WINTER’S icy grip cost Wilmslow a valuable pre-Christmas match against lowly Aspatria that could have consolidated their mid-table position in North 1 West.
A deep frost meant the game was called off early as Aspatria needed a decision whether or not to travel from Cumbria.
Wilmslow players gathered later in the day at a snow-covered Pownall Park for the club’s Christmas party to celebrate a reasonable first half of the season.
Traditionally, Aspatria do not travel with a strong side, and the opportunity to repeat the convincing early-season victory in Cumbria will be sorely missed. Wilmslow have no games now until January 9, so they have the opportunity to rest and recuperate from bumps and minor injuries and prepare well for the new year programme.
The first half of the campaign has been another rollercoaster ride with one of the youngest sides ever to take the field at Wilmslow. Highlights so far have included a memorable season-opening victory against Altrincham Kersal, and wins away at Burnage and Liverpool St Helens.
Lows have been narrow defeats that cost valuable points and an appalling display against Tyldesley.
Wilmslow have played 14, won seven and lost seven and stand eighth in a table of 14.
It is a respectable return for the efforts of a youthful side that has been dogged by injury, not permitting coach Giles Heagerty to play a settled side one week after another.
In terms of talent, enthusiasm and commitment they cannot be faulted. There are frayed edges connected with finishing touches and retaining possession that may well come as the side knits together in the New Year. A club spokesman said: "It’s always frustrating to lose a match to the weather, but it’s especially hard when you want to round off the year in style. We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for their continued support at Pownall Park and wish them all a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year."
By a quirk of fixture fate, there is no first team rugby at Pownall Park again until January 30, when the Wolves entertain Broughton Park. In the meantime, they travel to New Brighton on January 9, Blackburn on January 16 and Northwich on January 23.
The Vikings will be at home in the interim and will welcome Saturday afternoon support at 2.15pm kick-off times.
