Cobras provide stern test in Wigan

Rochdale Cobras under 9s

Rochdale Cobras under 9s switched their home fixture to Wigan so to play a part in Wigan St Pat's Help for Heroes day.

Playing on a sun-drenched main pitch, the Cobras were underdogs as the game kicked off. By full time, however, the young Cobras had earned the respect of their opposition and the substantial crowd.

Playing for the first time in their new kit, the mini Cobras started the match with the ball and were met with strong organised defence from St Pat's.

Strong runs from Lewis Hough and Harry Smith took Cobras up the pitch.

Cobras were held out in their first use of the ball but completed their first set of six, setting the blueprint for a game in which there were only two handling errors.

After a couple of back and forth sets, St Pat's found space on their left to break through and score.

Cobras completed a set of six coming just short of the Wigan line, only for Wigan to break through the Cobras defensive line and beat the cover defence to score again.

With their next use of the ball, Cobras marched up the pitch, Dom Woolfenden and Dan Tomlinson making the hard yards for Kristian McVeigh to take advantage of, jinking and side stepping his way to the line to score Cobras first try.

A feature of Cobras play in their first three games has been their tough uncompromising defence led by the Hough twins, George and Lewis. Today was no different with George Hough leading the Cobras defensive line, making tackles that a player three times his size would be proud of.

Despite the efforts of the Cobras defenders, good Wigan play led to a couple of tries. Rather than let their heads go down the Cobras again set to the task and knocked the Wigan defence back, allowing the ever impressive Owen Webster the opportunity to force his way over for Cobras second try.

With the clock ticking down Wigan managed through impressive handling to score a last try, ending the match with a 5-2 score line.

The young Cobras, playing only their fourth game together against an extremely good established side did themselves and their club proud.

Cobras line up: Dan Tomlinson, Dominic Woolfenden, Owen Webster, Lewis Hough, George Hough, Kristian McVeigh, Harry Smith

Hit Man Award (most tackles): Lewis Hough

Parents Award: Owen Webster

Man of the Match: Kristian McVeigh

Cobras are on the look out for new players to strengthen the team training is on firgrove playing fields Tuesday and Thursday 6pm - 7pm. For more information contact Ben Bird on 07947 468 409.