Wigan U11s victorious at Preston Grasshoppers

On arrival we learned that we’d have two opponents not one. This made the trip up the M6 even more worthwhile, but also meant we’d be out in the bitter cold for twice as long! Still it was nice and sunny, so we swapped our ‘brollies for shades.

Our two opponents, Preston GH and Winnington Park played each other first, with, I think the home side just coming out on top.

Wigan U11’s v Preston Grasshoppers

From the off Preston made a strong start and kept possession for the opening minutes. Wigan did not concede territory though, with all players getting involved in defence, being well led as always by captain Harry.

Preston did eventually break through though, adding a second shortly afterwards before Wigan had re-organised. But Wigan were still confident. Eli made a great run, throwing 3 local lads with an uncanny step, seeming to stop dead and completely change direction in a blink. The move was continued and William put his pace to good use to open Wigan’s scoring.

No conversions available today.

Following a break Mack was tackled high near the half-way line, and taking the penalty quickly Joss made a superb try of his own to even the scores. Not for the first time, Joss immediately proved his werth defencively down at the opposite end of the pitch with a try-saving tackle.

Preston sneaked another, re-gaining the lead just on half time.

Score at the break

Preston GH 3 Wigan 2

Ethan added his name to the list of Wigan players who are comfortable taking a high ball from a kick-off. Joining the list too of those that can run it straight up and score!

Wigan played some superb rugby, with Sam and Mack finding holes in the Preston defences, but a Preston breakaway straight up the middle put them ahead once more.

Wigan were very effective too at following-up their own kick offs. Jacob making a great tackle deep in Preston’s half, with Mack in support getting a try.

Again, Preston’s seemingly only fast player opened Wigan up, and one of their many heavier lads finished the job with Wigan just not getting low enough to bring these guys down.

Debutant Oliver proved why the coaches had been so keen to see him play, running 2/3rds of the pitch, and beating several defenders. A superb try, evening the scores.

A break from William made significant ground and this was exciting stuff by Wigan in the closing minutes. A lengthy run from Joss, with steps and dummies a plenty, with Oliver in support, got Joss the winner.

An amazing performance from Wigan, coming from 2 tries down to beat a renowned strong side on their home turf, and this without two key players. A superb display of skills and spirit, and all that they have been working on at training. Established squad members flourished, and new talent showed massive potential. Great viewing. Well done.

Full time:

Preston GH 5 Wigan 6

Wigan U11’s v Winnington Park

This was another relatively big side, towering above some of our lads. Sure enough play opened with a big drive up the middle by Winnington. Sam made the tackle, but it wasn’t long before the weight advantage paid off and Winnington scored. Following one of many scrums that went their way they soon added a second.

The rest of the first half play was more even. Joss and Mack looking a threat going forward, and all Wigan players getting involved in the rucks. Tom and Christian making their mark defencively.

Score at the break

Winnington Park 2 Wigan 0

From the kick-off Winnington ran the ball straight back and Wigan were caught napping. But Wigan recovered and began to have the run of play as Winnington’s energy faded. They cleared from their line with a high kick that went out on the full but was comfortably taken by Grandad Ernie, who’s clearly ‘still got it’.

Winnington showed they can recycle and move the ball too, and went 4 ahead.

A well deserved try from work-horse Jacob came following a catch and run by Oliver, and Ethan opening things up. Again Wigan’s spirits lifted and confidently they added two showpiece tries by Sam and Oliver almost levelling the scores. At 4-3 this might have been a fair reflection of the play but in the last two minutes Winnington added 2 more easy tries.

Must give special mentions to captain Harry who was clearly not A1 but still led the way and gave it everything throughout, and to debutant Oliver scoring a try in both games.

Despite the result this was another fine display by Wigan against a bigger side. Some momentary lapses in energy and focus gave Winnington opportunities to score and without those Wigan could have certainly won this game. Coming back from 4-tries to nil, almost leveling the score in the late part of the game proves a much-improved spirit.

Full time: Winnington Park 6 Wigan 3

Squad:
Christian, Eli, Ethan, Harry, Jacob, Joe, Joss, Louis, Luca, Mack, Oliver, Sam, Tom, William.

Man of the Match: Mack

Tries:
William 1
Joss 2
Ethan 1
Mack 1
Oliver 2
Jacob 1
Sam 1