Many Thanks to Chris for this "our first match report", hopefully you will all produce one now that we have started, please emphasise the positives, we all have problems getting players games where no team exists, and referees on Sunday mornings etc, and we are grateful to Wigan for giving us fixtures at the last minute, Many Thanks to them.

Wigan v Sefton Gunners 17 September 2006

After initial confusion over the fixture the first full season of under seven and under eight rugby at Sefton got underway at Wigan. 

Sefton started well but couldn’t break the Wigan defence.  Wigan went ahead and soon doubled their lead.  Wigan’s third try came as a result of a dubious refereeing decision and the fourth was scored before half time.

Sefton found new energy in the second half and Wigan were denied tries thanks to a number of excellent last ditch tags.  Well spirited though the defence was, Wigan broke through again to score two more tries before a dazzling run from Sefton’s Daniel Murphy chalked up Sefton Gunners first try of the 2006/07 season.

Although starting at half way Murphy managed to cover a full 60 meters despite cries from coaches, parents, players and even the referee to run straight.  As in training, however, Murphy proved all wrong by sidestepping and dodging his way to the line.  With a celebration, in true rugby fashion, suitably subdued, Sefton’s own Billy Elliot returned to half way to take up his position for the restart with a grin and a further spring in his step.

Wigan’s reply was swift and they scored again before Scott Heritage, emulating his team mate, ran around all defenders and, just at the moment of glory was denied a well deserved try by the touch line.  As a result of these two runs the coaches will be throwing their manuals out and adopting the Murphy/Heritage school of running around all possible players before scoring!

Wigan lost a player due to an arm injury and in a show of unashamed sportsmanship Sefton coaches voluntarily removed a player from the pitch, despite being six tries down.  The game continued as six-a-side.  Wigan attacked again and Sefton’s defence proved unshakable until a fast passing move from Wigan lead to their final try in the corner. 

This proved to be the last play of the game and the final whistle blew for a disappointing result to a well fought game.

Many of Wigan’s players moved over to the under 9/10 game, proving that the opposition faced where all over age and so the post match focus switched positive points.  Sefton’s brilliant defence kept at bay an older side more used to passing rugby and the team proved themselves more than capable of taking on Mold next Sunday.

Well done to all who played, don’t forget training on Thursday where Scott and Daniel will be showing us how to run around a seven man defence!

Chris McCleary