Wigan U8s v Broughton Park U8s

Two teams - Patrick, Daniel, Francis and Jamie
Nathan, Connor, Levi and Patrick
Weather: Bright and dry
Pitch conditions: Artificial

After the glories of Southport, the Under 8s came down to earth with a bump. Having missed a week through rain, the boys seemed rusty (no pun intended). A determined Broughton Park outfit proved stiff opposition but, in his after match press conference, Coach Butler suggested that this was exactly the kind of hit out the boys needed leading to the big night at Sale.

With eight players on show, the boys were divided into two teams. This presented some logistical difficulties ( not least for me) as Coach Butler tried manfully to do two jobs at once. As his wife knows only too well, this was never going to work! Patrick announced himself as captain of his team and they started brightly enough. However they lapsed into too much lateral movement and uncertain handling. No such problem for Francis who showed the way with his trademark direct running and blistering acceleration. Daniel produced another excellent defensive performance claiming numerous tags whilst Jamie built on the confidence of recent performances with some excellent attacking rewarded by an excellent try. Patrick revelled in the opportunity tell others what to do but handling errors cost the team as turn over ball was converted into tries by a bright Broughton Park team.

The boys kept their shape however and improved markedly in the second game. They worked out between themselves how to break down a strong and determined opposition. Daniel constantly probed down the flanks, scoring a well deserved try. The ever excellent Francis also scored bringing his morning's tally to three. Which left Patrick to finish off a well worked team try to complete the scoring. Two close games but Broughton Park edging Wigan 17-8 over the piece (despite the ref insisting that Wigan had won 5-1!)

Nathan's team faired better. Relishing the physical contest, the boys competed valiantly with Nathan leading from the front with nine tries over the two games. Broughton Park had no answer to his blistering pace he scythed through their defences scattering bits of the pitch in his wake. Connor was back to his elegant best, scoring five tries and shrugging off the loss of a tooth earlier in the day (an excellent morning's work - a pound a try and a pound a tooth). Levi, inscrutable as ever under his hat showed deft touches and linked play well. Patrick made an excellent debut. Running strongly, passing with assurance and bagging a couple of tries for good measure. Patrick's signing was made only hours before the Transfer Window had slammed shut. Another canny piece of business from Butler. Wigan lost the first game 6-7 but one the second 12-11 - aggregate 18 -18.

Overall an excellent morning's work. Two men of the match - Jamie and Francis

Post match meal - Chips and sausage. Eaten in palatial surroundings. The best away facilities to date.