Wigan St Judes produced one of the comebacks of the NCRL Premier Division season as they recovered from a 22-0 half-time deficit to defeat West Bowling 38-26 at Parsons Meadow.
The visitors could hardly have made a better start, crossing for a try within seconds of the kick-off after the strong wind caught out the home side.
That early score set the tone for a dominant first-half display from West Bowling, who took full advantage of both the conditions and a series of St Judes errors to establish what appeared to be a match-winning lead.
Tries from Logan Simpson, Harry Williams (2), Chris Collymore, Oliver Bartle and Lewis Camden, together with three goals from Ellis Hobson, helped the Bradford outfit into a commanding 22-0 advantage at the break.
St Judes coach Dave Myerscough admitted his side had been well below their usual standards during the opening forty minutes.
“It was definitely a game of two halves,” said Myerscough. “At half-time I was raging. The wind played a part, but I thought the scoreline was more down to our mistakes, errors and penalties than anything else.
“We just spoke about getting back to basics, completing our sets and finishing in the right areas. The lads took everything on board and went out and did the business.”
Whatever was said on the Parsons Meadow field at half time had an immediate effect.
The home side returned for the second half with renewed energy and purpose, quickly gaining momentum through improved ball control and a greater share of possession. Danny Fallon led the way with two tries as St Judes began to chip away at the deficit.
Lewis Melling and Connor Parkinson also crossed as the gap narrowed and the belief around Parsons Meadow steadily grew.
Even when Lewis Camden grabbed his second try of the afternoon to restore West Bowling’s advantage at 26-16, St Judes refused to panic.
Instead, they increased the intensity.
Jacob Dugdale crossed twice during a devastating spell for the hosts, while James Worthington added another crucial try as the momentum swung completely in favour of the home side. The boot of Reece McNally, Declan Parkinson and Kenny Baker ensured the pressure was reflected on the scoreboard as St Judes piled on 38 second-half points to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Myerscough was full of praise for his players after the final whistle.
“The lads deserve all the credit because they responded exactly how we wanted. We got some traction early in the second half and then built on it. Once the momentum came, we were difficult to stop.
“I don’t know how you can go from being so poor in the first half to being really, really good in the second half, but that’s credit to them lads. They’ve taken everything on board and gone out there and delivered.”
The Judes coach also singled out James Worthington for special praise after a standout performance.
“I thought James Worthington was outstanding today. That’s the best game I’ve seen him play for a long time. Kenny Baker was very good as well, but I thought as a team we were excellent in that second half.”
The victory continues a competitive seadon for St Judes in their first season back among the elite and strengthens their position in the top half of the Premier Division table.
It also maintains an outstanding home record that Myerscough believes is becoming a major factor in his side’s success.
“We see this place as a fortress,” he added. “We’ve only lost here once in the last three years and I knew we’d put a run together at some point. Hopefully that starts now.”
Having looked down and out at the break, St Judes delivered a second-half performance full of character and attacking quality to claim two valuable league points.
Wigan St Judes - 38
Tries: Danny Fallon (2), Jacob Dugdale (2), Lewis Melling, James Worthington, Connor Parkinson
Goals: Reece McNally (1), Declan Parkinson (2), Kenny Baker (2)
West Bowling - 26
Tries: Logan Simpson, Harry Williams (2), Chris Collymore, Oliver Bartle, Lewis Camden (2)
Goals: Ellis Hobson (3)
By Steve Beech
Photo Credit: 13 Pro Am Community RL
