TT No.237: Mike Latham - Thurs 26 April 2007: Westmorland League Div 1;  Wetheriggs United 2-0 Windermere SC. Attendance: 30 (h/c); Admission: free; 4pp programme: free; FGIF Match Rating: 3*

View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05   Wetheriggs United have been the dominant club in Westmorland League football these last few years, lifting the title for the last six completed seasons (the 2000/01 season was uncompleted due to foot & mouth).   But this season Kendal County have stolen their thunder and look like emerging as champions leaving Wetheriggs to be content with runners-up spot and their recent triumph in the Westmorland County Cup.   This Thursday evening game, kicking-off at 6-45pm, was confirmed by the friendly and informative home secretary by telephone, who was happy to give out detailed directions to the Gilwilly Recreation Ground, located in the Castletown district of Penrith, to the west of the railway line and about five minutes’ drive from J40 of the M6 through the Gilwilly Industrial Estate.   While the Westmorland League can boast some idyllic locations Wetheriggs’ home, though far more functional and urbanised, is certainly interesting, surrounded as it is by a dry stone wall on three sides and with views across to a distant tree-covered fell and an ancient church.  Two sides back on to the trading estate, another to allotments and the far end, behind the goal, leads beyond playing fields to sturdily built stone terraced houses.   The only facilities as such consist of a changing room block but the playing area is well grassed for this time of year and has an enclosed feel.  By kick-off time around 30 spectators have gathered and they witness a keenly contested game won eventually by the home side by virtue of a disputed penalty awarded for handball and a header from a corner.   Smartly attired in red and white stripes, Wetheriggs certainly look the part while Windermere’s strip- mirroring the Argentina light blue and white stripes- is also stylish.   Wetheriggs are one of the few clubs to issue- a modest four-pager for this midweek encounter and the secretary does produce an end of season review.  They also have an informative website though directions to the ground are one obvious omission.   Maybe one day the Westmorland League will have a hop weekend- it would certainly be popular with devotees of grounds in scenic and atmospheric locations.   Meanwhile, a visit to this friendly club comes highly recommended.

contributed on 27/04/07