Eccles Unable to Tame the Lions

... Stockport with a 5 - 10 win, the under 12's headed for Eccles with a 7 streak win under there belt. Wigan once again faced notably larger opponents but that didn't seem to deter the young Lions, albeit playing on a undersized pitch.

Wigan kicked off and set the tone with a few hard hitting tackles from Ben and Max J forcing an early knock on. Our smaller pack proved to strong for Eccles and with quick hands slamming Sam joined the line from full back and made good yards down the field. Controlling the rucks through Max J, Tom and Jacob, Wigan pressed forward allowing Ben to find the space to cross the line for a try after 4min's. No easing up from the kick off and the forwards once again putting in the hard yards and working well together, keeping possession Max J picks up from the ruck and goes over for a try 6min.

Eccles did well to force the kick down field but Wigan quickly respond with a well worked line out, resulting in some slick passing by Issac on the touch line (luckily his dad Tim saw this as moments later he was summoned by his wife for dog duty!) . James somehow found space to weave 20 yards up field and once again the forwards take charge in controlling the ball, with great determination and strength Ethan powers over the line pulling with him 3 tacklers. No conversion's just brief team talks from Phil and Des encouraging the players to keep up this performance.

Wigan lost out to some wayward lineout throws from the home team but continued to pressure Eccles with great tackling from Max J and Ben. A great two men tackle from Ethan and Jacob and a ball steel saw Ben go over for his second just before the break.

Half time and the team talk from Phil and Des was a positive one, keeping the players focused on what they'd done so well at the start as Wigan had lost concentration to the end of the half.

Eccles clever kick off saw the ball land in space and force an early error, nevertheless Wigans pack led by prop Danny who had his best game to date forced Eccles back. A little bit of panic play saw Billy isolated on the touch line but Tap managed to hold off two players to allow support to arrive. As ever Wigans backs not wanting to be left out came into the game but struggled on such a narrow field with James and Max McQ making good runs. Eccles numbers dwindled with some solid tackling and the best coming from Ben who covered 40yrds to stop a try down the touchline. 5 yards from there own line and Wigan win the line out to see Ben clear with a good kick down field, the chase is even better with 'Billy Whiz' getting to the awkward bounce first and sprinting for the try line. Good tackling from Eccles holds Wigan back but the constant recycling see's Ben cross the line for his 3rd try.

Eccles kick off deep and some sloppy play see Wigan deep in their own half and struggling to move forward. A kick down field this time and Wigan recover to see fast hands from Max McQ and Billy with Sam in support to go over for a try. After the kick off another injury to the home side sees a second Wigan player put on an Eccles shirt, both Brian and Tim all most helping Eccles win their second scrum of the game. The last minutes of the game are fought in Wigans half as Eccles push for the line but Wigan, keen to keep a clean sheet defend well. The whistle blows with Ethan kicks the ball in touch on the last play.

Over all, a good performance by Wigan, especially the first 15min were the forwards domination of possession won the game. Frustrating for the backs on such a narrow and short field but good lessons to be learned to take into training.
MOM Tim, who played out of position at centre in the first half and who then put on an Eccles top in the second to give the home side a much needed boost.

Thought to be Wigans last game of the season, they will now host a great challenge at home from Chester, as always a big thank you to the ever present parents as we look forward to your support once again.

by - Jerome 'Newshound' Weall