It could have been so much bigger Fred.

From a Wigan perspective, it sounded like a good game to blow the cobwebs off and chance to see some of our U20's.

The radio programme and commentary from Leigh Life was excellent, thanks.

I *might* have a Monday and Tuesday off work in a few weeks time. If I do I am considering coming home for a weekend to catch some rugby... and to see you and mother of course


It would be the Batley home game on the 16th. Fingers crossed!

If the admission price was £8 would we realistically have generated a crowd of 7k+ today ?

I doubt it so IMO you would have to say the club priced it accordingly to maximise gate receipts

First and foremost what a great day all round, considering this is just the starter and the main course and sweet are yet to come.

Paul and the team from a personal perspective made me proud to be a leyther today as most of our boys will get their aching bodies out of bed in the morning having slugged it out with a very strong full time Wigan side that will all be in contention to fly out to Sydney for a World Club contest in a few weeks time.

On the pitch for a first hit out I felt we looked physically strong and fit as a side and the new players particularly Liam Kay (playing as a nine for most of the game) went really well.

As for Wigan enormous respect and you can see why they win doubles and are pound for pound one of the greatest RL sides in the world as play to a structure and are rigid no matter who wears the jersey.

I shook Shaun Wanes hand after the game and commended him on the great achievements he and his side have made but in the same breath made him aware we are no longer dependant on anyone and have intentions to be competing with them and it's just the beginning for Leigh on a journey that will culminate in SL and not just making up numbers too!!!

Away from the pitch we Sold out in the Corporate areas and the Legends Bar was packed to the rafters and the new era really got off with a bang.

Had to pinch myself and remember this was only a friendly today and the big kick off is 16/02 v Batley!!!!!

Thanks to everyone today and what I saw was really encouraging and makes me believe we really can do the things we aim to do this season if we are all together and pulling in the same direction.

Looking forward to the North Stand Friday Night.

Thanks

Andy

For a comparison Bradford v Hull first teams at Odsal drew under 2500

There we go then, thanks to all the Wigan fans who turned up and of course our own loyal band in fact thanks to all.

Andy I was very impressed with everything about todays game , you cant play rugby without the ball and for 20 minutes we didn't have the ball , but I think we will have a good season , their tries were scored on our left side in the second half , so it was a bit of a weakness .

As for the Hospitality ?I couldn't fault it , great value , the Wigan Carolis were full of praise for yourself and Rob Parker , very impressed with our set up , and gave Rob their Business card , hopefully he stays in touch with them .

I thought it was a decent crowd ,and a very good match ,the Legends bar was buzzing pre match .we have the best Ground ,the best board, the best bar in the championship without a doubt, what we also have is probably the worst tannoy announcer in the business, (although I don't like to complain.

I don't think it was the cost that put Wigan fans off coming. It was the fact they were playing their youth team. Obviously to us playing Wigan is one of the highlights of the season, whether it's a friendly game or not. To Wigan fans who have a long SL season ahead, a friendly against a championship team probably wouldn't be high on their priorites.
I thought it was a great game, with lots of skill and flair shown on both sides. I have no idea what happened for the first 15 minutes of the second half. It was like Leigh Easts under 7's had stayed on the pitch! But on the whole a great day out, and to my mind worth every penny.

Even Easts under 7's would have struggled, without the ball.

As for the Wigan turn-out, I thought it was good. There were a lot of them 'mingling' (as it always should be) in the West Stand.

Yesterday was not a bad attendance & had Chelsea v United match not conflicted with our game then we could of seen more attending possibly.