Wigan U10 v West Park U10 v Ashton on Mersey U10

Players: Both Patricks, Nathan, Daniel, Francis, Isabella, Kian, Brandan, Harry, James, Chris, George, Ross, Joe

Weather: Fine

Pitch: Excellent

Wigan U10s took on West Park and Ashton on Mersey in that most coveted of formats: the tri- team round robin. Both games were good performances from the Douglas Valley outfit and demonstrated their growing confidence with the new rules.

First up were West Park. The men from St.Helens showed good form in their previous match against Ashton and appeared tough opposition. Indeed the game started close but Wigan's energy and biting tackling allowed them to enjoy a comfortable victory in the end. As Alex Murphy once said "there's no excuse for pace" and this Wigan outfit is chock full of it. Patrick Horcan lead from the front as always. He barged over for two excellent tries with Nathan burning up the flanks and bagging a hat-trick. Kian carried on where he left off last week with a brace of powerful tries but Isabella provided the try of the morning, collecting the ball from behind her own line and leaving would be tacklers in her vapour trail. All this was supported with excellent tackling from Daniel and Brandan amongst others.

The champagne moment of the match was provided by Francis, who burst through from deep inside his own territory and proceeded to side step and jink around opposition tacklers. It was only a last ditch tackle that hauled him down inches from the line. It set the tone for an excellent morning from Francis who continued to ask questions of the defence. Wigan ran out winners 9-3.

The second game was an altogether closer affair. Having to deal with some big forwards, the boys stuck to their roles but lost narrowly. Credit must be given for the tackling, a special note for Christopher, who tackled low and hard. James ran with his usual bravery and Patrick Hollins and Ross both came close to scoring. Harry and George both ran with purpose, however, time and again the overlap was ignored and chances wasted. At this level (under 10s) you have to be clinical. You can't afford to squander chances. Or you will be punished. And probably lose. As we did 5-4 (for the second week running losing to the last touch of the ball).

Overall another excellent performance. Man of the match was Francis.