Wigan U11s prevail at Bury

At the same fixture last season Wigan were victorious by some margin, but today that wasn’t mentioned, and preparations were made for a challenging encounter.

In the absence of the Roberts brothers, Bury could take comfort knowing they weren’t going to suffer, as last weeks opponents did, with a fierce handing-off from man-mountain Eli.

The sun was definitely out and was in fact quite warm. We walked from the swamp of the Bury car park to the lush pastures of a pitch borrowed from a neighbouring school. A bit too lush, in fact, and some of our squad, not renowned for their height, struggled to see over the top of the grass.

Wigan started confidently, eager to take the lead. They weren’t so keen, initially, in defence though, and with handling errors hampering both teams, the opening minutes could have gone either way. Wigan did begin to apply pressure though, and forced a fumble by Bury, scooped up by Kyle, to Will, and a try. Extras added by Harry.

Wigan’s scrummaging was very good, despite, once again, their obvious disadvantage in height and weight versus the opponents.

Going forward, Wigan were often hampered by their own men in the way, having to run around their own team before making ground. Often ball carriers had no-one on-side to pass to, and often the options were just at arms length. Wigan were being caught in possession. Several tackled players, without support on hand, were making very late off-loads from the ground rather than placing the ball, and these did not always work, (as proven by Christian’s fine header!).

A break by Harry relieved the frustration and put Kyle in for a try. No extras this time though, but it is fair to say the long grass was a factor.

Confidence growing, Wigan began to spread out a little, if not arranging themselves ideally in attack. Much of the running was flat, and possession did not always translate into gained territory.

Having not been out of their own half, Bury made a break, but William and Sam saw to it. Bury found their fire though and pushed Wigan back to their line. A fine kick up field from Harry was chased down well by William and the threat was now at the Bury end. Sam fell victim to one of Bury’s high-ish tackles, and possession switched. Bury broke away again, but Joe got hold of a shirt and Jacob made the tackle.

As Christian went for a breather, so Henry was able to make his debut. Wigan began to move the ball more effectively, and Henry played his part showing composure under pressure. Mack almost made the tryline, but Harry was on hand to complete, this time adding his own extras on half time.

(Crumbs I’ve written a page already!!)

Score at the break

Bury 0 Wigan 19

Bury opened the second half looking a little stronger and more determined. Wigan’s casualty rate increased proportionately, with Joss and Brad taking heavy knocks. Joss briefly went into orbit I think.

Harry, Jacob and Sam continued the good work tackling, giving Wigan possession. Following a Bury infringement, William placed a great drop-out which was fumbled by Bury deep in their own half. Wigan won the subsequent scrum, and joss made a neat pass to Harry who beat two in defence for another try, adding his own conversion once again.

A strong drive by Christian opened up the Bury line, and Wigan were able to show off their handling, with the ball coming down the line to Henry who very nearly scored, but again it was Harry on hand to drive over and finish. William took a turn at the conversion but was unlucky.

Kyle’s powerful run up the wing was answered by Bury with a run of their own. Half-hearted Wigan defending allowed a try, with the Bury kicker making the most of the opportunity. Sam replied with a strong run, claiming a try, assisted by Harry.

A late Bury effort in the corner was one for the video referee, but in keeping with the good natured spirits, benefit was given and the try awarded.

A clear-cut victory for Wigan, if not water-tight. We did well to overcome Bury’s defence, and in turn to keep them at bay too, having significant territorial advantage throughout, but a more potent opponent might have exposed the chinks in our armour.

Full time: Wigan

Bury 14 Wigan 38

Squad:
Brad, Christian, Harry, Henry, Jacob, Joe, Joss, Kyle, Louis, Mack, Sam, Tom, William.

Man of the Match: Sam.

Tries:
William 1
Kyle 1
Harry 3
Sam 1

Goals:
Harry 4