14 Wins from 14 Games for Bears U10's

West Bank U10's travelled over to Wigan on Sunday morning to play against a well drilled and talented Shevington side who pushed the Bears close in game 3 earlier in the season. In fact, after that particular game, the Sharks have only lost one of their last 8 games, so our boys knew that they would have to be at their best.

The game began in wet conditions after a morning downpour and it was clear from the opening exchanges that the ball was greasy, as both sides turned over possession with unforced errors.

But it was the Bears who settled into the game quicker and powered their way downfield with a strong forwards set around the 5 minute mark, which resulted in the first score to the away side.

Playing down the slope in the first half West Bank were finding yardage easier to come by as the first 20 minutes progressed and with more strong carries down the middle of the field by front rowers, another score was inevitable. Try number 2 for the Bears soon arrived with some slick handling shifting the ball to the left edge through a few pair of hands.

Shevington, despite having as much ball as the away side, found West Bank in very determined mood, and struggled for yardage with most of the home sides attacking sets in the first half ending with a last tackle kick from well within their own half.

The result being that the Bears were attacking their opponents line early in each of their attacking sets, and another try soon followed after a couple of questionable refereeing decisions ruled out what seemed to be 2 definite scores.

The third try of the game went to the away side, but the try was created by the superb backs who ran brilliantly from dummy half throughout the game. The home side unable to cope with the speed of the play the ball, found themselves back-peddling to their own line and falling victim to the pressure.

A halftime score of 18 points to nil was reward for the outstanding defensive effort more than the attacking prowess, as the home side simply couldn't get in the Bears half.

The second 20 minutes began with West Bank receiving the kick off and strong early carries quickly got them to the half way line. It was clear early on that the tactics from the home side this half were going to be to up their aggression and try and out-muscle the young Bears. But one thing that this side can do is fight fire with fire and it was another try which ended the Bears first set of the second half.

Now 24 points down and running down hill, the Sharks tried their very best to run hard and strong but they were constantly met with a brick wall of defenders, who didn't give an inch. This resolute defence from West Bank was really beginning to rattle the home side and ill discipline was creeping into the game with some cheap shots not doing Shevington any favours whatsoever.

The Bears scored try number 5 after being gifted field position with two penalties in quick succession which yet again meant that they were on the home sides try line. A simple power over try from dummy half rubbed more salt into the Sharks wounds.

With 5 minutes on the clock it had been a thoroughly dominant display from the Bears and the home side players were desperate for some points on the scoreboard. Assisted by the home referee, they eventually got their 6 points after a very dubious couple of penalty decisions literally walked the home side onto the Bears try line.

The pressure of defending 18 tackles told, and Shevington charged over from close range.

The final try of the game however went to the away side and once again a well worked team try with both forwards and backs playing their part. A very patient end to their last attacking set saw the Bears create space with some swift handling, and dive over near the posts.

A final scoreline of 32 points to 6 was representative of the dominance of the West Bank U10's.

Try scorers for the Bears were Rueben Mafi (2), Billy Keeley (2), Josh Swindley (1) and Kian McGann (1).
Conversions were kicked by Joshua Lawrenson, Lucas Hendry, Harvey Bennett and George Hughes.

Man of the Match as voted for by the majority of parents was winger Lucas Hendry who was absolutely superb for the second game running in attack and defence, with his tackling also earning him the Top Tackler award with 15 efforts.

A new trophy was handed out for the first time also this week with the Coaches Special Recognition Award going to outside back Riley Webster who entered the field late in the first half and saved 3 certain tries with superb tackles. In addition to solid work in both defence and attack throughout the second half.