Wigan U9's v Orrell and Tyldesley

With the luxury of a sunny Sunday morning, Wigan's U9's traveled the short distance to local rivals Orrell at Up Holland High School eager to finish the season without a loss. To make the last game an entertaining fixture, Tyldesley made the event a tri-fixture. With a few rugby league recruits missing in action from the Orrell side, Wigan faced Tyldesly in the opening game.

With the whistle blown Wigan started strong attacking from the off however Tyldesley had other plans and with some great counter attacking took hold of the game much to the Wigan players surprise. Having usually had the benefit of asserting dominance early, Wigan appeared visibly shocked by the attacking power of their opposition. With a narrow lead to their advantage, Tyldesley pushed hard and only for some last gasp defence, were unable to capitalise on their lead. Having weathered the initial shock, Wigan's players rallied and starting their comeback. Showing a determination to level the scores, Wigan found their rhythm and took the game by the scruff of the neck to fight hard and push forward with some well worked tries taking the first game with a narrow victory.

Rattled from their initial encounter, Wigan faced Orrell for their second game. Having blown off the cobwebs and received encouraging words from their coach, Wigan lined up eager to showcase their usual strength and speed for the growing number of spectators. This time there was no stuttering start. With their defence standing firm in the initial exchanges, the attacking line soon took hold of the game, posting some great early tries and opening up a healthy lead. With their minds now focused on the rugby, their usual skill and ability shone, taking the second game and earning a well deserved rest.

With the home team yet to play Tyldesley, both teams lined up eager to take a win. With both teams evenly matched, the standard of rugby was high and a pleasure for the onlooking spectators. With both sides crossing the line, it proved a close game, finally taken by the visitors.

Wigan, having had time to rest (or play on the nearby football posts as many had decided to do) lined up again to face Tyldesley in the second game. Eager to show their skill and ability, the Wigan players decided to start with a little more vigour than their first encounter. Again Tyldesley pushed hard and proved testing opponents. Wigan however didn't give much away and with some fearsome tackling and defence proved too strong and with some great attacking plays took a deserving win for their third game.

With the morning passing quickly into afternoon, Wigan agreed to play a shortened match against Orrell for the now swelled crowd. With confidence high and the sun finally coming out from behind the clouds, the Wigan players lined up for their final game of the season with a clear determination to retain their unbeaten record. Orrell, eager to record a win, were strong in attack but with some fantastic central defence, Wigan stood firm and when given the opportunity took hold of the game and finished a fantastic morning of rugby with a convincing win.

Back in the school sports hall, the players gathered for the final MOM's of the regular season. With parent votes counted, there was one clear winner. Having played his usual pivotal role all morning and having taken some knocks along the way, George (having only just managed to return the CA trophy from last week) deservedly took the honours. Again the Coach's Award was a difficult choice with so many to choose from. With a steely performance all morning and again with wounds to show, Owen had fought with real determination to ensure Wigan maintained a strong defence whilst under pressure to take home the final award and cap a great first season with Wigan. Thanks to Orrell and Tyldesley for also making the morning a great one for all involved.

Having had the pleasure of coaching a fantastic team this season, it was great to see the players enjoying the mornings rugby and finishing the season on a high with another unbeaten year!

Well done to everyone and thank you to all the parents for their support!

Stuart and Marc