Nearly a Sunday of 'W's!

Wigan's U9's travelled to Widnes for their second game of the season, with the intention to build on last weeks performance, having spent training focusing on positional play.

With a three way tri-game arranged with locals Helsby, the kick off had been brought forward to 10am, a further misery for some of the parents who were suffering with hangovers from the disappointment of the previous evenings match.

Needless to say the U9's didn't disappoint the spectators. Despite having spent the first 20 mins with what has to be described as a laboured warm up whilst Widnes faced Helsby, the players (10 in total) gathered for their usual pre-game discussion and final words of wisdom...tackle everything!

With those chosen words ringing in their ears, the team started with the determination that shone last year. Facing Helsby in the first game, the players maintained a strong defence, restricting Helby to several early handovers. With ball in hand, they found gaps and with some great running were able to take advantage with some early tries. Helsby tried to push forward with ball in hand but Wigan's strong tackling proved too much for the opposition despite some great individual running from the Helsby players. Wigan's eagerness to compete in all aspects of the game, ensured the win.

After a well earned break the players returned to the pitch to face hoists Widnes. With time running out on the pitch (as the U10's paced patiently on the side lines eager to get their fixture underway!) the players lined up for the second game. Keen to maintain their record, the game started with the same vigour and pace as the previous match, with Wigan asserting an early lead which they refused to let slip. With some sublime passing and movement across the pitch, the players continually pressed Widnes' defensive line. Their quick thinking and vision resulted in some fantastic long distance tries and with the central game dominated by Wigan's direct runners. Credit to the Widnes players who never gave up. Both teams showing true determination with some tasty collisions and at times impenetrable defence. Wigan recorded their second win of the day, taking a clean sweep with a Wigan Win v Helsby and Wigan Win v Widnes...nearly a full house of 'W's!...Hopefully the article title makes sense now!!!

Overall a great morning of rugby represented by three great teams in the true spirit of the game. Thanks goes to Allan and James (Widnes/Helsby coaches) in ensuring all the players enjoyed the morning. Allan kindly held a MOM medal awards giving each coach a chance to pick a team player from each team. A great way to finish of the morning's play, with George taking the honour from the Widnes coaches.

Back in the clubhouse and with the introduction of a parents award, there were two awards to present - Coaches MOM and Parents MOM. Having taken votes, they were counted resulting in a tie with two players sharing the vast majority of the votes. It was decided that both players, having little to differentiate between them, deserved the awards for their efforts and outstanding play throughout the morning. The parents MOM going to Tom C and the coaches MOM going to George.

Unfortunately George's early departure straight after the game, due to his brother Tom having been admitted to hospital the night before, meant that he couldn't accept his award in person.

All the players and parents wish Tom a speedy recovery. Get well soon!!!