A Wolves team ravaged by injuries and missing players suffered defeat at the league’s bottom club who had only three wins this season.

Wilmslow were forced to field a new scrum-half and two props in the back row for the clash at Aspatria.

It has to be said, though, that they did not play to their strengths. Mike Clifford, Ben Jones and Mike Black monopolised the line-out but drives were resisted well by the Aspatria defence and several penalties should, perhaps, have been kicks for goal.

Had they kept the points ticking over, they wouldn’t have been under so much pressure towards the end of the game.

Despite misgivings about the weather, the pitch was playable and conditions were ideal as Wilmslow kicked-off and started to pressurise the Aspatria line.

This pressure was rewarded within five minutes when Bob McCallum kicked a penalty for an off-side infringement.

By this stage, Wilmslow had got up a full head of steam and soon found themselves back in the home 22 following a storming run by Lewis Mackay.

A ruck close to the line ended with debutant scrum-half Ed Armitage diving over for a try.

The kick failed but Wilmslow were looking good, leading 8-0 with only 10 minutes gone.

However, a couple of penalties awarded to Aspatria moved them well over the half-way line and, from a scrappy clearance, Mike Black attempted to pass the ball out to the backs. He slipped and winger Holliday intercepted and ran to the line.

Clegg converted and brought the score to 8-7.

Despite this setback, Wilmslow continued to pressurise and shortly before half-time were awarded a kickable penalty – but the kick failed.

The second half started with Wilmslow pressing hard with a couple of five-yard lineouts resisted well by the home pack.

Armitage’s break nearly brought a try but he just could not reach the supporting run from Craig Cooper while Jordan Airey touched down, only for the referee to decide that he had knocked on.

Benefiting from their fortune, Aspatria moved to the Wilmslow end with a succession of high balls. Some of them weren’t well caught and, following one such knock on, Wilmslow were penalised for not releasing the ball.

Clegg kicked a penalty to put the home side 10-8 ahead, leaving Wilmslow chasing the game.

Another slip and consequent loose ball was kicked through by Aspatria forward Lindsay, who then picked up and evaded the cover to run in the second try.

Fortunately for Wilmslow the conversion was missed and, as they were within seven points of the winners, they received a bonus point.

Other results went their way and, despite defeat, they moved one place up the League ahead of Broughton Park.

Elsewhere, the Vikings continued their winning ways with a smash and grab against Macclesfield’s third string. The decisive score came in the 60th minute with Vikings’ Matt Jones 40 yard dash to the line.

The Developmentals scored 11 tries at Northwich and the Ravens won 14-3 at Holmes Chapel. All three teams are top of their respective University of Salford League tables.