Orrell/Ashton/Leigh U8s v Wigan U8s

Well what a difference a week makes. Last week in the balmy humidity of Douglas Valley the Under 8’s were swept away by a very talented Littleborough side that could run, pass, tag and listen to their coach all at the same time! It was men against boys. How would they react, with the return of artic weather conditions and a round-robin against Ashton-on-Mersey, Leigh and Orrell.

In the first game against Ashton they looked a different team. Daniel, with his gazelle like stride was simply too quick for the opposition scoring 5 tries, Nathan added in his usual hat trick, Connor cruised around the outside men to add another four whilst George and Patrick H. powered through the midfield to add more misery to the Ashton team. The defence held firm despite much confusion due to a lack lustre refereeing performance which left a lot to be desired. Our lads a used to a much more authoritative whistle blower than the one on show this morning! Still a 12-5 win was an excellent performance.

By the second match the artic breeze and freezing rain had started to take its toll. The thermal undergarments which had been tossed aside with gay abandon in the sunshine of the previous weekend were quickly recovered. Indeed one player was seen demanding the loan of their parent’s gloves and scarf at half time! Despite Nathan running in four more tries the blitz defence failed to do the job as frozen fingers failed to find the oppositions tags. A disappointing loss to Leigh, 7-5.

‘Not another game’ was the cry. ‘I want hot chocolate and a log fire’ demanded another. But Coach Butler would have none of it. There aren’t many of the ex-player parents who have come away from Orrell with anything other than a beating and a broken nose! Quitting was not on the agenda. With places on the forthcoming tour to the southern hemisphere (well North Wales is south of Wigan) up for grabs how would the Wigan boys respond in a game against the mighty Orrell?

Despite the wind chill the tags began to stick to the frozen fingers. Some players left the field for frostbite treatment but others found the courage for one last effort. Excellent drives from Patrick, George and Jamie; more dazzling handling from Levi to link up with the main strike runners, Nathan, Daniel and Connor; and the defensive leadership from Patrick H. saw the boys home.

A 10-8 victory followed by a quick handshake and off to the bar for a hot toddy (well we can dream), a coffee and bacon butty for the parents and sausage and chips for the players.

A much better performance all round, despite the cold. Man of the Match went to Patrick Tuilagi, for another powerful display.