Wigan U9's v Leigh

With the festive season nearly at an end and having had the children at home for the best part of 2 weeks, the parents of the U9’s were keen to see the Leigh fixture still on, despite a last minute ground change with the away fixture changed to a home one due to water logged pitches at Leigh.

Despite the recent rain, the home pitches were in great condition and ready to hoist the first game of the year…and what a game(s).

With a squad of 15 and with Leigh bring similar numbers, both teams coaches agreed to field two teams to ensure all the children could play, avoiding the need for subs to be stood around. A decision which proved vital as the games commenced and the heavens opened providing conditions more suited for ducks.

Despite the continuing rain the eager spectators took to the side lines in their numbers with brollies in hand to witness a spectacle of fantastic rugby over both pitches. Both Wigan teams worked well together against strong opposition and proved resolute in their execution in attack. Working the ball with skill and poise, which given the conditions was a joy to witness not only for the spectators but for the coaches, both Wigan sides proved dominant. Not only did they utilise the pass to create space, the defensive effort throughout the teams could not be faulted. Wigan’s ever strong central defence stood firm, despite Leigh’s spirited attempts to break the line. A combination of text book tackles and sheer determination proved too much and allowed Wigan to take the upper hand.

With both Wigan teams taking wins in their first games, the teams switched for the second games. Facing different opposition both Leigh teams were keen to test their skill with the other Wigan side. As the rain continued and the players started to feel the cold, despite the conditions the standard of rugby never wavered. Wigan’s players continued to show great skill with the ball in hand and their defence continued to contain Leigh’s attacking plays. Again both Wigan sides proved too much and with a shortened second half (due to the continuing rain) both teams recorded wins to take a clean sweep.

With the player darting back to the warmth of the changing rooms and club house, it wasn’t long before the players were tucking into warm food and plenty of hot chocolate. With both coaches clearly impressed with the performances of the players in such wet conditions, the votes were taken for Parent’s Player and Coach’s Player.

Having played a key part in defence, recording a significant tackle count and also prominent in attack, Tom C took the parent’s votes only just ahead (by 1 vote) of George whose efforts in particular for chasing back some 2/3 of the pitch to track down and deny Leigh or a certain try were worthy of praise.

The coach’s award was given this week to Jacob J, whose skilful running and elusive footwork showing great skill in attack ensured Wigan remained in control - also posting two great tries in the process.

A great effort all round despite the wet conditions and a true display of teamwork making the coaches proud, a sentiment which may have fallen on deaf ears, but worthy of a mention again!

Well done to everyone and thanks to Leigh for another great day of rugby.