Wigan 16

Warrington RU 3

WARRINGTON Rugby Union Club discovered how much harder life will be in the Thwaites League at Douglas Valley on Saturday.

A powerful Wigan side inspired by former England stand off Peter Williams brushed them aside with ease as Warrington failed to score a try for the first time in 57 matches.

It was a strangely subdued performance by the Bridge Lane boys as Wigan swept into an early 11 point lead with Williams kicking a penalty and dropped goal before dummying his way over for a try.

As Warrington slowly got into the game, they squandered possession time after time, allowing Wigan to clear their defences.

Warrington's performance improved a little after the break but despite a strong wind at their backs, there was a reluctance to kick the ball and for once the back line were unable to get their game together.

The side's only reward came through a penalty goal kicked by Andy James.

League action returns to Bridge Lane tomorrow, Saturday, when Workington are the visitors, kick-off 3pm.

The seconds dominated all departments of the game against a larger Wigan pack, going on to win 48-0.

Neil Jackson scored a hat-trick of tries with others coming from Chris Jackson, Savage, Fields, Park and Hamblett. McDermott kicked four conversions.

The thirds thrashed Wallasey 64-0 with four spectacular tries form James Broadbent, who now leaves for University.

Scrum half Tim Collins also scored four tries and seven conversions.

The fourths succumbed 28-5 to a strong Halton outfit.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.