Wigan U9's Crowned Champions

Wigan’s young guns travelled the short distance up the M6 to take part in Preston Grasshoppers’ annual minis tournament on a sunny Saturday morning. Accustom to Sunday games, the players arrived somewhat excited that it wasn’t school in the morning.
Having successfully ended the season unbeaten the week earlier, the players were riding high with confidence eager to showcase their skill and talent that had been plentiful all season. Having erected Wigan’s now famous branded gazebo in a centrally prominent position before Preston’s coaches had marked out their pitches - much the Wigan coach’s amusement! – Wigan’s U9’s settled into their home for the day, taking advantage of a well-positioned sand pile and using an abandoned scum machine as a piece of makeshift play equipment. Wigan’s travelling contingency of supporters, parents and kin also arrived to add their mark and expand the stronghold with camping chairs and picnics, reminiscent of an early Whit weekend in Blackpool, only missing the donkeys – however there was probably a few around!

With some late withdrawals and rearranged fixtures Wigan had a long wait till their first game. Having been placed in groups of 4, each team had 3 group games to play before the split into knock out rugby. Due to a last minute switch Wigan, having only just started their warm up, were called to action as their first game was brought forward. Although caught slightly off guard with the rearrange fixture, the coaches needn’t have worried and the players started with an intensity which they would never relinquish all day. With ball in hand the players set about dismantling their opposition with their usual skill, speed and determination – the underlining attributes of the team’s performance all year. With three games to play in the group, Wigan breezed through to the semi- finals have accumulated 21 tries and only conceded 3.

With the group games over, the draw for the semi-finals was confirmed with the top finishing team in each group playing in a semi-final for a place in the final. As the coaches waited patiently, the finalists were announced. Wigan were pitted against Preston Grasshoppers (A team) in what had been the anticipated final. Having met only a few weeks earlier - where Wigan had recorded a convincing win - the players were keen to push home their dominance and took to the field ready to stage an upset against the hoisting side.

As the whistle blew, the players took advantage with ball in hand to attack. Having showcased their usual fluent passing and offloads, the players glided across the turf creating space to take advantage and post a healthy lead. Preston pushed hard but were limited in attack by some fantastic defence and tackling from everyone wearing black and white. At times is seemed as though Wigan had more players on the pitch, as everyone showed determination to put the effort in and secure a place in the final. At the final whistle and with a 5 – 2 score line, Wigan’s players, coaches and spectators celebrated with the realisation they had reached the final.

Having had time to rest and take on a few calories (namely sweets, crisps and pop) there was a short turn around before the players and coaches gathered for their final team talk. With some nervous bellies, the players listened intently to a few final pointers from the coaches and the last words of ‘whatever happens go out there and enjoy it’. Filled with pride, the players walked out on to the pitch and into the final.

Facing them was Kirby Lonsdale. Both teams having never met previously, having had their earlier season fixture cancelled due to weather, lined up somewhat unsure of their opposition. From the outset it was clear to see why both teams had progressed so far in the competition, becoming worth finalist. Wigan keen to make their mark took to the attack with force. Kirby Lonsdale however, unlike many, didn’t crumble and with some fantastic tackling restricted Wigan from their usual expansive game of rugby. The initial exchanges between both teams certainly set the tempo of the game and Wigan realised quickly they were in a battle for the Cup. As Wigan pushed it was only for some last gasps tackles from Kirby Lonsdale that they were restricted to 1 try, having posted an early score. Despite the close game, having settled somewhat, Wigan started to show their usual skill to keep the ball alive and the game fluent. In defence the players stood strong and allowed their opposition little room to attack.

With the score at 1 – 0 and the clock ticking Kirby Lonsdale made an impressive break and - only for what has to be the competitions best tackle - were denied a score which would have levelled the game. This effort seemed to lift Wigan’s game to a higher level and shortly afterward posted their second try and the match winner.

With the final whistle blown, the scenes were overwhelming. Players hugged, coaches hugged and parents hugged, tears were shed and history was made. With the usual acknowledgements made to both sides, the players celebrated their win and what a win!!!

Having had time to absorb the event and with eyes wiped, everyone returned to the clubhouse for the presentations and to lift the Cup! To make the day even more special they were joined by the younger club member representing the U7’s and U8’s, both of whom also came away as winners…and making it a clean sweep the U12’s also came away winners on the Sunday.

A fantastic weekend all round for the club as Wigan, having entered in 4 age groups, won 4 trophies. Time for a bigger cabinet at the club I think!!!

A big thank you to all the parents, family and supporters who cheered on the team all day and congratulations all the players, well done - Dominic, George, Harry, Harvey, Jacob F, Jacob J, Luke, Ollie, Owen, Tom C, Tom D, Will, Zack.

So proud!