Wigan U10 v Preston Grasshoppers U10

Players: Nathan, both Patricks, Joe, Francis, Brandan, Isabella, James, Connor, Chris

Weather: Bright

Pitch: Knee deep. A "long stud" needed.

There are some venues that we turn up to and think the odds are stacked against us. Sometimes we have to walk miles to find the pitch. Sometimes we wait for an hour before anything happens. Preston brought its own challenge. With the first team pitch naturally given over to a solo archer (why wouldn't you shoot arrows when excitable under 8s are around?) , Coach Butler led his team around the extensive grounds to look for our opponents (having managed to persuade them to come off the playground). His competitive instincts honed over many years of battle, he sensed we were playing across the road, around a corner, at the far end. The scene was set.

Flying solo, Butler put his young charges through their well practiced warm up routine. A glance over at the opposition told him that things would be tough. Grasshoppers had managed to recruit most of the under 10 population of Preston into their ranks and there seemed just as many coaches. With their final preparations nearly complete the Preston team impressively sat on the ground quietly whilst their coaching team had a ten man conflab. The boys did not move whilst they were waiting. They did not throw mud at each other. They did not chase each other with massive sticks. They did not climb over a fence and run around a farmer's field. They sat quietly. Their coach came back. He told them they were now entering the final stretch. They were not to play one man rugby. They were to enjoy themselves. At no point did the boys wander away while he was talking. No-one interrupted to share the random thoughts running through their head. They all listened and responded when asked a question. Coach Butler look wistfully over and remembered that if he took his eye off his own team they would be over that fence chasing cars down the M55 to Blackpool.

The first game started. It was tough. The ball was like a bar of soap that had got too slippery. Preston tackled and ran hard and space was non existent. Yet the boys stuck to the task well. A massive puddle sat in the middle of the pitch. It's magnetic pull meant that the boys covered themselves in mud as they tackled their hearts out. Despite losing 6-1 they showed great courage and heart.

The second game was played on a slightly drier track. Only three inches of mud. It was tight. Five minutes into the second half it was still 1-0. It was like watching Hunslet play Dewsbury in the 70's. All defence. All mud. Everyone looking the same because of the mud. Yet Nathan acted as the game breaker. His dazzling running making light of the under foot conditions. Isabella scored a magnificent try from distance whilst Connor served up an hors d'oeuvre for what was to come. The second game ended a pulsating 4-2.

The final game was marked by a sensational performance by Connor. He found form in dramatic style and scored nearly every time he touched the ball. Some very skilful mind games from his dad meant that Connor responded in the only way he knows how - by scoring tries. From distance. He also made a mockery of those who chose to wear tights by covering himself in mud so it looked like he had tights on. Clever. Needless to say that Brandan was brilliant, Patrick Horcan was brave, James and Francis took the fight to the opposition whilst Joe and Chris were excellent in their positive play. A special mention must go to Patrick Hollins. Ever mindful of the planets dwindling resources and the real dangers of global warming, he took it on himself to avoid needing to have his kit washed and use up even more resources. Whilst others came off the pitch caked in mud, Patrick was in fact cleaner than when he went on. His handling game was faultless, at no point was he tackled nor did he feel the need to make a tackle. A masterful display.

Overall, an excellent morning. Excellent rugby. Excellent food. An excellent playground. And only 20 minutes from home.