A Good Start to the New Season

Wigan's first competitive and cup game of the season brought a gritty victory over the visitors.... Heaton Moor. Going into the game with 2 convincing pre-seasons wins Wigan got off to a great start. From the kick off Ethan H quickly forced a turnover and the rest of the pack worked well to push up field, slick hands from Joss P found Ben Gill who forced his way over after 3min for Wigan's first try. First scrum of the game and Wigan's pack held well to win the ball, quick hands found Sam C who weaved through the defence to make good yards.

Wigan came up with some strong tackling from Max McQ and Tom Seabrook to keep Heaton Moor pinned deep in there half. Opting not to kick with a slight wind behind them Heaton Moor's back's ran well and exposed Wigan, leaving Tapiwa S to rush the line and cut out the pass to the over lap. Wigan began to make unforced errors and made hard work of winning the ball back after losing 4 scrums in a row. Jacob W and Sam P ran the ball well to make great yards, keeping the pressure on the visitors. The best solo effort came from Ben G who ran 50yards fending off 5-6 players, Isaac S followed in support to give Tapiwa a chance in the corner only to be forced in touch.

Heaton Moor again found Wigan napping and worked the ball out wide, Joss P tracking back for a try saving tackle. Wigan continued to make unforced errors but worked well to recover the ball. Sam C brought full back Joe W into the line who linked up only to get brought down short of the line.

Half time and Wigan start off as they did in the first half, coach Phil H already having had words with Tapiwa, encouraging him to go for the try line did just that. 4min in and Sam C found Tapiwa who charged into a handful of players to somehow free his arm for a fantastic try. A confident Wigan continued to run well through the middle with Xander R and Tom S pressing forward. Unfortunately Wigan were there own worst enemy and for the next 5min gave field position away through penalties and losing scrums.

Attention turned to the opposite wing and James M was kept busy with a try saving tackle of his own, it soon came his way again only this time Wigan had possession and with the best play of the game, slick passing from Sam P, Sam C and Issac S found James M who out passed the opposition to score in the corner.

With a reshuffle of the pack, Wigan finally won the last two scrums and held out for the victory. You could have mistaken Wigan for losing after the whistle as they were disappointed in themselves, its encouraging that they take pride and feel so passionate about the way they played...... it was a 'good' win over a well organized team.

Thanks to all the parents for there support today and Heaton Moor U13's who represented the club well, both on and off the field