Wigan U9's host Tyldesley

Despite the continued wet weather, Wigan’s pitches remained firm allowing the U9’s to hoist local rivals Tyldesley. Again Wigan’s young players turned up in numbers, with 16 eager bodies ready to take on the opposition and the conditions.

As the rain worsened, the coaches decided to keep the players in the warmth of the changing rooms till the last minute before venturing out. Having quickly warmed up with a few laps of the pitch, the players gathered for a last minute talk before kick-off. With Tyldesley only managing to field 6 players due to some late withdrawals, Wigan offered to loan players to ensure an 8 a side game could be played.

Having gathered to ask the players who wanted to have the opportunity to tackle their teammates, both coaches were pleased to see that several of the players obviously relished the opportunity. With both teams fielding 8 players, play commenced.
Both sides traded blows in the opening quarter, with some well worked tries from either team as both were eager to maintain their unbeaten record with some sterling defence.

Although the rain continued, both sides maintained a decisive attacking approach, proving fruitful. Wigan’s counter attack however proved the difference, as having faced several attacking onslaughts, the players took advantage when given the opportunity to score some pitch length tries, giving Wigan the lead, which they didn’t relinquish.

With the conditions worsening, the players continued to entertain the faithful supporters as they huddles under umbrellas. Many thanks to Matt (Owen’s Dad) for the use of his fishing umbrella as a makeshift rain shelter for the substitutions on the sidelines!

Despite the continuing rain, the Wigan players still showed off their handling skills with some delightful passing which provided too much for the Tyldesley side. As the game developed, Wigan’s players continued to take advantage, forcing several handovers with strong defence and adding tries to their tally in attack.

Playing 4 quarters (each 10 minutes), the volunteers were rotated after each quarter giving many of the Wigan players the opportunity to take on their teammates and maybe prove a point. It was warming to see that at each opportunity to offer their services, the coaches had several players to choose from, even enough to offer 3 players in the final quarter as Tyldesley were reduced to 5 through injury.

Having weathered the conditions both sides had played their part in a fantastic mornings rugby. Despite their spirited efforts with limited numbers, Tyldesley’s players were unable to match Wigan both in defence and attack as Wigan ran in comfortable winners in the end to maintain their unbeaten record.

Having had chance to dry off and get changed, the players gathered in the club house for the match awards. Following some discussion, the coaches decided on their player award. Having not only played fantastically well all game for Wigan, Owen had put in a stint for the opposition which tested his fellow teammates as he ran strong and defended well. To add to his display he also unselfishly offered to play again in the final quarter for Tyldesley. A worthy winner!

With the Parent’s award still to be announced as the final votes were cast, the players waited patiently. This week’s award went to Will, who having been recruited in the off season from rugby league, had played a key role in Wigan’s relentless attack. With his tireless performance throughout the game, his direct running and strong tackling had laid the bedrock for much of Wigan’s rewarding attacking plays.

I big thank you to Tyldesley for a great morning’s rugby and a huge thank you to the Wigan players who offered to play for the opposition, embodying the true spirit of rugby!