A huge and vocal crowd gathered for what was to prove to be an epic rugby match - contested evenly by two great teams.

The first half was dominated by Wigan from the first whistle, yet it was Orrell who nearly took the lead with 15 minutes on the clock - with a great flowing break from the black and yellows releasing the Orrell left winger - thankfully, from out of nowhere, up popped Liam to make an unbelievable covering tackle and not for the first time this season, save what looked certain try.

Wigan continued to dominate - led by the welcome return of Joe to the stand off birth. Despite being targeted by the opposition, Joe dictated everything the wigan backs did from start to finish, supported by the Wigan centre pairing of Rivan and Matthew who's line speed in defence meant Orrell had nowhere to go.

Another Orrell chance was snubbed out by Winger Oli who again showed great courage and speed in defence to dislodge the ball from the Orrell winger when he look certain to score. Then Wigan cut loose - a free flowing move released Reece on the wing and Orrell had no answer for his speed and strength as he crossed in the corner. Unfortunately a very difficult conversion from Will flew just wide. 5-0. with three minutes to go until half time.

The Wigan coaches urged the lads to keep it tight for the remaining minutes - and build on the excellent work of Pat (who is quickly growing into the role of a rugby union prop) and Jack, Harry, Kyle, Liam, and George - who was a thorn in the Orrell side all game. But their natural desire to run the ball, meant the call went unheeded and the next flowing move from the lads was intercepted - as Orrell raced 50 yards to score under the post - easy conversion taken and Orrell went into half time 7-5 up despite the Wigan dominance.

Wigan had a large bench and so made wholesale changes at half time - Jack and Pat who had both been dominant in the front row were replaced, second rowers Max R and Jack (both so dominant in the breakdown) also made way as Max H, Christian, Josh took up their places in the pack. Will was replaced by Leo at full back and Oliver (who had made some crucial tackles in the first half) made way for Danny on the wing. The coaches recognise that making such wholesale changes can impact on the flow of the team but we are determined to try and ensure all players get a minimum of half a game - and the subs this week are all great players in their own right as the second half was to prove.

Orrell capitalised on these whole sale changes and for the first 15 minutes of the half - Wigan could not get hold of the ball as Orrell stepped up their game. Unlike Wigan in the first half Orrell took their chances and turned their dominance into points as they scored two wonderful tries - one out wide with a diving effort from the winger (v. difficult conversion missed) and another on the opposite flank as desperate Wigan defence brought down the Orrell full back just short of the line - before they quickly moved it left to score out wide. This time the Orrell kicker converted a very difficult kick - 2 points that in the end would prove the difference.

Wigan though did not let their heads go down as the subs began to catch up with the pace of the game. Wigan responded to some very negative comments by certain opposition players and picked up where they had been in the first half, winning the scrums and line outs and displaying some fantastic flowing rugby. Wonderful hands by the back line released Reece who again used is strength and pace to hold off two Orrell defenders to score in the corner. But with regular kicker Will on the bench, wigan missed the conversion from a very difficult angle.

The try was quickly followed with another from Matthew as he chased down his own kick, dribbled over the line and dove to score under the posts - easy conversion for Danny 19-17 with 3 minutes left on the clock. Under the sticks Orrell were very obviously rattled. Yet, despite an amazing solo run by Rivan who was tackled just short of the line by Orrell's impressive full back, Wigan could not get the extra points needed and at the final whistle Orwell came out winners 19-17. The only disappointment was the unsporting behaviour of a minority of opposition players at the final whistle. It's always important to remember that winning graciously is as important as losing graciously - something that the Wigan coaches insist of our teams.

It was a great game of rugby - played between two very evenly matched, skilful teams - and if both teams continue to develop there will be some huge local derbies to look forward to in the future - which can only be good for Rugby Union in the borough.

Congratulations to Orrell on their victory

Many thanks to Colin Moran - who stepped into the kitchen - to save the day (as his wife had taken ill)

Wigan RUFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Team Sponsors

Login