Wigan U10’s travelled to New Brighton.

The plan was to play two games: New Brighton first, and to follow that with Mossley Hill.

Coming into this fixture New Brighton had great form, having won all but one or two games this season. From the off, we could see why. The game was fast paced, with every Wigan tackle vital to keeping them at bay. Wigan were a threat going forward too, and matched everything that was thrown at them. This opponent was another heavy side the like of which we have become accustomed to, and soon enough one of their big guys powered down the middle with a well drilled drive technique, and opened the scoring.

Myles was nominated for the immediate reply, and made a lot of ground, Harry in support continued the run, and Christian had a drive too before passing back to Harry who went on to score a great try. Special mention for Christian there who made perhaps the run of his season so far.

From midway through the first half, Wigan began to show their attacking skill. From a lineout, Harry had a run and put in a nice pass to Mack. Will had a great run, and again Mack was in support, passing back to Harry who was bundled into touch by a great NB tackle. Great play by Wigan. Pulling off attacking moves including four or five passes when up against strong opposition giving you no space, in cold conditions, is no mean feat.

Whenever in possession, NB were asking, and Wigan needed great composure under pressure to maintain the level score. A NB breakaway was surely try-bound, but William made an accomplished try-saving tackle. Brad and Harry in particular continued with the Wigan defences, but for a period play was all within a few metres of the Wigan line. Kyle made a great break, and passed to Harry, but the run ended in touch. Despite having a lot yet to do, Harry soon put the finishing touches to it though, with a superb try in the corner involving a canny leaping step surely borrowed from a certain Mr Tomkins.

Again NB responded with a rapid move deep into the Wigan half. Some good rucking by Wigan allowed Myles to the ball, who made a great trademark run up the middle. More zig-zagging than usual, and with growing confidence, he got through a determined defence to put Wigan two tries ahead.

Kyle had a punt, making it as far as the half way line before an over-heavy tackle drew the first half abruptly to an end.

Score at the break New Brighton 1, Wigan 3

The second half began with a long slow drive up the middle by NB’s forwards, and the ball was touched down without being exposed to daylight.

Wigan’s support of runners, and rucking, was not as effective in the second half, and NB were allowed to mount attack after attack. Sam made a try-saving tackle, and a subsequent NB attack ended in a forced error close to the Wigan line. However Wigan failed to capitalise on their advantage, and immediately lost possession, conceded a try and with it their lead.

For a second time a NB break was dealt with by a great tackle by Sam.

Heavy rain slowed the pace only slightly, and all play was within metres of the Wigan line. The rain worsened, and suddenly turned to a heavy hail storm. Play was suspended, the pitch abandoned, and all players made a run for cover. Coach Morgy being the first make a dash.

With a break in the weather, Wigan returned buoyant and briefly looked the greater threat. A short period of possession did not end with a score, and when possession switched NB seemed to wake up, running straight through a watching Wigan to claim the lead.

Brad responded with a near-try putting in a great run, but was held up over the line.

With that, time was called and we all headed for the warmth of the clubhouse.

Due to the weather and the suspension of play, we did possibly loose track of the score. Consensus is that it ended 4-4, with Kyle, somewhere in there claiming Wigan’s 4th.

Obviously, also due to the weather, the game with Mossley Hill was abandoned, with apologies to those Wigan players who had been held back in reserve, on the bench during the New Brighton game.

Full time: New Brighton 4 Wigan 4

A great Wigan performance against not one but two opponents; a big side from New Brighton, and some serious wintery weather.

Squad:
Brad, Christian, Eli, Harry, Joe, Joss, Kyle, Luca, Mack, Myles, Sam, Tom, William.

Man of the Match: Sam

Tries:
Harry 2
Myles 1
Kyle 1