Wigan U10’s took the trip down the M61 to Sedgley Park, for a round-robin.

Unfortunately due to circumstances we do not yet understand, the home side were absent! So touring side Wetherby, and ourselves were equally glad of each other’s presence.

Things started as they often do from a Wigan kick-off, with a couple of promising drives from Wigan, this time from Harry and Joe. Wetherby defence was strong and as soon as possession came Wetherby’s way, shock gripped Wigan players and supporters alike as Wetherby ran in three tries in as many minutes. Wigan looked overwhelmed, and it looked like we were in for a battering.

To their credit, Wigan did not give up, and became more composed. Eli, William and Mack taking the ball forward looking for a way through. When ever Wigan had the ball though Wetherby were up very quickly, and not giving Wigan any space or time on the ball. Defencively Wigan woke up too, with Jacob and Harry in the thick of it as usual. Harry unfortunately got hurt and had to be replaced. Despite the Wigan efforts, Wetherby soon added a fourth. Sam and Myles made several tackles on players significantly bigger than themselves. Wetherby added at 5th on half time, with Wigan having barely been out of their own half.

Score at the break 5-0 to Wetherby.

Wetherby made several changes at half time and Wigan soon found a way through them with Sam going over for Wigan’s first. Wetherby replied quickly though with two more tries. Harry returned to the field and combined with Myles for a rousing try. In attacking moves there was some fine passing again from Wigan. Luca made a tackle but unfortunately was another who had to leave the field suffering a knock. Wigan players were dropping like flies, and our small squad was struggling to maintain fit numbers. Conversly Wetherby’s large squad was continually being recycled and they always appeared to have plenty of fresh legs available. Wetherby added an eighth after running right through Wigan shrugging off several half-hearted tackles.

Myles’ line-out performances were as good as ever, and following one deep in Wetherby territory which he won, Kyle powered over for a try.

Full time: Wetherby 8 Wigan 3

This turned out to be a great game of rugby (continuing for a while longer after I stopped taking notes). Wetherby 10’s are a strong, very well-drilled side, but I can’t help thinking that if Wigan had been composed from the start we might have kept a more even score.

Wetherby as a club had a good weekend – apparently all their minis were unbeaten.

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

Man of the Match TBA

Tries:
Sam 1
Harry 1
Kyle 1