Players: Nathan, Patrick H, Daniel, Connor, George, Levi, Francis, Jamie, Patrick Tuilagi
Weather: Spring had sprung
Pitch conditions: Good to firm

Sometimes the Rugby Gods conspire to create the perfect storm; warm weather, decent pitch, a cup of tea and players performing at the height of their powers. The knowledge that Butler and his coaching staff are about to convene to select the 2014 Touring Party to Wales might have had something to do with it (or they were trying to impress their mums having forgotten to buy a card) but the Wigan outfit played some delightful rugby which left their travelling faithful purring.

There was none of the inconsistency that has plagued this season. From the off they looked alert. The first of the two games, against a useful Ormskirk team, proved a stiff challenge. Passing was accurate, Coach Butler's newly patented "arrow head" attacking formation worked efficiently and the boys defended stoutly throughout. George, Levi and Francis all scored close range poachers tries - a reward for excellent backing up. Indeed George capped off a memorable game with a hat trick, as the defence struggled to contain his energetic and direct running. But it was Connor and Daniel who caught the imagination of the crowd. As always excellent in defence, but it was with the ball in hand that they created carnage in the Ormskirk defence. Connor with his dazzling footwork; Dan with his long stride reminiscent of Alberto Juanterena set pulses racing. Each of them scored a brace of tries (actually Dan scored 5 and Connor 4). Levi was Johnny on the spot for his now customary try - deadly from six inches. Patrick Tuilagi wore down the defence with his power and Nathan cruised over in his own inimitable style. In the end, a comfortable win in the first game 17-13.

The second game was even more comfortable. With the bitter taste of defeat against Littleborough a fortnight ago still ringing in their nostrils, they set about inflicting a monumental drubbing on the Ormskirk second string. Connor and Daniel were again instrumental in the laying waste to the Ormskirk defence. Daniel scored an Offiah style length of the field effort that shall live long in the memory. Connor danced his way through a packed defence, seeing gaps others could only hope were there. Patrick H came to the party in the second half but only after suffering minor abrasions to the nose after a dramatic fall. This spurred him on and released his inner warrior. His tagging went into overdrive and he drove his team forward. Jamie and Francis, as always, never shirked their responsibilities and ran the ball in hard and fast. Awesome stuff.

When the smoke cleared and the body count finished, Wigan had triumphed 13-4.

A clearly emotional Coach Butler had to leave the ground early, fearful that he might break down during his Man of the Match presentation speech. Assistant Coach Higham stepped in dutifully. Connor was the grateful recipient of the award but in all honesty the award could have gone to any of them.

An excellent morning for everyone, especially the watching mums.

Post match meal: Hotdog - no chips (healthy eating)

Wigan RUFC

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