Wigan welcomed Burnley to Douglas Valley this weekend to play the final group game of the MJ Worsley Shield. With both sides already through to the next stage there was potential that the game could have played out as a dead rubber, but it was a keenly fought contest throughout with no quarter given.

Wigan drew first blood after just 5 minutes, Sam Gee taking a quick tap penalty and breaking the retreating Burnley defensive line before being tackled inches from the line. Aseri Biutanaseva was on hand to scoop the ball up and dive over for the opening score and Adam Dwyer added the conversion. That was to be the only score of the half as both sides battled for territory and possession.

After the restart it was Wigan again who added to the scoresheet. A break from Adam Dwyer took the home side deep into Burnley territory before the ball made its way to Tom Hampson to charge down the wing. Hampson made good ground before being hauled down and Patrick Loughlin picked up the ball and dived over in the corner.

The battle recommenced and this time Burnley gained the upper hand, a break from halfway wasn’t dealt with and the Burnley scrum half turned his man inside out, stepping off both feet before going over out wide. With the conversion missed the score was 12-5 to the home side.

With 10 minutes to go, Wigan added to their slight advantage. An initial break from Brad Makinson broke the defensive line and some good hands found Pat Melling, Aseri Biutanaseva and eventually Adam Dwyer who ran the ball in from 40 yards to go in in the corner. 17-5.

Burnley were not defeated, they worked themselves into good position and with just seconds left found themselves with a chance to attack from a scrum on Wigan’s 5 metre line. The scrum was wheeled slightly before the Burnley back row forward took the ball over the line. The try was converted to take the score to 17-12 and the referee blew for full time.

Both sides progress to the next round with the draw taking place later this week. Wigan resume league rugby and welcome Warrington side, Eagle RUFC, to Douglas Valley this weekend with the game scheduled for a 2pm kick off.