Wigan U9 v Bury U9

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

Weather: Bright and sunny

Pitch: Cricket outfield = flat

The under 9s travelled up the M62 to Bury taking with them the confidence gained in recent weeks. The away day specialists left the pristine pitches of Bury CC with all three points after another confident display.

The day started with the impeccable observance of the minute's silence to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The boys seemed to draw strength from this powerful moment as they started the first game strongly. The tackling and organisation of the Wigan team proved overwhelming as they turned around 6-0 in the lead. Brandan showed the way early with trademark scamper to the line. Indeed Brandan was in peerless form - more of which later.

Coach Butler has worked tirelessly to give the team a tactical shape with the big runners - Nathan, Connor and Daniel lurking out wide to strike when given half a chance. All three looked dangerous in the opening stages with Dan and Nathan notching. The masterstroke of unleashing the power of George, Patrick Horcan and Francis up the middle; with Brandan sniffing round the fringes whilst Patrick Hollins linked the play to the wide men worked brilliantly.

The second half saw Bury come back into the game as they found their range. They made good use of their forward power and scored five tries in the second half. Wigan showed good resilience to score again and run out 7-5 winners.

Like all the great coaches - Rodgers, Paisley, Murphy - Butler was not satisfied with only a victory. Defence needed to be tightened and resolve stiffened. The second game demonstrated that Butler's men had listened to his stirring words.

All the boys produced a performance to be proud of. The speed and courageous tackling of Nathan, the power of George and Patrick Horcan, the skill and balance of Connor, the guts and determination of James, the sure handling of Patrick Hollins, the unselfish determination of Francis - who committed the defence all morning so that others could score, the tackling and heart shown by Chris and Harry.

Yet two players stood out on a morning when all shone. Brandan played like a man possessed. He sprinted over for tries he had no right to and he produced what might be the moment of the season so far. Like David felling Goliath he tackled their biggest player, picked him up and dumped him on the pitch. The Bury boy felt he had been hit by a truck. And a bus - a double decker full of really heavy people.

Also Daniel was back to his best. His devastating running - like a racehorse in full flight - was a joy to see and his tackling ruthless in its efficiency. Daniel was a much deserved Man of the Match but any one of them could have won.

It was a day steeped in history. Where we remember and give thanks for the bravery of those who have lost their lives for others. The boys played their small part in making it a day to remember for everyone.

Man of the Match - Daniel

Post match meal - Pasty and beans - no chips. Oosh!