A lovely spring morning saw the U14 trip down the M58 to Crosby for the delayed Lancs Cup semi final. Tensions were high with Wigan determined to repeat the victory they earned against the same opposition earlier in the competition and likewise Waterloo equally determined to avenge that loss.

The match started with the home side applying all the pressure, most of the first 20 minutes was played in the Wigan half. Wigan's defence were thorough tested, conceded penalties were repeatedly fired into touch close to the Wigan line and resultant line out drives and strong forward runs were repelled. Tackling throughout the team was strong causing Waterloo to spill the ball close to the line. Waterloo were strong and were able to prevent Wigan from getting any fluency in their attack.
Wigan managed to break the deadlock after 19 minutes with a move from a scrum up the left flank. The ball found it's way to Billy on the wing who when running out of space kicked ahead and outpaced the opposition defence and touch down close to the posts. Joss calmly added the extras.

Waterloo knocked on from the restart. From the resultant scrum, Joss fed Sam C, who ran one of his mercurial stepping runs evading numerous attempted tackles while covering two thirds of the pitch to touch down under the posts much to the delight of the away support. Joss again added the extras to push the lead to 14-0.

Waterloo were still determined and more defensive duties were required from all to see them through to half time without any further scores. A tough a half as Wigan have had, with a penalty count of 12 to 1 against, the boys did well.

A strong squad of players allowed Phil & Des to replace a few of the starters for finishers throughout the second half. This half saw Wigan do much better territorially. Wigan were awarded a penalty for offside at a scrum. Joss mised left but a fumble by Waterloo gave Wigan a scrum 5. Pressure now by Wigan saw Waterloo scramble in their defence but manage to keep Wigan at bay, at leat temporarily. Another good passing movement along the backs saw Billy this time on the right wing able to round the opposition defence to score near the corner. Billy unfortunately missed the conversion. 19-0

Waterloo then had another spell of pressure, one move up their right wing ended up with a kick and chase which Wigan narrowly won to clear the ball over the dead ball line. Another kick chase followed shortly afterwards but the kick was slightly too long and the ball went dead.

This was soon followed by a kick chase from Wigan which after crossing the width of the field ended up touch close to Waterloos line. A perfectly executed line out move allowed Max to commit the opposition defenders and slip a pass to Sam P who touched down 5 yards in from touch. Billy just missed with a great conversion attempt. 24-0

Waterloo scored a deserved consolation try in the final minutes shortly after Ben had held them up on a previous attempt. It was great to see the obvious delight of the Wigan team at the final whistle after a great team effort. It wasn't their best display but team solidarity saw them through.

MOM - Toby, Sausage Award - Logan (harshly for poor defensive kick)

Team - Tim, Sam P, Ethan, Toby, Louis, Jacob, Xander, Ben, Joss, Sam C, Logan, Tom, Kieron R, Samson, Joe, Billy, Tap, Sam L, Kieron F, Max, James, Justin, Owen

Thanks for the great photos Steph Moran