Orrell RU's under 13's travelled the short distance across town to Wigan to face a strong Wigan RU side who have been enjoying a successful season, in both League and Cup competitions.
From meeting in the changing rooms, through the warm up and onto kick off time every one of the squad was focussed on the task in front of them.
A very large crowd had assembled to watch 'The Derby', with a large number of parents, family members and club officials from both teams on the terraces.
Injuries and withdrawals to key players meant that our lads were up against it from the start. And Wigan settled first, scoring a great try and looking more comfortable with ball in hand and defensively strong around the ruck.
This was the wake up call that Orrell needed and they knew they were in a game. Credit to our forwards, they dug deep and started to out muscle and dominate their Wigan counter parts scoring a flurry of exceptional tries.
The dominance of the forwards enabled a platform for the backs to run away with some long range tries from all over the pitch.
This is how the game pretty much carried on with strong ball carrying from the forwards and blistering attack from the backs meant Orrell constantly crossed the whitewash.
Lack of numbers in the forwards meant each of them played the full game and by the end it showed, with Wigan running in a well deserved two late tries. Credit must be given to Wigan who's head never dropped and pride saw them keep playing to the end.
Rather than focus on who scored and how many tries, or talking about certain plays, and highlighting individual moments, I wanted to celebrate a truly great team performance where the whole squad played for each other and were determined to leave the field as winners.
As always thanks to each parent for bringing the lads to training and games and making it possible. And thanks to the injured Terry Leaford for stepping into a junior coaching role and proving his worth to the squad!
The have come a long way in a few short months, and no longer can you be classed as a group of rugby league lads who play Union, you are becoming a great Rugby Union team.
The only downside was that Neil missed your finest moment so far, he would have been proud too.
MOM went to Joe Stanley on Debut, with an all round strong performance and a fantastic hatrick! And took the Mars bar challenge with ease!!!!
Coaches award went to Findlay Rowe on debut, who didn't put a foot wrong and showed promise. Well done pal!
Let's have a good session at training on Wednesday, before another tough game against a physical Leigh game at home next Saturday afternoon.
Chris, Simon & Tez