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A fantastic advert for junior rugby league was on show today at the home of unbeaten Crosfields Vipers Under 8's!

Wigan St. Judes were today's opponents and played a tough uncompromising game in a great spirit that was a credit to the boys and coaching they have received. They were unlucky to lose out in the end of a titanic tussle that was only settled at the end of a game that was pretty much neck and neck throughout.

The scoreline ended 13-12 in favour of the hosts but it really could have gone either way. Crosfields started brightly and good running onto the ball in the opening minute saw Spencer Lowe cross for the team's first try and take a lead that they would never lose. Good play from the Wigan outfit saw them draw level a minute later before Jake got the first of his two tries with strong running and determination to get to the line. The first period saw 7 tries with each team taking turns to score - it was another Wigan try next before Josh and Ryan crossed either side of a St. Judes effort bringing the opening period to a close 4 tries to 3 to the home team.

The second period saw even more tries with both sides sharing the spoils with 4 each. Jake got his second try with some good offloading on display and supporting play. Determined running and commitment from Maximus Tetlow saw him cross for two good tries in this period and Captain James Mahoney opened his account for the afternoon with a very determined angled run to the line. This saw the Vipers finish the period 1 try ahead still but it was end to end stuff, easily the closest fought game so far this season.

Period three was much tighter and defences were on top this time. James managed to cross for his second try and Kian got the first of his hat-trick in a period that only saw one score by the visitors. The boys from both teams showing great teams spirit and cooperation in defence.

So going into the final quarter the home team were still one try to the good and determined to see it home against an organised and enthusiastic Wigan side. St. Judes had the first go with the ball and drew the scores level with a good team try. James though and Kian managed to both get their hat-tricks in this quarter and tough it out in defence so that the home team clung on to win by one try!

This was a fantastic game, that was on a knife edge all the way through. The boys of both teams showed real character and passion and great teamwork and awareness of rugby skills by tackling properly, looking for offloads and running hard and fast! The coaches award went this week to Ryan, Max was top tackler - he can be ferocious! Josh was awarded parents man of the match and the coaches Man of the Match was James. Well done to all who played a very entertaining game of rugby and Happy 8th Birthday to Max and Jake!