Mass numbers of fans welcomed the players out, ensuring that the atmosphere was one to remember for both teams. Particularly vocal were the swathes of Shevington supporters who could be heard throughout the full 80 minutes, a massive thank you to all who made the effort, particularly the players from the younger age groups.

A tense opening ten minutes followed as both teams sought an early advantage, slick attacking play was equally met with strong determined defence, something had to give..!!
After 15 minutes, back to back sets took the Sharks close to their opponents line, with a couple of tackles remaining the Sharks scrum half and Man of the Match, Deane Meadows took a quick play the ball and dove over close to the posts, the conversion goaled by Kieran Sutton to give the Sharks a 6 nil lead.
St Patricks to their credit continued to press and were rewarded after 22 minutes with a replica try, scooting over from close play to pull the scores level at 6 – 6.
A nasty Eye injury to Second row forward Adam Robinson, and interchanges from hooker Johnny Dunn, prop forwards Phil Malilleau and Chris Bates did not stop the smart attacking options nor the incredible defending, it’s difficult to single out individual players, but the tackles made by Mike Norton were truly amazing.
A further injury to Matty Unsworth brought Mally back onto the field, and just as the game approached half time a barnstorming run saw Mally burst through the St Pats defence, to score close to the posts, again goaled by Kieran Sutton.
The half time whistle blew and the players retreated to the changing rooms for a well-deserved rest with the score Shevington Sharks 12 Wigan St Pat’s 6.

The second half started with the Sharks gaining the upper hand, strong drives from Roy Rimmer, Sam Pepper, Chris Dunn, Mike Norton and Danny Owens kept the St Pat’s players on the back foot.
When the Sharks were having to defend close to their line, Superb exit sets saw Andrew Beaney, Danny McNamee, Jake Melling and Johnny Bates continually break the defensive line and make the yards required that allowed Mark Wright and Deane Meadows kick well into the St Pats 20 metre area.
Twenty minutes into the 2nd half, strong running centre, Jake Melling picked up the ball 10 meters from his line and raced fully 90 meters to touch down under the posts, the noise from the Shevington Sharks fans was just incredible as Jake and Kieran extended the lead to 18 – 6…
St Patrick’s to their credit continued to push forward and with 10 minutes remaining were rewarded with a try following a smart kick over the Sharks defence, the winger touching down in the corner…the conversion was missed and with 10 minutes to go the score was 18 – 10.
To ease the pressure the Sharks were awarded a penalty that was converted by Deane Meadows to make the final score 20 – 10.

At the final whistle, mass celebrations from the Sharks players, coaching staff, and supporters could be heard back in Wigan…an outstanding result, a great game played by 2 very good sides.
Many thanks go to the RFL for their organisation, good refereeing and assistant refereeing throughout the day. Truly a day to remember….