Wigan U8s v Collegiate U8s

Players: Patrick, Nathan, Daniel, Levi, Jamie, Joseph, Francis
Weather: murky
Underfoot conditions: Firm and true

The faded grandeur of the pavilion at Liverpool Cricket Club was a fitting backdrop to another strong performance from Butler's men. Continuing their good progress and developing their willingness to play expansive passing rugby, the boys faced tough opposition from Collegiate and Widnes.

Game one was a tight affair with no quarter given from either side. Nathan wasted no time in getting Wigan off the mark with a trademark scamper to the corner. But it was Daniel who caught the eye in the first stanza with four rampaging tries all finished with aplomb in the right hand corner. Manfully backed up by Joe's clinical tagging, Wigan looked the most likely team to triumph. The second half brought further reward as Nathan achieved a commendable six consecutive tags to leave the Liverpool outfit reeling. Joseph looked at times as if he was prepared to take them on on his own as he tagged relentlessly and let his dancing feet bring gasps from the crowd.The hard yards put in at training were rewarded with tries by Francis and Daniel both of which involved every member of the team. The contribution of Levi in particular is worthy of note as his perfectly timed pass sent Daniel galloping into acres of space on his way to the whitewash. Honours were even at 9-9.

Whether it was the misty weather or the proximity of the River Mersey but the Douglas Valley boys lost their way in the second game. Unforced errors led to turnovers being punished by a particularly ruthless ( and suspiciously tall) opposition winger. A shining light however was Nathan who scored six tries in the game with his willow-the-wisp running being particularly effective. Patrick came to the party with a poacher's try from all of six inches. Despite their handling errors, Wigan stuck gamely to the task with Jamie and Francis leading the way. Wigan rounded the game off with a flowing move culminating with Daniel diving over in the corner. Wigan certainly played their part in a 27 try riot - final score 16-11 to Collegiate.

Finally it was the turn of Widnes. With Wigan wearing high viz orange bibs to avoid a clash of colours with the Chemics, Butler's boys had certainly saved their best till last. With Patrick showing the way with a length of the field effort, Wigan looked a much more cohesive unit. Patrick went over again for a second half try which included a pirouette which would not looked out of place on Strictly - a chip off the old block. Nathan and Daniel continued their try scoring duel but it was big hearted Francis who rounded things off with a richly deserved try. Final score - 8-7.

Coach Butler was satisfied with the heart and tenacity displayed in all three matches and the all round contribution from each player.

Man of the Match - Joseph
Post match meal - classic Hotdog and chips (eaten in a very small room)