Wigan U9 at Rossendale Tournament

Players: Nathan, Daniel, Patrick Hollins, Patrick Horkan, Harris, Connor, George, Brandan

Weather: Dry and sunny

Pitch conditions: Dry

Like ducks to water, the Wigan under 9s have adapted to full contact rugby in the most positive manner imaginable. For the boys to bring silverware back to Douglas Valley on what was only their second ever experience of tackling (in some cases the first) is remarkable. When you take into account the fact that the majority of the team and the coaching staff spent last week off school or work due to a sickness bug contracted at last week's game, makes the win nothing short of sensational. The boys showed heart and courage in spades as they remained undefeated in five games despite not having any substitutes for the majority of the morning.

The opening fixture against Preston finished 4-3. a scoreline that flattered Preston as at least two of their tries were at best dubious. The Wigan outfit started the morning confidently with Nathan and Harris both bagging two tries.

Bolton were swept aside by a tidal wave of tries in the second fixture.A final score of 8-4 was reward for a near faultless performance with hardly a tackle missed or a pass dropped. Nathan again was at the fore with his electrifying running. Patrick Horkan caught the eye scoring three unstoppable tries.

The next game against Eccles was in many ways the key performance of the day. Where things had fallen easily into place up to this point, they had to dig deep and find reserves of tenacity and endeavour that meant they simply refused to lose. Eccles were well organised but came up against some excellent tackling from the boys and tries from Harris, Nathan, Daniel and Connor.

The semi-final was as good a performance as this correspondent has ever seen. At any level. To a man they tackled their hearts out. The passing was quick and accurate. The running was straight and fast. Altrincham were out manoeuvred, out muscled and out thought. With devastating skill the Wigan boys brutalised them 8-1. This was in no way flattering.

And so to the final against our old foes Littleborough. Last time these two met we were on the end of a shellacking. The capacity crowd were tense to say the least. How would we fair against this well drilled side? The boys chose to prepare in the only way they know how. Chasing each other with massive sticks in the nearby woods. Apparently Shaun Wane is planning to send his team into the Plantations armed only with a big stick in preparation for Saturday.

It worked. After some early pressure, Wigan counter punched with three quick tries. Littleborough were on the ropes. Half time came and we turned round 3-1 in the lead. Up-hill against the wind, the second half was going to be a long seven minutes. It proved to be as Littleborough came storming back. Brandan scored what proved to be a decisive try with a blindside scamper. The ref blew the final whistle and the game ended 4-4. After a brief moment of fear that we would lose on tries scored or points difference, common sense prevailed and it was agreed we would both share the trophy (plate). Again, I've heard that Wigan and Saints are planning to do the same if it's a draw on Saturday!

On such an occasion, each boy deserves a special mention:

Nathan: Electric running - nine tries scored - tackled everything
Dan: Awesome tackling - clever passing - excellent tries
Harris: Has got it all - can put big tackles in AND score wonder tries
Patrick Horkan: The Enforcer - big tackles, big running, big heart
Patrick Hollins - Some big tackles on debut - quick passing - big gum shield
Connor - dancing feet - wholehearted tackling - great boots
George - full commitment - only ever runs straight
Brandan - the talisman - fearless, clever, quick

A misty eyed Coach Butler drove into the sunset with a shiny trophy; each boy received a medal to commemorate their sterling efforts and each parent basked in the moment and was reminded that every now and then, life is really good.