Wigan U10 v Orrell U10

Players: Dan, both Patricks, George, Harris, Nathan, Connor, Joe, Isabella, Francis, Brandan, Kian, James, Ross, Matt

Weather: warm and sunny

Pitch: Good to firm

Following last week's promising opener at Tyldesley, the boys showed their good progress on the high veld of Upholland High. The initial confusion over what was and what wasn't allowed from last week seemed to have diminished and Wigan settled into the game well.

Coach Butler's disappointment at being denied the chance to referee again was tempered by the selection headache he faced when 15 players turned up ready to go. A knowledgable crowd purred as the tackling and passing were particularly strong. The organisation of the line was good as players seemed to understand their responsibilities.

Patrick Horcan, as always, lead from the front. Smashing into the opposition and laying the ball back for others. Nathan darted in and out looking for gaps that he might exploit whilst Isabella showed her pedigree and did not take a backward step. The opening try came from Harris. Superbly balanced and with an eye for a gap, he left the Orrell tacklers floundering as he crashed over the whitewash. It was thoughtful of Harris' dad Mike to be present to give the rest of us a least some clue as to what was going on in the rucks and mauls!

Connor jinked his way over for an excellent try which was good reward for his disciplined wing play. Wigan's engine room - George and Francis- was in excellent working order as they powered up the middle committing defenders. George, having tired the opposition out, then romped over for a thirty yarder. A testament to the fitness and conditioning work his dad had clearly put him through.

Brandan, unrecognisable in a scrum cap, was his usual all action self. This, of course, the venue of "the tackle" - one of the most bone jarring contacts ever seen in the world of under 9 rugby in the Wigan area. Crowd favourite Kian was excellent. His handling was assured and his direct running brought a tear to the eye of a couple of pensioners who were passing by. Joe was everywhere. Popping up to make a tackle here, passing quickly there. Daniel, ( who, few realised, was suffering an acute FIFA16 hangover) tackled well as always and looked dangerous with the ball in hand. James was determination personified whilst Matt fitted in really well and showed himself to be a good organiser.

Yet Man of the Match was Ross. A revelation on debut. He ran intelligently and determinedly. He tackled strongly and "got stuck in". This seems a shrewd summer acquisition by Coach Butler. Patrick Hollins was given the People's Choice award voted by the viewing public (remember if you vote after lines have closed your vote will not count and you may still be charged) for what appeared to be two touches of the ball - one of which was admittedly a try. The golden memory of last week's season opening try still seemed to be in the minds of voters.

Still, a pleasing morning's work. The boys seem to be adapting to the new rules better than the parents, who, it seems are going to need a pen and paper and a three week training course.

The final score 9-4.