Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:33 pm  

Some superb hands from Wakefield on the edges, came right through 5 pairs of hands with everyone just moving the ball on and creating space for JM but the final pass went to ground. Then the same out to the left saw Franco on space before being mob tackled but Wakefield went right again to put JM in clear air to score wide out.
Conversion missed
10-6.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:33 pm  

That backline move was classic Powell and McGillvery showed he's still got plenty left in the tank and showed a clean set of boots to finish the move off.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:35 pm  

Special mention to Bowden and Atoni for their 25 minute spells, both very good, strong hit ups and superb defence. Especially meritable because Wigan have started with a very very strong pack

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:37 pm  

Bit of biff, Uele and Dupree at the centre of it
Wigan don’t like being bullied particularly down the middle

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:41 pm  

The Avenger wrote:

Special mention to Bowden and Atoni for their 25 minute spells, both very good, strong hit ups and superb defence. Especially meritable because Wigan have started with a very very strong pack

Yeah, I also thought Hood had a good spell as well. LOL Uele has just come on and on the first drive he's hit the ball like a train, hope he can keep him up.

We've got Wigan rattled here, they don't like it up them do they.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:43 pm  

Great vision and break from Griffin after Kendal had penalised Wigan twice who then turned their back on the tap penalty
Wigan a man in the bin for a professional foul after the break and then Walmsley sends out a 25 yard pass to see JM go in at the corner again
Max is lining up the conversion when the lights go out halting the game
Jowitt nails the conversion
16 - 6

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:49 pm  

Only a friendly and Wigan missing a full back line, but the signs are promising so far. The team have gelled well, everyone knows their roles. Bowden is a different animal, Lawford looks ready to me, Walmsley did fine at full back and McGillvary will score plenty in the Championship. Let's see what the second half brings.

Someone needs to keep popping change in the meter though.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:54 pm  

Apart from the odd pedantic penalty by the ref we've matched and bettered Wigan in effort and quality on the edges and at times down the middle that first half and it can't be said they haven't had a good side out. It's almost as if Powell's told them to show what they've been working on in pre-season and even though it's a testimonial, play the game like it was the first of the season.

I'm crossing my fingers we don't have a repeat of boxing day, saying that as long as we don't stop playing and keep playing them as if they are our equals and we don't start giving penalties away for fun I'd be surprised if that happened.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 9:00 pm  

Our owner will be blowing a fuse about the stadium lights though.

Re: 26|01|24 - Ashurst Testimonial vs Wigan : Fri Jan 26, 2024 9:04 pm  

Like I say stupid penalties, even though I'm not sure what he gave those 2 for.