1^st Team

Saturday 24^th March 2018

Every team has it’s off day and boy o boy Jude’s had theirs today at Crosfields in the NCL Div 2 game away and the score of 34-18 hurts somewhat when Jude’s first 7 sets with ball were so easy to defend for Crosfields, with poor execution and no real shape, and when Crosfields finally got their hands on the ball on their first attack they go and score, you knew it wasn’t your day and before  you knew it Crosfields were over again taking a 12-0 lead. On 22 mins Jude’s finally got over when Darrion Ball found Joey Brady who shot in wide out on the right. Olumide Oladele, Tom Owen, Danny Clayton, Luke Barrett, Danny Fallon, Baz Rothwell and Man of the Match Gavin Rodden were eager to take the ball in, but Crosfields had started with intent and close to half time they scored two quick tries to give them a 22-4 lead. St Jude’s needed to start better this half and it was Gavin Rodden who gave Judes a glimmer of hope when Rob Fenney put Rodden away to score wide out. But mins later a determined Crosfields got over again. 57 mins had gone and Gav Roddens persistence paid off again when he broke free on the left to score by the posts, Ben Fisher added the two. On 65 mins centre Joey Brady broke away with a ball Steel one on one and raced away 70 mts to score under the posts , only to brought back for a penalty,

 Deemed two in the tackle, just when it looked like Jude’s had some sought of momentum, cruel decision. Connor Parkinson managed to score late on but it was Crosfields who had the final say with a try in the last min to seal Jude’s fate, and a massive wake up call. Small conciliation Jude’s did win the second half 14-12.

Man of the Match Gavin Rodden

A Team

Saturday 24^th March 2018

St Judes 66-14 Leigh East

St Judes were in rampant form as they ran in 12 tries in a 66-14 demolition of Leigh East in their NWML Division 2 clash.

St Judes dominated this game from start to finish as the size, speed, skill and power of the home side proved too much for the visitors.

Baz Gregson led the way with a stunning performance that saw him run in 4 tries and earn himself the sponsors Man of the Match award. Other try scorers for St Judes were Chris Pimblett (2), Tom Hunter (2), Scott Robinson, Jason Holland, Curtis Berry, & Mike Stevenson.
Robinson kicked 8 goals and Gregson 1.

On afternoon were every St Judes player played their part, the stand out performances of Gregson, Nathan Moore, Curtis Berry, and Tom Hunter cannot go unmentioned.

Masters

Saturday 25^th March 2018

Our Masters team played in the North West Masters Festival over at Leigh Miners in which they played two games 1^st against Bank Quay and the 2^nd against Blackpool.  Try scorers from both games where Simon Owens (2), Paul McCormick (2), Ian Worthington, Martin Fisher and Darren Russon.

Under 14’s

Sunday 25^th March 2018

Judes  18-6 Waterhead

Finally the weather was kind and our game went ahead today as we welcome our visitors Waterhead to the Meadow.  Judes opened well with strong running and a few testing kicks from our backs.  Our pressure paid off when we claimed the drop out, but great defence on show today from Waterhead who deny us and immediately counter attack and after hard work down field and initially Judes showing great defence holding up over the line, Waterhead scoot from dummy half and record the first points at the side of the sticks.  It wasn’t long before Judes were replying after a kick was taken well by Reagan and returned to half way, the ball then played to Alfie Whittle who set off and with a good hand-off scooted through to speed off to the line and score under the sticks, drawing the scores level.  When one try comes, 2 come in succession as Junior Nsemba went on a marauding diagonal run and using his long stride, broke through the defence to score.  Waterhead tried to punish us down the wing, but nothing was getting past our Reagan today who finished the half with a second try saving tackle to go in 10-6 in the lead at half time.

Judes came out second half determined to win this game and a great run from Josh, was inches away from the line.  Judes were then awarded a penalty and chose to take the two with the kick taken accurately by Callum Silcock.  A good return from the kick by Callum set the platform for our next attack and a pin point kick over from Ben landed perfectly in the arms of Reagan; unfortunately, it was equally matched by a good cover tackle from his opposite for the turnover.  A knock-on from Waterhead gives us our opportunity to build our next attack and a great ball from Callum to Alfie Whittle who used his footwork to good affect down the middle to break the defence and score a fantastic second try, converted by Callum Silcock.  Both teams finish the game strongly, not allowing each other to score, with some fantastic defence across the park.  Even Reece tried to get in on the action with a grubber of his own and was only inches away from grounding before it ran dead!  Judes did some amazing things in the dying minutes, Harvey’s big hit dislodging the ball and Reagan yet again putting his body on the line to stop the winger escaping down the wing and although we didn’t increase our points tally, really proved why we deserved to win this game 18-6.

Judes were a little busted on numbers today through illness, but the lads who played, really put their bodies on the line to beat a very strong Waterhead team.  Great performances across the team, but special mentions to Callum Silcock, Ben Freeman and our middles who took control of the game and Reece Stanton who played 60% of the game with one arm!  You know they’ve done something right when the opposition are saying “don’t let them score again” with 30 seconds left on the clock!!

Today awards to:

Outstanding Effort:       Junior Nsemba , must have made over 100m today with his carries, never shied away from running the ball up and got himself on the score-board to.

Outstanding Effort:       Reagan Sumner, outstanding match today.  Came into the game with a knock, but put himself about tremendously, did at least half a dozen try saving tackles and scooped up every ball that came his way.

Man of the Match:         Alfie Whittle played a new position at fullback and was outstanding saying it was the first time he had played it.  Proved himself as a real threat from the back, as Alfie is so good at determining where he wants to attack.

Under 12’s – Maroons

Sunday 25^th March 2018

Ashton Bears 12-10 Wigan St Judes

After a start/stop season due to the weather. We were away to Ashton Bears today.

In the 1st half.

A back to strength Judes took on a strong Bears squad. But it was Judes who looked the strongest and from the start Judes took the game to them with strong running on to the ball and good tackling from Muhammad and Layton, it took a while for any cracks to appear and the first one was for Kian to take advantage from going over in the corner. Judes defence stood strong and held out the Bears for the rest of half, at the break Judes were in the lead 0-4.

The start of the second was similar to the first. After the Bears being given a few repeat sets on our own line the Bears crashed over the line. The Judes held their heads and continued to take the game to the Bears which paid off with Layton going over the near the posts, once again Judes had the lead only for a slip in defence for bears to go over. Judes didn't give up and were in control, as they looked to be stronger team couldn't just get the break though in what seemed to be a shortened half. Bears had the game 12-10.

The Judes played the best game of the season today and if we can perform like this all the time the win will come!

Well done Judes!!

Award winners this weekend were :-

Player of the Match - Layton Cottam

Parents Player of the Match - Muhammad Abassi

Coaches Award - Rohan Green

Effort and Achievement - Deecan Snape

Under 12’s – Gold’s

Sunday 25^th March 2018

Wigan St Judes u12s Gold’s 30-0 Clockface Miners u12s

Today's fixture was arranged by the league as we had been left without a fixture due to rearranged cup games. 

Clockface have always been an inspirational team from Under 7s through to Under 12s they have dominated all squads before them with ease and class. They are a group above us so we knew we were in for a tough day but were just happy for the game time after 5 weeks without a match!

Today was a phenomenal defensive display from the off. The Gold’s' line moved with urgency and remained structured throughout the match. An early tackle to touch from Elton Paplekaj saw a quick turn over. Big Mal Price storming onto the ball from the scrum and going the length of the field to open up the scoring under the sticks. Converted by Keegan Mobey.

Amazing, long kicks from Oliver Wright and fantastic chases from his team mates saw The Miners pinned into their own half from each restart. The Gold’s worked hard in defence to force early kicks from the Clockface fullback and this resulted in two more full length tries from Elton Paplekaj and Austin Daniel. Austin also adding the two with one of our kicks just veering wide of the post.

Elton, Oliver and Malachi completely bossing the field with thunderous tackles made it a stress free half for the Gold’s who refused to allow Clockface any space. A ripped ball saw a Jude’s penalty, Aaron Bolton spied his chance and a quick scoot saw him over the whitewash for Jude’s fourth try. Elton adding the two.

Elton Paplekaj finished the half with another full length try. A determined run handing off all in his way to score under the sticks. Aaron Bolton adding the extras and sending us into half time with a healthy lead. 

The Gold’s started the second half with the same urgency as they finished the first and it wasn't long before huge prop Malachi Price added his second try, going from one set of sticks to the other! Converted by Tyler Foster.

Our seventh try was a special one, a great link up on the last between Austin Daniel and Oliver Wright saw Austin chip a perfect kick over into the corner, Oliver was surrounded by Clock players but managed to jump higher than the rest and crash down over the line to score. Converted by Dylan Gregory.

Another two full lengthers followed with Austin Daniel weaving through the defence before hitting the gap and picking up speed to leave the defence in his wake. Converted by Freddie Winnard. And Elton going over for his hatrick after smashing through the tired Clock defensive line, the kick sailing wide.

Great hands saw the Gold’s final try. Worked across field with quick and accurate passing, the ball ended in Oliver Wright's hand who dove to the line to add our final points.

We were absolutely speechless at the end of the game. Our best team performance since forming last year. The entire team putting in a huge defensive effort and Austin cleaning up anyone that slipped through the net! 

Malaki 'Paddy' Cullen, Tyler Foster and Ryan Sweatman having their best games to date with huge tackle counts. Aaron Bolton and Dylan Gregory pouncing on the Clock mistakes and Aron Fleming and Freddie Winnard holding their wings to stop any opposition runs from sneaking by. 

Keegan Mobey having his best defensive game yet and new boots Oliver Wadeson also looking great in defence out on the wing.

Malachi Price sending anyone that dared run his way right back where they came from and Tom Hill getting stuck in with great marker play. But Elton Paplekaj and Oliver Wright grabbing the top spot today, working hard all over the field and causing nothing but problems for the Clock runners. Elton also causing multiple knock on's from huge hits!

Big Jake Hare looked back to his best with great runs, handing off the opposition with those huge paws and Malick Niang getting on to the ball more and making great yards.

Their efforts today were second to none but one boy in particular stood out for all the right reasons...Elton Paplekaj had his best ever performance. He was unstoppable in attack, bagging himself a hatrick, and fierce in defence. He could barely catch his breath as he left the field. He puts his heart and soul into every match and reaped the rewards for his efforts today with a clean sweep of the trophies! Well done our Albanian wonder, we are all so proud of you!

A TEAM effort and an outstanding achievement as no other Wigan team have managed to pip the outstanding Miners.

TRIES:

Elton Paplekaj x 3

Malachi Price x 2

Oliver Wright x 2

Austin x 2

Aaron Bolton x 1

KICKS

Keegan Mobey

Austin Daniel

Elton Paplekaj

Dylan Gregory

Freddie Winnard

Aaron Bolton

Tyler Foster

AWARDS

M.O.M:Elton Paplekaj

OPPONENTS M.O.M: Elton Paplekaj

TOP TACKLER: Oliver Wright and Elton Paplekaj (Shared)

PARENT'S PLAYER: Elton Paplekaj

TECHNIQUE AWARD: Elton Paplekaj 

(Sponsored by Paul Gregory Removals)

Under 9’s – Gold’s

Sunday 25^th March 2018

Leigh east wolves 16-20 st Judes gold’s

Captain for the day Kyle Wakelin won the coin toss and decided to play.

Despite some great defence from Leigh from the off, Deacon Charnock soon went in for Jude's 1st try.
Great defence from Jude's and strong tackles from Jack Myers and Tadgh Casey wasn't enough and Leigh managed to get the try.

Harrison Oakes had a great run but held up just shy of the line.
Judes produced great defence again from especially from Tadgh Casey and Harrison Oakes.
Jack Elwick does a great run and scores Jude's 2nd try.

Leigh battle Jude's tough defence and a great tackle from Kyle Wakelin but they go in for a 2nd try.
Harrison and Aston complete two great tackles and Oscar comes up with another. Turnover and Mason is about to get tackled but reading the game well, he did an excellent offload.

Leyton did a great run but was held up on the line.
Jude’s kept Leigh in there half throughout the set with their great defence with Jack Hill and Oscar putting in tough tackles. Some great passing from Archie Unsworth and then
A brilliant try for Mason Chisnall for Jude's 3rd.

Great defensive set from Jude's & awesome tackling from Harrison Oakes and Kian. Isac Fleming producing great tackles throughout.
The third quarter opens up with a brilliant tackle from Jack Myers and some really tough Jude's defence forcing turnover.

Yet another Excellent run from Harrison Oakes. Cody Smith does a tough run taking Four Leigh players to bring him down followed by an awesome run from Tadgh Casey.
More strong deference from Jude's producing excellent tackles from Jack Elwick and Jack Myers.
A force to be reckoned with Big Jack does a great run with several Leigh players attached to him but keeps on powering through.

Final quarter kicks off with a 3rd try from Leigh.
Mason Chisnall does a great run coming up with Jude's 4th try.

Despite Jude's great defence Leigh managed to go in for a try, making it 4-4.
Great tackles from Deacon Charnock and Mason Chisnall forces turnover.
Jude's play a great set and Kian gets held up just short of the line.

A very Strong Tadgh Casey powers through for a try.
Jude's keen to hold on to the win give there all in defence and outstanding tackles from both Deacon Charnock and Jack Elwick saw the game come to a finish with Jude's taking the game with 5 tries to Leigh's 4.

Under 9’s - Maroons

Saturday 24^th March 2018

It was Saturday lunchtime, a lovely spring day. Where else would we rather be? Okay don't answer that especially Danny Ashton and John Wallwork who were gasping for a midday pint but we were all there for the big gam