wallbank converted.

Tyldesley continued to press via some excellent team rugby which was rewarded with another seven pointer five minutes later.

The forwards set a good platform before the ball was shipped out via Cunliffe, Ash Worsfold and Jamie Aldred.

Wallbank, who hit the line well, brilliantly, withstood two heavy tackles before passing too Mark Dickinson who broke then slipped a delightful ball inside to Paul martin, who finished off some great backing up and quality handling for a great try. Wallbank added the extra two.

Tyldesley extended their lead to 17, after Wallbank slotted over a penalty, which was just reward for more solid team pressure. The curse of the yellow card hit Tyldesley again, as Cox took an enforced break, on the half hour.

Wigton, who throughout the half played some great stuff of their own, crossed for a converted try, just before the break.

Although only three points recorded during the second period, the half still had great rugby played by both. Wigton came out strong and shaded the next forty, possession wise, which tested the home defence many times.

All three replacements Richard Tabern, Conor Norton and Tom Lloyd got used wisely, with Norton in particular, putting in some great hits, this was defiantly a superb team defensive showing, and it had to be.

Tyldesley put some good stuff together through Zak Sargent, Lee Davies, Kris Kirkpatrick, Dean Brown which tested Wigton who then received a yellow, for a similar offence that reduced Tyldesley to fourteen in the first half.

Wallbank added the three points on offer.

The visitors continued to press in search of points but Tyldesley held out for a great win against quality opposition.

MOM Matthew Crampton