Wigan U10’s avenge last season’s hammering

Once play was under way this time around, we were clearly looking at a much-improved Wigan side. The first few minutes of play was all in the Widnes half, with the away side frantically trying to keep a frisky Wigan out. But superior effort and composure at the breakdown by an awakening Widnes soon turned the course of play, and Widnes opened the scoring.

Following a line-out which was comfortably won by Widnes, Jacob followed the ball which Widnes had allowed to go loose, scooping it up to stroll through for a solo try.

A run from deep by Mack, with a nice pass to Harry in support led to a try for Harry.

Several Wigan attacks ended when un-supported runners were driven into touch by a well organised defence. A strong run from Joe looked promising but he was held up short, and the spilled ball was scooped up by William who finished the task.

With the comfort of a two-try lead, Wigan’s confidence improved, and more fluent passing followed. Widnes were hungrier and more effective at the ruck however, with Wigan recurrently failing to compete effectively for the ball. Gaining possession led to a try for Widnes.

From the restart, a fresh looking Miles delivered a carbon-copy of his fine try of last week. In the words of some Widnes supporters – he just ran straight through! Fortunately on this occasion no player was left 'looking at the sky'.

The first half ended with a period of balanced play in the middle of the field, but a break by a quick Widnes back went unchallenged, making the score almost even at half-time.

Score at the break 4-3.

Widnes opened the second half with a sustained pressure, and with Wigan again being ineffective at the ruck, Widnes soon equalised.

Kyle again responded with a trademark try.

Widnes continued on the attack and although Wigan defended, their efforts were often individual, and again Widnes levelled the score, but (cut&paste!) Kyle again responded with a trademark try. By mid-way through the second half, the pace of play had dropped slightly, as the intensity of earlier play perhaps began to take its toll. Following a scrum, a Widnes break got through the Wigan line and again the scores were equal. Again there was a period of even play, and it looked like the next try would secure a result. A Wigan break involving Kyle and William was completed by Joss’ try. Wigan pushed harder and an attack over several phases of play eventually led to another try for Kyle.

With that Wigan seemed to liven up and looked hungrier for points. William began a run near the centre of the field, and headed directly to the wing were he turned, increased pace and burned off several defenders for a try in the corner. Joss managed to put Wigan’s score into double figures with another try after supporting a break from Miles.

The final say went to a strong Widnes forward who powered his way up the field, dragging along anyone who tried the tackle. With almost all players involved with the battle on the try line, the touchdown was eventually made, and full-time was called.

Full time: Wigan 10 tries Widnes 7.

Wigan, though not at their recent best, demonstrated their improved ability over last season, with a win over a well-drilled opponent.

Squad:
Christian, Eli, Ethan, Harry, Jacob, Jake, Joe, Joss, Kyle, Luca, Mack, Miles, Nicholas, Sam, Tom, William.

Man of the Match judged by Widnes coach: Kyle

Tries:

Jacob 1
Harry 1
Kyle 3
Miles 1
Joss 2
William 2

Big thanks to the mums who stepped up for catering duty.