Wigan Show True Grit

One hour before kick off and both teams were out on the field warming up and putting the finishing touches to a seasons long campaign. The Lions, soaking up the final words from coaches Phil, Paul and Jerome. Wigan have been slow starters throughout the season and were determined to get on the score first.

Unfortunatly, from the kick off Wigan were caught napping and a well drilled Chester pack soon controlled the ball and pushed down field. Wigan gained possession but panicked to give Chester who pressed the line, an early try. From the re-start Chester continued to aggravate Wigan but as ever Max J led the way and the pack soon followed. Completing several phases with the help of Tom S and Jacob W, Chester got drawn in and with some slick passing from Joe K & Ben G the ball came to Billy Whiz who continued to weave in and out up the touch line for a well deserved try.

Wigan welcomed Sam P and Joss P to the squad who had been punching above there weight for the 13's all season, hard hitting Sam who through himself at everything unfortunatly had to leave the field with injury. Wigan pressed the Chester line but gave away two consecutive penalty's and backed up with good kicks Chester drove for the line. Disciplin helped Chester for there 2nd try, whilst arguing amongst themselves and the referee, the visiting side moved the ball quickly to put themselves ahead.

Loose play by both sides and the game slowed down, a wayward lineout throw by Chester saw Issac pick out Ethan for a signature move. Once again the backs with great runs from James, Slammin Sam and Tap made good yards, this time a good team effort which led to a Ben G try.

Encouraging words from coach Phil H and words of wisdom from Des Seabrook were needed as neither side had the upper hand.

Once again Chester found themselves upfield with a well positioned kick off, the Wigan players out of position and half asleep! Possession moved from one side to the other and Referee, Mr Keegan began to take a bit of flack from the Chester coaching staff and the players soon followed by answering back to the referee. Max McQ and Ben G worked hard down the middle to keep possession and when the ball came out the backs Wigan began to take control, good individual efforts from James and Billy began to switch the balance of play. With injury, Tap had to leave the field which led to Sam C's return (who had been off playing less interesting sports)..... it was just what the young Lions needed. Sam C's energy lifted the home side and with an excellent play the full length of the field, Sam C was denied a great effort.

Wigans forwards had began to get the upper hand, working more tightly as a unit and recycling the ball well. On this occasion an experienced Joss P took on the defence to attract 2-3 players, managing to slip the ball out to Sam C who crossed the line for a much deserved try. Confidence was high and although Wigan failed to score again, they didn't look like conceding a try.

A final say to the Man of the Match Joe Webb, who's fullback performance was solid. Running the ball back like a bullet train and coming up with some fantastic catches and good field positioning.

Thankyou to Chester Rugby Union U12's and to the ever faithful family and friends who came down to cheer the boys onto victory.

By Jerome Weall