Wigan St Patrick's ARLFC U16’s

Hindley Stags U16’s 22 – 18 Wigan St Pats U16’s

A mammoth effort from our U16s today as we took on league leaders Hindley Stags in a tough, physical contest that really did have everything.

Pats scored first in the opening ten minutes - a perfectly weighted kick from Carter found Max in space on the line and he finished superbly to give us an early 0–4 lead.

Max was at it again shortly after in one of the moments of the match. He tracked towards the touchline and seemingly out of options, he showed incredible awareness to offload, get himself back onside, take his own return pass, and touch down for his second try💥. Carter added the conversion, and Pats went into the break ahead 8–10.

The second half continued in the same spirit. Quick ball out of the scrum from Carter, a perfectly-timed pass and Max was stopped inches short; only for Jack to read the play and crash over for Pats’ third try.

Then came the hat-trick. Some brilliant footwork from Max created the space he needed, and he powered over to level the scores at 18–18. Incredible performance from our centre who was unstoppable today.

With the game in the balance, Hindley were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and went on to score a fifth try, edging ahead 22–18. Despite everything Pats threw at them, the scoreline wouldn’t change.

The forwards were outstanding in the middle, with Niall putting in a commanding shift in the pack. The backs were equally impressive, moving the ball with pace and width to stretch the defence across the full pitch - a top team effort.

A defeat; but one this team can hold their heads high after. Every single player gave everything for their teammates today. The resilience, the composure, the quality of rugby on show — the coaches and parents couldn’t be prouder. We take the lessons, we stick together, and we go again. ☘️🖤

Try Scorers:
🏉Max (hat-trick) ⭐
🏉 Jack

Awards
🏅 Opposition Player of the Match: Max
🏅 Coaches’ Player of the Match: Niall

Wigan St Patricks A.R.L.F.C

Suited, Scarfed and Ready for kick-off.

Introducing Paddy – our Under 16s mascot and self-appointed post-match catering inspector 🐾 🍟
Looking sharp lad! ☘️🖤

Wigan St Pats U16’s 14 – Oldham St Anne’s 12

What a performance from our U16’s today. With only 13 players available, the lads were immense in defence; committed, strong and determined to protect their line. There was a quiet confidence about the team today, maybe helped by a chance to release some GCSE exam pressure.

Pats took the lead early when Carter picked the ball up deep in our own half and powered over the line. He added the conversion to make it 6-0. Strong carries from Cody and Max then laid the platform for Noah to cross for our second try, giving Pats a 10-4 lead at half-time.

St Anne’s came out fired up in the second half and really tested our defence, but the lads stood tall and dug deep for each other. An early penalty saw Carter add another two points to extend the lead to 12-4.

A lapse in concentration allowed St Anne’s back into the game with a try in the corner, before another powerful run broke through the line to level the scores at 12-12.

With just three minutes remaining, Pats launched one final attack. Strong carries took us within metres of the line before pressure forced an error from St Anne’s. Carter stepped up once again for the kick - and after hitting the post, the ball bounced over to give Pats a well deserved 14-12 victory.

An outstanding team performance from every single player. Down to 12 men through injuries for most of the game, the lads gave absolutely everything in both attack and defence. A performance to be proud of.

🏆Players of the Match: Max & Niall
🏆Opposition Player of the Match: Carter

💥Try Scorers:
Carter
Noah

Penalty kicks - Carter x2

Well done to Cam, on making his debut today, strong carries and tough in defence, he fitted in perfectly.

Now it’s back to focusing on the second week of GCSE exams, good luck lads ☘️ 🖤

Wigan St Patricks A.R.L.F.C

Cuthberts 22 – Wigan St Pats 16

A frustrating morning at Cuthberts today. Silly mistakes, tired legs and a difficult day with the boot ultimately cost us the points.

Pats started like a team on a mission. Just six minutes in, Noah found the line after a perfectly weighted tip pass from Issac.

The momentum kept building. Some brilliant play down the line opened up space in front of the sticks and Carter was on hand to make the most of it. Then Jack showed exactly why you don’t give him space on the wing, great strength, great finish, set up by a lovely ball from Charlie.

The lads were really building something here. A powerful burst downfield from Noah, followed by a cheeky offload from Max sent Ethan over the line taking it to 16-12 at half time.

Pats took their foot off the pedal in the second half and allowed Cuthberts back into the game; two further tries, both converted, and suddenly the scoreboard told a different story.

We made things difficult for ourselves at times with unnecessary mistakes, but to their credit, the lads never downed tools. They kept working, kept fighting and kept competing right until the final whistle.

Tom; knocked on, but reacted instantly and brought down a player twice his size in the next tackle.
Niall; outstanding in defence, tackling everything that moved and made some powerful carries going forward.
Issac, as always influential in both attack and defence throughout.

Try scorers
✅ Noah | ✅ Carter | ✅ Jack | ✅ Ethan

Awards
Coaches player - Jack
Oppositions- Carter

This was not the result we wanted but, the one thing that sets this team apart is an abundance of grit, determination and resilience. We regroup, we learn from today and we go again next Sunday. 💪🖤☘️​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Next up…. ☘️🌑

New training kit day for our Under 16’s ☘️🌑

The lads and coaches are looking smart.

💥A huge thank you to our sponsors Bloom4SeasonsWigan25 and Roma Finance without your support, this wouldn’t have been possible. We really appreciate your backing of the lads in their final year of junior rugby.

Wigan St Patricks A.R.L.F.C

Wishing our U16s the very best as they start their GCSE exams today.

Good luck lads - you’ve got this.

From all the U16s coaches and parents 🖤💚

Wigan St Patricks A.R.L.F.C