Wiagn U9's v Ormskirk

Having been unable to train during the week due to the wet weather, Wigan U9’s travelled to Ormskirk wondering what condition the pitches would be in. Despite it being a windy Sunday morning and raining in Wigan, the clouds had cleared and faints of blue sky peppered the horizon from the view from Parbold Hill. The near coastal location of Ormskirk obviously providing the right conditions to ensure the rain stayed away and the pitch conditions were more than adequate to host the game.

With a strong squad, numbering 12, the Wigan players (having partly warmed up on the nearby playground) underwent their usual pre-match warm up and readied themselves for kick-off. Eager to impress the usual faithful spectators, some of whom were already tucking into tea and mince pies!, the players lined up ready to deliver another convincing performance.

From the first whistle the players worked collectively both in defence and attack. With new recruits bolstering the numbers and adding to the team’s strength, the coaches watched on in delight as all the players showed determination to maintain their winning way. The speed of the line was very pleasing to see, as time after time the players restricted the opposition from making any headway in attack. Such was the strength of the line, Wigan began many of their attacking plays from within the Ormskirk half resulting in tries and the win.

With the first game over, the players gathered tightly to firstly avoid the winter wind and secondly to talk tactics for the second game. Both coaches focusing their discussions on moving the ball rather than ‘one out’ rugby, the players returned to the field to put into practice the wise words with good results.

Again the players stood strong and working collectively used the pass to beat the defence with some well worked tries, many coming from offloads. With the players picking up from the first game, it wasn’t long before they had opened up a healthy lead which they were never to relinquish. Ormskirk never gave up though and with some great plays, worked the ball well with some great team tries.

With the second game finished and with two strong wins and both coaches happy, the players, parents and spectators took shelter in the clubhouse awaiting the result of the player's awards.

With some great rugby on show from all the players, especially the new recruits, the votes were counted for Parent’s Player. Having only just joined the team as a convert from RL, Harrison had obviously been watching rugby union from a young age as text book tackle after tackle maintained a strong central defence in both games earning him the coveted award.

The Coach’s award was given to the player who had taken heed of the coach’s directions from the side lines. With a constant cry of ‘use the ball’ throughout the morning, Luke was obviously listening. With some sublime passing, his ability to move the ball resulted in some great team tries as his teammates took advantage of the space created.

Another great performance finished in style before the heavens opened and the rain resumed, not to mention the strong winds which followed!