Wigan U10 v Ashton on Mersey U10

It has been an amazing week and a half in the world of rugby. Forget the World Club Challenge. Forget the Six Nations. The past week has seen the U10s plumb the lowest depths and crest the highest highs in the topsy turvy rollercoaster of rugby under 10 level.

Friday 19th February saw the inaugural playing of the Floodlit Cup against local rivals Orrell. Under the lights and under the rain the boys toiled manfully against a much improved Orrell outfit. The heavy track proved fatal to our expansive passing game and Orrell powered to victory. And yet it was a turning point. You might think this narrative involves the players being locked in the changing room and receiving a few home truths from an incandescent coach. But Coach Butler is nothing if not a maverick. Whilst parents tucked into an excellent curry and decided that yes, I will have that fourth pint, the players embarked on an epic session of wrestling that turned the season around. The sheer ferocity of the blows delivered on each other served to galvanise the team into a tough, ruthless unit. At about 10.45 (a good two hours after they started) boys were being dragged off home to bed misty eyed at what had turned into (and I quote) "the greatest night of my life". NB. A special mention must go to George Butler who, although the youngest combatant, was easily the most committed.

Two days later we made the long trip to Bury in hope rather than expectation. But we witnessed a modern miracle. Tackles flew in from all directions. Passes went to hand and tries were run in from all over the pitch. ALL the boys contributed. The result was a brilliant 23-3. Harris, Patrick Horcan, Nathan, Brandan plus a brilliant supporting cast ran riot.

So this week we travelled to Ashton on Mersey (again - it's like de ja vu all over again) and carried on where we left off. The greatest gift this team have is that they are relentless and they play with heart (that's two gifts). This overcomes teams who have bigger players. The speed of attack was excellent. The tackling was excellent. The support play was excellent. The finishing of chances was excellent. This week we won 20-6. That's 43 tries in two games (and I'm not even a Maths teacher). Fine form indeed.

Man of the match went to Nathan, which was fair enough as he scored 8 tries! He didn't receive a trophy as it remains lost. Our dog Pickles has been looking everywhere for it.