Wigan U10 v Southport U10

Players: Patrick Hollins, Nathan, Chris, Brandan, Isabella, James, Harry, Francis

Pitch: High sand content

Weather: Sunny but cold

It is historical fact that 150 British soldiers defeated 4000 Zulu warriors at the battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879. It is also now historical fact that 8 brave Wigan boys took on (and nearly defeated) over 20 Southport players this week (and I am saluting as I write this).

Half term had taken its deadly toll on the team, leaving just eight to play two games. No substitutions. No chasing each other with big sticks. No squirting water bottles in each others faces. Just pure courage and endeavour. A chance to step up and show your mettle.
Southport were well represented. They managed two teams plus subs. Widnes had also turned up but this was no Round Robin Tri Team format. Oh no. This was winner takes all, last man standing rugby. The man's game (woman's game for Isabella).

The first game was keenly fought. Tackling was excellent and the backing up play superb. Nathan and Brandan combined brilliantly to put the Southport defence under pressure. Nathan was elusive and determined - a deadly combination. Brandan, prepared to take them all on, was rewarded with an excellent try. Isabella delivered her trademark powerhouse run down the wing to score an excellent try with Patrick seizing his chance to score having been unlucky not to score with an excellent run earlier. Yet it was Chris who brought a tear to the eye. Constantly involved, showing real determination in attack, he took a stray knee to the face (video replay later revealed that the knee belonged to Patrick who was incensed having not scored and was attempting a massive tackle to make himself feel better). Blood poured from Chris's nose as he received treatment on the touchline from his dad. Without any first aid training his dad shoved tissues up his nostrils and he returned heroically to the fray. A lesser man might have backed off from this point but Chris only got stronger.

The first game was drawn 4-4.

The second game was close game in the end but looked in the early stages that Wigan might win it comfortably. James showed great courage, running the ball in well even though he had sustained an injury in the first game. Harry and Francis were also playing well and contributing to good team performance. Yet the game became stop start as high tackles were penalised and scrums re-formed. This seemed to upset the flow of the team and consequently lead to late tries from Southport and the game slipping through our hands. Possibly tiredness, possibly other factors. the game was lost 4-3.

Overall though, a great effort from the boys. Passion , commitment, courage. Who could ask for more?

Man of the match: Chris

Coaches player of the match: Nathan