Wigan U9's Take the Spoils

Having decided to hold an early kick off, Wigan U9’s arrived fresh faced and eager to face local rivals Leigh and Orrell in a tri fixture. With high numbers at home this week, the decision for a 10am kick off had been taken to ensure games with both local rivals wasn't missed.

Despite the wet weather and windy conditions the players were keen to emulate last week’s free flowing performance for their ever faithful spectators. With the benefit of numbers, Leigh were able to field two sides which allowed two games to be played simultaneously – the first games being Wigan v. Leigh and Orrell v. Leigh.

Having met at Rossendale a few weeks earlier, Leigh were obviously determined to reverse the result which had seen Wigan progress in the Rossendale competition. Despite the early pressure, Wigan took control of the game with some delightful running and once again impressive defence.

With the rain easing the opportunity to spread the ball wasn’t wasted as Wigan made space to take advantage and expose the Leigh defence. With several quick tries, Wigan’s early dominance ensured a confident win despite Leigh’s continued efforts to move the ball with some fantastic offloads.

With one game under their belt, it was a quick turnaround to face the other Leigh team. Having maintained a strong hold on the previous game with a collective performance, the players gathered for a last minute huddle to discuss the game plan. However with little being said it was obvious the players had decided instead to use the huddle to amass body heat and shelter from the biting winter wind.

Nevertheless the coach needn’t have worried, as the players lined up, it was clear that they were focused. With early pressure and great attack, Wigan took control of the game and never looked back. With their central defence standing strong, the opposition were restricted from developing any real attacking chances. With turn over after turn over allowing Wigan to take advantage with the counter attack, scoring several long distance tries as a result. Wigan taking the game and their second win of the morning.

As 11am neared, all the teams playing at Douglas Valley gathered together (over 100 players and many more parent, spectators and supporters) in a show of solidarity to remember those fallen soldiers with an impeccably observed minutes silence.

As the whistle signalled the end of the minutes silence, the players gathered for the last few words before their final match against other local rivals Orrell.

The minute of collective thought, had obviously worked well as the players took to the field with a clear focus to take the spoils in the final game. Having played Orrell in the open game of the season, the players were eager to maintain their unbeaten record. Both teams pushed hard in the opening minutes with evenly matched attacking and defensive displays. Again central to Wigan’s performances, their defence was strong and proved to be the catalyst in allowing Wigan to make the most with their attacking chances from good field position.

Wigan built on this momentum with some quick tries to take a healthy lead which they refused to let slip. Despite some inventive play from Orrell as they looked to attack, Wigan stood strong and to the delight of the supporters took the final game to make it three from three.

Back in the warmth of the clubhouse the players gathered. Having been fed and watered and normal body temperatures resumed, the parents waited patiently to have their opportunity to cast their vote for Parent’s Player.

With a defensive effort that had proved the bedrock on which the team had been able to attack from, George had worked tirelessly committing himself to every tackle throughout the morning. With a few blistering tries to throw into the mix as well, he took the posthumous award much to the delight of teammates.

The decision for Coaches Award wasn’t an easy one. Having seen all the players work hard throughout the matches it was decided that this week’s award would go to the team’s newest recruit. Having recently joined from rugby league, in a reverse of the other weeks rugby headline, Louie proved a great addition to the team with a fantastic performance both in defence and with the ball in hand. Wigan’s recruitment policy obviously working well!!

Another great performance from the players and thanks to those volunteers who helped out in the kitchen, carpark etc ensuring the club were able to host the number of teams at home and a successful morning of rugby!