We coulda' had 'em,(with) Harry

We’re no strangers to fielding a depleted squad at away fixtures, but this was arguably one of the weakest, on paper: no inspirational Team Captain, Harry, no ubiquitous Mack, no big-hitter Sam and ditto some of the promising new talent of Oliver, Ethan and George. With less than 24 hours to go before the game, we had only 7 confirmed players. We missed coach Parker too.

But we have fielded weakened squads before, and won, so there was hope at least.

With spectators fenced-in behind the try lines, it was difficult to see our players, let alone give support. And with the home side’s 5-strong coaching/medical phalanx running touch (versus our one), and with the pitch narrower than we would have liked, things did seem stacked against us.

The Sedgley kick-off went out within a whisker of the corner flag, and from the following line-out the try was easy. From then all the play was within 5metres of Wigan’s line, but with some fine last-ditch defending from Wigan. William tried to break out but couldn’t find the space. Joss and Henry combined and got as far as the half way line, but without support possession switched back, and the Tigers were soon backin the 5 metre zone. With an agreement of no kicking, Wigan missed that option which of late has had its uses. Eventually the Tigers moved the ball out wide, getting a second try on half time.

Score at the break 14-0

As is the norm on such occasions, Wigan’s body language on returning to the field for the second half would not have daunted anyone. Heads down, dragging their feet. And yet only two tries down, with plenty of time to turn things around.

The second half opened with a spell of possession for Wigan, but ball carriers had no-where to go, and often no-one to pass to, and they occasionally ran into their own men. The backs slow to position themselves. Kyle, Christian and Louis tried the direct approach, but the drive is clearly not Wigan’s tack.

Where Wigan made tackles this wasn’t always followed through, and the Tigers recycled. Wigan’s hits must have been having some effect though as Sedgely were digging deep into their large squad of replacements. Wigan, not having that luxury were occasionally down to 11 men.

Wigan’s positional awareness was exposed after a scrum with the Sedgely scrum half passing to a bowling ball up the blind side, who looked to have an open door. Wigan’s defence (5 of them), arriving late, did not stop him. Luckily the try was disallowed, but there was a lesson to be had.

On a couple of occasions Wigan players not looking where their passes were going led to spilled balls, and loss of possession. This gave the home side at least one try directly.

Despite a massive home-side advantage of territory and possession, Wigan did supremely well to keep Sedgely to just four tries. Wigan’s composure going forward prevented the conversion of the few opportunities they earned. Despite the score, this was a good effort lads, and I’m sure with a stronger squad we definitely coulda’ had ‘em. Rematch at home required, me thinks.

Full time: Sedgley Park 28 Wigan 0

The second match was required to give some match play to the remainder of Sedgely’s vast squad. Initially it looked to be going as per the first game, with a pair of early home tries. Wigan responed positively, moving the ball to Kyle who powered over the line. William on kicking duty today added the two.

Sedgley’s third came from a line-out. Wigan players trying to rip the ball from their big runner, but no-one brought him down, and over he went.

Much of the first half was played out around the half-way line, and this was more of an even game than the first. Jacob, Brad, and Kyle making many tackles and Tom making a few stops too. William, Henry and Joss looking for breaks.

The second half opened with a catch and take by Joe, and the forward momentum being carried through by the Wigan forwards. Kyle made a break up the middle, powerful and straight, and scored. Being the only Wigan supporter at the clubhouse end my cheers and congratulations didn’t go down well, what with the number of casualties Kyle had left in his wake.

Wigan kept decent territory in the final minutes and came close to equalizing, but Sedgley made a break down the wing. He got through a couple of arms-length tackles, but was stopped on the try line by Joe making the tackle of his career so far. Soon afterwards Sedgley crossed in the opposite corner, but with the flag out of its hole, it was judged in touch. And so the final whistle.

2nd game final score: Sedgley Park 21 Wigan 14.

Squad:
Brad, Christian, Eli, Henry, Jacob, Joe, Joss, Kyle, Louis, Luca, Tom, William.

Man of the Match: Kyle

Tries:
Kyle 2