Sunday February 10th 08

Under 9’s Game 1 v Skipton

Wigan 3 tries – Skipton 7
Team: Liam , Benedict , Aiden , Sam , Alistair , Ellis , Jacob , Jed , Charlie ,

Wigan came up against a team undefeated this season and should take great pride in the fact that the Skipton team did not runaway with a victory. A number of Skipton’s scores resulted from break-away tires from their own line where Wigan had camped but could not find a way through. Wigans scores came courtesy of Aiden  and Liam . The game was closely contested up until the latter stages of the game. Wigan’s naivety showed in their attempt to play Skipton at their own game (taking them on up front) instead of using the pace of Jacob, Liam and Aiden out wide. The forward battle eventually took its toll with Skiptons breakaway tries from their own half. Overall an excellent team performance with Aiden and Liam outstanding in attack and defence.

Under 9’s Game 2 v Keighley

Wigan 7 tries – Keighley 1

In the mini tri-tournament, Wigan's next opponents were Skipton's local neighbours Keighley. For the second game Wigan brought in Levi for his under 9 debut to add more pace to the back line. Excellent driving and support play set up the first try for Aiden  to score in the corner. With Alistairs confidence growing with the longer the game went on, he secured all of Wigans ball in the line outs providing ample opportunity for Liam and Ellis to show their pace. Benedict  continued his return to fitness following a lengthy lay off through injury with a number of barracking drives in to the Keighley line. With Jacob , Charlie and Jed  tidying up any loose ball Wigan were always in control. Further scores from Benedict, Liam and Ellis put Wigan in to a comfortable lead. Levi’s introduction caused further problems for the Keighley defence as they struggled to cope with his pace and power. Another excellent team performance with the team utilizing their strengths to great effect.

Man of the Match over both games – Liam  (for topping the tackle count with some copy book tackling as well as leading Wigan's attack)

 

Under 8’s Game 1 v Skipton
Team: Alistair , Jonathon , Levi , William , Daniel , TJ .

Following a lengthy journey over the scenic Yorkshire Dales, Wigan got off to a slow start conceding early tries to an organized and pacey Skipton Team.
On a sticky pitch Wigans handling let them down in the early stages, throwing long passes out with a ball that was as slippery as a bar of soap. Eventually the
Team rallied with scores from Jonathon and and Levi to keep Wigan in touch with Skipton. Following on from Wigan levellling the score, Skipton ran out eventual winners.

Under 8s Game 2 v Skipton
Team: Jonathon , Levi, William , Daniel , TJ.

The second game proved more successful for Wigan with the final score ending in a draw. Scores from Johnathan, Daniel  & L.evi kept Wigan in touch with a Skipton team that had a large number of substitutes. Overall a great effort from every team member for producing a team display. Once again the young duo of William and T.J ran round the pitch through the entire game. The former with his weaving side step while the latter preferred the more direct straight running approach.

 

Sunday February 3rd 2008 versus Bolton
U8s Wigan Team: Leah , Levi, Louis , Harvey, TJ , Tom

Game 1 Wigan 8 tries Bolton 10
In a keenly contested first game in 6 weeks the under 8’s got off to slow start in freezing conditions at Douglas Valley.
The Wigan team allowed the Bolton side a number of soft early tries. Wigan eventually woke up and began to play someexcellent team rugby which resulted in scores for Levi, Louis, Harvey and TJ. Opting to play the first half facing in to the Artic breeze may have backfired and may have been a cause for Wigan slow start.

Game 2: Wigan 6 tries Bolton 6 tries
The second game proved more eventful for the Wigan team although the lack of substitutes through illness and cry off’s may have taken its toll on the Wigan team playing against a Bolton side with a second team lining up on the touchline. Again, Wigan played some excellent team rugby displaying excellent handling skills in the blustery conditions. With Lois and Levy making numerous breaks, Harvey and TJ  and Tom were always in support to carry the ball forward.
Special mention must go to Leah Waite making her debut who chased Bolton down in defence during both games.