Wigan RUFC U16s welcomed Rochdale RUFC to The Valley for the third round of the Lancashire Cup, Rochdale with high hopes after edging Wigan in the corresponding fixture last season.

The match began only after 2 minutes silence were respectfully observed for Armistice Day bu all present.

1st Half

Rochdale started the game with great determination and had the home side on the back foot for much of the first quarter, unable however to convert a penalty awarded to take the lead. Wigan did however manage to string together a few moves that enabled Logan to cross the line after 20 minutes. Wigan took the 5-0 lead through to half time but Rochdale felt they had the better half.

Second Half

Wigan resumed the second half much mor positively and looked much more cohesive as ateam and were rewarded with a tries from Owen F and Isaac, the latter converted as they started to apply more pressure on Rochdale to lead 17-0.

The visitors howver showed good teamwork and had Wigan’s defence scrambling for several minutes and were finally rewarded with a converted try to bring the score back to 17-7.

Some great attack and defence was on show from both sides providing a hugely entertaining match.

Wigan finally showed their superiority with a couple of top drawer tries from Owen F in the last 5 minutes, the first converted Billy.

Fittingly the match ended with a crunching tackle from Owen who was awarded MOM by his team mates. Final Score 29-7

Team
Tim, Sam P, Ethan, Max, Xander, Ben, Owen C, Tom, Toby, Sam C, Logan, Cameron, Luc, Owen F, Isaac, Billy, Louis, Lewis, James