Local Derby goes Orrell's way

An almost full squad of players travelled the short distance across town to our borough rivals Wigan. From the start the lads were focused and a determination was running through the side.
Unfortunately, as seems to be the case with the team, we didn't get out of the blocks quick enough and a dominant Wigan team scored a great team try in the corner from the outstanding winger Rhys. Conversion missed.
Wigan continued to dominate pressure and the Orrell heads were visually starting to drop. It was at this point that our 'senior' players took a grip of the game with a well worked chip enabling Chris Witter to kick on and score what everyone (and a clear camera shot) thought was a try, with the grounding being adjudged to be in touch.
This was the kick start Orrell needed and the tempo was raised with our rush defence starting to put pressure on the strong Wigan back line. This pressure enabled Owen to grab a fine interception and race 50m to score under the posts. Owen converted his own kick.
At half time we spoke about using the ball more and utilising our excellent back line, almost straight away the boys, with Terry at the heart of everything, started to do just that. And with Mitch at scrum half and Sam B in the centres, the whole back line combined well to send Sam over in the corner for an excellent score under a lot of pressure. Conversion missed.
The next few minutes became frustrating for the Orrell boys as penalty after penalty was awarded and we began to lose set plays. Again the 'senior' more experienced players took it upon themselves to raise their standards with Jack Bibby, Taylor and Umyla making some great yards. With the territory gained, this gave us the platform we needed to attack. Umyla carried the ball forward, with power carrying four Wigan defenders close to the sticks, quick ball was released to our now dominant backs, with great hands from Terry, Sam and Evan allowing Witter an easy score out wide. Evan kicked a fantastic conversion on a huge pitch.
Score 19-5
It was at this point that we started to give away too many penalties, with Wigan capitalising on our limited technical knowledge and running in a try under the sticks, which was converted, an excellent try in the corner again from Rhys, who was a real handful. Conversion missed, final score 19-17.
I was extremely pleased with the way the lads accepted the changes in playing personnel, with most players spending time on the sidelines at one point, I Know this can be disruptive and the way you come on and off or switch positions is fantastic for me and Steve as a coaches. Especially when you are being targeted by the opposition to 'Lose your cool'.
A massive thank you today to our parents who supported their children in what can only be described as a challenging environment. It was good to see the lads celebrate the win with such conviction, you deserved your victory song today Rangers!!!!
Coaches Award - Jack Bibby
Man of the Match - Terry
Tries - Owen, Witter, Sam B
Conversions - Owen and Evan