WIGTOWNSHIRE RFC SECURES DRAMATIC LAST-MINUTE VICTORY AGAINST CARRICK
Arnold Clark West Regional League 2
Carrick 22 – 24 Wigtownshire

In a thrilling contest at Carrick’s 4G pitch under persistent drizzle, Wigtownshire RFC delivered a remarkable last-minute win, climbing above Carrick in the Arnold Clark West Regional League 2 standings. Despite slippery conditions, both teams showcased skill and determination in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Team News

Coach John Dalrymple had to make two changes from the previous week’s squad, bringing in Mark McColm and Flynn Crean to replace the unavailable Samuel McAuley and Benjamin Sharples. With Carrick sitting just above Wigtownshire in the league table and having a narrow victory against them earlier in the season, the visitors knew this would be a tough encounter.

First Half

Carrick struck first after just five minutes, capitalizing on a Wigtownshire offside to secure a penalty and go up 3-0. However, Shire responded in style in the 12th minute. Sam Mitchell’s powerful run through the defense set up captain Jason McKie, who crossed under the posts. Blair Forsyth added the conversion to make it 7-3.

Carrick regained the lead midway through the half with a try in the corner by their winger, followed by another after a series of pick-and-go plays. At 17-7, the momentum seemed to favor the home side. But Wigtownshire struck back in the 37th minute. After winning a clean lineout, Ricky Hopcroft and Angus McClymont drove into Carrick’s defense, creating space for McKie to dive over for his second try. Forsyth’s conversion brought the score to 17-14 at halftime.

Second Half

The second half saw Wigtownshire dominate possession and territory, eventually leveling the score at 17-17 with a Forsyth penalty in the 60th minute. However, their momentum was briefly halted when prop Ian Allan received a yellow card for a high tackle near their try line.

Carrick capitalized on the advantage, turning over a Wigtownshire scrum and running in their third try at the 70th minute. The conversion attempt narrowly missed, leaving the score at 22-17.

With time running out, Wigtownshire showed immense resilience. In the 79th minute, a perfectly weighted pass from scrum-half Frank Gwynne found Hopcroft charging at pace. The Kiwi center sliced through the Carrick defense to score, and Forsyth’s conversion made it 24-22.

Final Moments

In a nail-biting finale, Carrick was awarded a penalty as the clock ticked down. Their kicker had the accuracy but not the distance, with the ball falling agonizingly short of the posts. Wigtownshire held on for a dramatic victory, securing their spot at the top of the league heading into the Christmas break.

Post-Match Reactions

Coach John Dalrymple praised his team’s determination:

> "A really tough game, and the boys had to dig in to secure the victory against a good Carrick side."

The Leswalt Village Store Man of the Match was Ricky Hopcroft for his dynamic play at scrum-half and his pivotal move to center, culminating in the winning try.

Looking Ahead

Wigtownshire now prepares for their annual Christmas-time Spice Cup derby match against Newton Stewart. This victory also marks the farewell of Flynn Crean, Ricky Hopcroft, and Briarly Brown, who head off to new ventures. The club expressed heartfelt gratitude for their contributions both on and off the field.

Match Summary

First Half

5' – PEN Carrick: 3-0

12' – TRY McKie, CON Forsyth: 3-7

25' – TRY Carrick: 10-7

30' – TRY Carrick: 17-7

37' – TRY McKie, CON Forsyth: 17-14

Second Half

60' – PEN Forsyth: 17-17

70' – TRY Carrick: 22-17

79' – TRY Hopcroft, CON Forsyth: 22-24

Full-Time: Carrick 22 – 24 Wigtownshire

Wigtownshire’s victory moves them above Carrick in the standings, with the added confidence of heading into the holiday break as league leaders, although second-placed Strathendrick have two games in hand.