U9s Victorious At Vale

While Nick was with an expeditionary force braving it over on the front line in St Helens, Phil, Bob and Jonny took the other half of the squad this week to the rather lovely Vale of Lune, where they also came away with an emphatic win.

Despite Wigan running in 13 good tries, it was the tackling display that caught the eye most, and the Vale coach was overheard telling his players and parents at the end of the match that they won’t face a team as good as Wigan again this season, and that they should consider it a wake-up call to the level they should be aiming for: high praise - but fully deserved.

Parents’ Man of The Match was Will, who tackled like he’d never tackled before and ran in 2 long range tries, and Benito who also had his best ever tackling game was voted Coaches’ Man of The Match.

Alex was the top passer – again taking the scrumhalf role, and this week also scoring 2 tries in what was his best performance of the season.

Lukus was his usual lively, enthusiastic self, and scored 2 tries, whilst Ollie – who had been sick all week and was the same colour as his hair – was very quiet but did manage to get a try for himself.

Max had a personal duel with Sonny for top tackler and top try scorer, and in the end Max got the tackle award by 1 (and in the process got applause from the Vale coaches on several occasions for his tackling technique), and Sonny the try scoring award by 1.

Sonny could have scored several other tries, but Bob curtailed his scoring exploits in favour of a more passing orientated game.

Harry B unfortunately injured his fingers in the warm up, and so didn’t take part in the game, but I’m sure the post-match meatball baguette made the 80 mile round trip worthwhile for his dad.

And a special thanks to have-whistle-will-ref Wayne, who proved that all you need to officiate a game is a whistle in your pocket, turn-ups on your jeans, and a spring in your step.

Awards:
Parents’ Man of The Match - Will
Coaches’ Man of The Match - Benito
Top Tackler - Max
Top Passer - Alex
Top Try Scorer - Sonny