Wigan U9's at Rossendale Festival

With an early morning start, the expectant Wigan players headed to the lofty heights of Marl Pitts to what can only be described as England's premier ski resort. With the bitter wind chilling the bones, the eager players gathered - many wiping the sleep from their eyes having spend the previous evening watching in vain the Grand Final loss. Despite this set back, the players set their sights on silverware, having seen the trophies on show at the registration tent.

Having managed to locate the pitch, the parents set up camp for the day to only moments later be informed they had to move again to the other side of the pitch as the location of Wigan's group games changed. Despite a few tuts, the contingency of supporters made their way to a new strong hold and set up camp again.

Wigan were grouped with Sedgely Park, Littleborough and local rivals Leigh as 13 U9's teams formed 4 groups - the other 3 group with only 3 teams meaning Wigan's squad of only 8 players (bearing in mind its 7 a side) would have to play an additional game to have a chance of reaching the semi finals.

Despite the obvious disadvantage, Wigan's young stars took to the field with their eyes clearly set on the trophy. Their first group fixture was against Sedgley. The early pace of the Wigan attacking line proved too much for the opposition, with Wigan posting a comfortable win.

As the sun appeared and the wind abated to the delight of the crowd, Wigan's second game was against local rivals Leigh. Wigan still with their tails up from the previous result, again took to the field to showcase their usual skill and determination in attack and some fantastic defensive to record a second win.

With two from two positioning Wigan as group leaders, a draw in their final game would ensure a semi final game in the main competition. Faced with Littleborough, the players after a quick turn around from the Leigh game, took to the field for their final group game. In what turned out to be a close encounter both teams traded tries, with Wigan on the back foot for the first time. Some strong attacking brought the game back in their favour however through sheer determination from the Littleborough players the game ended with a 4-4 draw. Enough to ensure Wigan booked their place in the cup semi final.

With the players finally able to get some food whilst the remaining group results were calculated, the coach, parents and supporters waiting patiently to find out which teams were through to the tournament's semi finals. With the results in, Wigan were drawn against Bowden in the second semi. The main talking point however being the relocation of the pitch, meaning Wigan's loyal fans had to decamp to a new position on the other side of the ground. With the eager dash to obtain priority positioning on the side lines, the Wigan entourage wandered around the pitch in their droves.

The players managing to get a well deserved rest on the sidelines and the opportunity to watch the first semi. Not fazed by the occasion the players however decided to relax with some playful grass throwing and digging on the sidelines! A warm up more akin for rabbits, but nevertheless remaining relaxed.

With a strong Lymm side taking the win over Preston Grasshoppers, Wigan gathered for a team talk before taking to the field to face a large Bowden squad. As the whistle blew the Wigan players found another gear and showed determination and strength to dominate in large parts of the game with some fantastic defence and an impressive attack, proving too much for a shell shocked Bowden team and coaches.

With the semi final win, Wigan's 8 players had time for a quick break before again having to take to the field as finalists against Lymm, with both teams having never met previously over the years. With a few final words of encouragement from the coach and family members, the players lined up for what can only be described as a nail biter.

With two evenly matched teams, Wigan opened their account with an early well worked try, much to the joy of the growing spectators. Both teams showed some fantastic skill, as either team tried to push for a score. With the score 3-2 in Wigan's favour and with only 30 seconds to go, a last gasp effort from the Lymm side proved fruitful, resulting in a draw at full time.

The coaches gathered and decided that a period of extra time would be the best way to decide the winners, rather then base the result on number of tries scored throughout the competition.

The decision was made and both teams agreed to play 2 minutes each way to try and break the deadlock. The Wigan players lined up for the final push, having already made everyone so proud with their performance throughout the day. With some spectators unable to watch and some with a faint tear in their eye, extra time commenced.

With an early try to Wigan, the Lymm side were clearly shocked but never gave up hope and leveled the game. With the scores remaining level late into the second half, both teams looked to try and force the win. As it appeared the game would end again in a draw, Lymm moved the ball well to score in the dying seconds to clinch victory from a clearly shell shocked Wigan team.

With the players heartbroken they gathered together, as they had started the morning, with a group huddle around their proud coach.

This gave me the chance and pleasure of being able to congratulate each of them for the effort they had given and more importantly to say how proud I was of them for showing true determination in achieving what they had done and in the manner with which they had done it. Having only had 8 player all day, playing against much larger teams and having to play an extra game in their group stages, the players were clearly exhausted but, and more importantly, had thoroughly enjoyed a great day of rugby.

Well done to George, Jacob J, Jacob F, Keiron, Luke, Rhys, Tom C & Tom D - you made everyone so proud!!!