Wigan U9 v Liverpool Collegiate/Tyldesley/Orrell U9

Players: Daniel, Patrick Horcan, Paddy Hollins, Nathan, Connor, Harris, Levi, Harry, James, George, Francis, Alex, Brandon, George G

Weather: Clear

Pitch: Sloping

As everyone by now knows, Coach Butler has long since been an advocate of the Winter Break in Under 9s rugby. As his training methods mirror the German Bundesliga , it makes sense to follow the model first pioneered by Bayern Munich in the 1960s. However, there are Winter Breaks and there are Winter Breaks! A full six weeks has passed since our last fixture on 14th December. Yet, any fears that the boys had lost their impetus and drive were dispelled with a coruscating performance on the hallowed playing fields of Uphollland High.

The morning took the format of a Three Team Round Robin (for my money the Vanden Plas of the playing formats). First up were Liverpool Collegiate. Any thoughts that Wigan were going to have it easy were soon dispelled as Liverpool capitalised on some rusty tackling and passing. Our close support play was good but too often wildly ambitious passes were thrown into the grateful hands of the opposition. We turned around 5-1 down. A first half noteworthy only for Harris's usual mazy running and a devastating tackle from Paddy (NB. Paddy's tackle was particularly noteworthy as he had waited until January to make his first proper tackle of the season!). Changes were made at half time and we found our way back into the game with tries from George, Nathan and Connor. With Daniel and James adding to the tally we brought the score back to a more respectable 7-5. From a shaky start the signs were there as the boys tackled with great heart and supported well.

Our next game against Tydesley was a close affair. A tense nail biter started well for Wigan as Nathan - always dangerous - opened the scoring. James followed this up with a good try that was just reward for his determination. Then the game became an attritional battle. The Wigan boys held their line and their nerve, keeping a determined opposition at bay for wave after wave of attacks. George G broke away to score an excellent try and then it was stout resolute defence to the bitter end. None more so than Brandan and Paddy. Felled by a clash of heads, Paddy heroically refused being stretchered off and, like a heavyweight in the final round, he got to his feet. His inner beast was awakened and he flung himself into tackles, holding the Tyldesley attack up on our line. One such tackle knocked the ball loose allowing Brandan to speed over for a crucial score. Then Brandan produced his own moment of magic. With the score at 5-4 and the clock ticking down, Tyldesley darted down the blind side in an attempt to pinch a last ditch equaliser. Brandan threw himself at the attacker in a collision that made passing motorists wince. Oosh! The referee blew for time and The Tackle had saved the day.

Our final game against Orrell allowed the boys to shine. Orrell had no answer to the devastating running of Connor, Nathan and Harris but, in truth, few teams have. Each of them scored a hat trick of excellent tries. Daniel scored a textbook wingers try to round off an excellent morning's work whilst Patrick Horcan was rewarded for his lion hearted running with a great try. George did his usual trick of scoring whilst carrying most of the opposition on his back and James and George G both got on the score sheet again. This was an excellent way to finish the morning as Wigan notched one of their highest ever scores 14-3.

It was particularly pleasing that all the boys who played seemed to click back into gear so quickly after the long break. Levi and Harry recycled the ball brilliantly, Francis was all over the pitch leading from the front and Alex looked the part with his excellent tackling and positional sense.

Paddy was given Man of the Match for his excellent defensive display and his quick hands in attack. Brandan was awarded Coach's Player of the Match for what will be now known as "The Tackle".

Post match meal: A breathtaking range of choices served in the sumptuous surroundings of the school canteen. A first class meal which received an excellent five star review from Francis - the noted bon viveur.