Wigan U10’s continue their good form

A lack of sunshine didn’t dampen Wigan’s spirit, and the team was keen to build on its recent successes.

It’s a big ask when players are required to be loaned to an opposition, but those that were asked to did so without complaint, and in fact in most cases they played impressively.

Although Tarleton started with the ball (and two Wigan players), an early tackle and steal by Kyle followed by his long range run and a try under the sticks set out Wigan’s stall. (Although it was hard to see the sticks over the long grass.) Not to be outdone, Tarleton’s star player responded quickly with an equally impressive try.

The next few minutes were played out close to the Tarleton line with Wigan trying to find a way through, with mostly individual efforts. Following a scrum, Joss shimmied through for a try to put Wigan back in front.

A period of end-to-end fast flowing rugby followed, and Ethan (on loan) demonstrated how to tackle Kyle. Wigan began to show strength, both in defence and attack, and a powerful Wigan drive involving many players resulted in another try, with Joss making the touchdown.

Down came the rain, but I doubt the players noticed, such was the pace of play at this time. A promising long-range run from Will was unsuccessful as he was tackled and didn’t have sufficient options in support for an off-load. Ball possession was alternating frequently as both teams fought for the ball. Harry made a great run, but as he approached the line, play had to be stopped due to an injury to a Tarleton player who very sadly had to leave the field. A third Wigan player was volunteered for loan duty but unfortunately for Wigan, this player was Mack, who continued with his outstanding late form.

Stoppages stalled the flow, but as we headed for half time, Brad forced his way past a couple of Tarleton defenders for a timely try. Score at the break 4-1.

In the second half the loan players were rotated, and with the Wigan team playing an opposition including three of their own, the dynamic of the match altered. An early run from Kyle was no match for the terminating tackle by Mack (on loan), but shortly afterwards Kyle was back for more and this time claimed a try. More Wigan-on-Wigan tackling followed, including one of note by Tom on Will. An enthusiastic run from deep by Sam, brushing off defenders as he went, got him on the score sheet, and also rallied the crowd.

Fewer stoppages in the second half allowed momentum to build. Reluctance to move the ball was a factor in Wigan’s inability to go forward, and Tarleton kept Wigan in their own half for some time. Some better quality rugby from Joss and Harry led to a try for Will, stepping skillfully around Mack as he went over.

Wigan began to use their ball skills to some benefit, making ground, culminating in a try for Harry. Next to score was Nicholas whose blistering acceleration allowed him to break away from the crowd, going on to clear over half the pitch at speed. Not to be outdone, Jacob made one of his own, with a powerful arrow-straight sprint through the middle.

Tarleton were kept out by some good defence from Wigan, with Joss, amongst others, putting in the tackles. Joe (on loan) made a confident run and as he was gathering pace and looking like he was heading for an ‘own goal’, some effective Wigan defence stopped him in his tracks. Perhaps some of the Wigan crowd were thinking “you dare” too, but I didn’t hear anyone say it out loud.

Just time for one more try from Wigan, this time from William, with his applause still going as the final whistle blew.

Thanks to Tarleton for making the trip, and for giving us a good game. We wish them well with their squad development.

Thanks also to the volunteers in the DV kitchen for feeding everyone!

Full time: Wigan 11 tries, Tarleton 2.

Another encouraging performance from Wigan. Let’s hope the good form continues for next week’s Manchester Festival; we’ll certainly need it.

Squad:
Brad, Christian, Eli, Ethan, Harry, Jacob, Joe, Joss, Kyle, Lewis, Mack, Nicholas, Sam, Tom, William.

Man of the Match judged by Tarleton’s coach was Mack.

Tries:
Brad 1
Harry 1
Jacob 1
Joss 2
Kyle 2
Nicholas 1
Sam 1
William 2