U8's v Bolton

Sunday 7th December saw Wigan U8's travel the short distance across the borough to local rivals Bolton in a return fixture coming only a fortnight since the two team battled it out at Douglas Valley. Having taken the bragging rights on home soil, Wigan's young guns set their sights on making in 2-0.

Given the extreme weather conditions, with heavy rain, sleet and snow!, it seemed the game would be an error riddled display as everyone, including the parents (who had gloves on), felt the bitter wind on the hands. Coupled with the rain, the coaches thought that catching the ball would have been an achievement. They needn't have worried though, as the handling of each and every player was impeccable. Add to this the appetite of each player to tag everyone that ran at them, it quickly became evident this was a one way encounter. With the usual pace and positioning of Zack, he found space to cross the line on several occasions. Both Tom and Sam exposed the defence adding to Wigan's convincing lead with some fantastic individual tries, and with Thomas D also showing his slight of foot to step round his opposite number to find the line. Harry's direct running left the defence running scared at times as he simply ran through the line, rewarded in his efforts with a great try. Dominic again stretching his legs to out pace the opposition as Wigan maintained the pressure.

With a resounding win in the first game, and the weather worsening, it was decided a shorter second game would be played. A decision welcomed by all, as the rolling sub was having to be adorned with a beanie hat and women's pink gloves when off the field. Not a good look for any young rugby player! The shortened game and the weather did somewhat dampen Wigan's dominance but despite a closer first half, Wigan's young guns took to the second half with vigor scoring several rapid fire tries to take the second game comfortably making it 2-0 on the day and for the season.

Despite at times the one sided encounter, Bolton never gave up and ran in some great tries. But on a day when Wigan's attack was strong, the defencive line was even stronger. Having been pressing the importance of being onside at training, each player ensured there was no room to allow the opposition to run. Central to the defence again was Rhys, taking tag after tag to restrict many of Bolton's attacks. A display which again saw him lift the MOM award for the second time this season.

A quick drink in the club afterward, during a brief snow storm, and it was off to the Christmas Party back at Douglas Valley. What more could you ask for on a Sunday...play rugby, go to a rugby party!!