Wigan U9 v Tyldesley U9

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

Weather: Sunny and dry

Pitch: Still good to firm

The Under 9s once again rose to the challenge presented by well drilled Tyldesley team. The home pitch hoodoo was well and truly laid to rest as the boys put on an excellent show for a sell out crowd.

There were some nervous moments before the game as ill health threatened to wreck Coach Butler's meticulous plans. Patrick Horcan looked decidedly groggy (although nowhere near as groggy as Connor's dad - don't ask) in the warm up and needed medical attention from his mum. Her carefully chosen words of encouragement seemed to do the trick and Powerhouse Patrick took to the field.

A tight opening stanza saw defence on top until Nathan, as clinical as ever, sliced through a gap to open the scoring. Connor followed up with a try that showed an impressive awareness of where the whitewash was. Some stout defence and good organisation restricted Tyldesley to a single score in the opening half. Connor danced over for a second with a length of the field effort.

Arch tactician Butler has now solved his continuity problems that caused a stop start early season. The second half began with some judicious substitutions made and fresh legs introduced. This new team took a couple of minutes to adjust to the pace of the game and this allowed Tyldesley to storm back into the game with long range strikes down the left hand side of defence. Reassuringly though, the second half boys (rugby purists) started to put together some excellent passing moves. With Francis to the fore - whose handling was deft and sure - Wigan created some excellent tries for Daniel and the Lazarus like Patrick Horcan. A tight first game ending 5-5.

The second game of the morning showed what great strength in depth there is in the squad. Again using two teams - one for each half - the Wigan boys roared into an early lead. Nathan "The Surgeon" Butler clinically cut through the defence to open the scoring. He followed this up with two more similarly fizzing efforts. Brandan continued his prodigious form by running the ball in fearlessly and tackling boys twice his size. Harris delivered his usual classy performance full of balance and guile. Patrick Hollins put in some good tackles and George seemed to have lost none of his awesome power following a recent haircut.

The second half team picked up where they left off. A real quality to their passing moved the ball quickly and effectively. Levi performed one notable conjuring trick that had the crowd scratching their heads! James showed excellent determination and Chris used his size and skill to great effect. Daniel produced some of his best form of the season with a memorable long range try and some tough tackling. We ran out comfortable winners 7-3 in the second game. Aggregate 12-8.

Overall an excellent performance from Wigan full of commitment and passion. The passing was excellent and bodes well for the future.

A special word for the referee. Not since 1993 has a pair of shorts so brief graced the hallowed pitches of Douglas Valley. The club's first aiders were put on red alert in case of any lady swoonage. Whether they were being worn as a tribute to John Barnes is only speculation. NB. Next week in "Kit Watch" I will be assessing the impact of Colin's pink shirt. Compelling and visceral.

Man of the Match: Chris - well deserved

Post match meal - Hotdog and chips