Wigan U9 v Littleborough U9

Players: Both Patricks, Daniel,Levi, George, Nathan, Kian, Harry, Harris, Connor, Brandan, Francis, James, Chris

Weather: Warm and sunny

Pitch: In excellent condition

This was billed as the big one. The match up between the co-champions from a fortnight ago. A chance to take the undisputed crown. To claim bragging rights. This was the one a capacity crowd had flocked to see. Salivating at the prospect of a heavyweight match up. Australia v New Zealand. England v France. Saints v Widnes.

Coach Butler was in the unusual position of picking from a fully fit squad on what looked like the ideal opportunity to build on the excellent start the boys had made to the season. The terrier like performances of the last two weeks boded well as Butler's men strode proudly onto their home track.

The first game started well enough with both teams trading tries and Nathan dashing over the whitewash first. However the direct running and disciplined tackling the characterised the last two weeks seemed to ebb away in the face of the powerful Littleborough outfit. Handling errors crept in and we allowed their big, strong runners time and space to get up a head of steam. Although Connor danced over a smart try, George bulldozing his way to the line and Daniel showing good awareness to score, the boys lacked the cutting edge of recent weeks. A sobering 10-5 defeat . A quiet and subdued Coach Butler had his hands full to turn around this performance.

The second game however turned into something of a debacle. A shmozzle if you will. Despite some earnest endeavour, nothing really came off for the Boys in Black. Time and again they were gathered round the ball carrier getting in each other's way. Passes were dropped and the Littleborough team were clinical in exploiting our errors. We couldn't find gaps and the scoreline reflected this. The Wigan boys were on the wrong end of an 11-1 drubbing. Harris scorched in for what proved to be a consolation try.

In his post match press conference, Coach Butler pondered the reasons for this turn around in fortunes. Fitness? Physical size? The lack of rhythm that having too many substitutes brings?

There were fleeting glimpses of what we are capable of. George ran the ball in well. Patrick Horcan always made ground and showed great heart. Brandan (as always) led from the front. New boys Chris and James showed great promise. Nathan tackled well and attacked the line in his own way.

We won't win every week. Our progress will have times where we seem to be going backwards. It's mornings like this which will make us stronger. Next time we will improve and be grateful we don't have to play Littleborough every week.

Man of the Match: Nathan - a fiery performance

Post Match Meal - Chips, hotdog, humble pie