Under 15's 2003-4
7th September 2003
14th September 2003
21st September 2003
5th October 2003
12th October 2003
19th October 2003
9th November 2003
23rd November 2003
30th November 2003
14th December 2003
11th January 2004 - NWC Cup 1st Rnd
25th January 2004 - NWC Cup 2nd Rnd
1st February 2004
7th February 2004 - NWC Cup 3rd Rnd
15th February 2004
Final League Tables
7th September 2003
Rylands Sharks U15 -16Latchford Albion U15 - 14
A threadbare Latchford squad of just thirteen players started the game well but failed to turn their early pressure into points. They were punished when the home side moved the ball wide and scored in the corner. The Albion pack stamped their authority on the game and it was only a matter of time before Daz Hill cut through to score under the posts. Jono Smith ably converted. Both teams had players sin-binned before Latchford extended their lead when Joe Gandy scooted to score under the posts allowing Jono Smith another easy conversion.
Half time score: 4 - 12
The second half commenced with Latchford commanding the game for long periods but ill-discipline saw the Albion reduced to 12 and the Sharks capitalised on their numerical advantage to score two tries out wide.
It was a pulsating game and a spectacle for all there.
Sadly the opening fixture ended in defeat but, considering it was against last year's champions it should prove a good platform Back to top
14th September 2003
Latchford Albion U15 - 18Wigan St Patrick's U15's - 6
In the first minute Ben Mellor kicked through, which Ste Fisher gathered to score under the posts. Relentless pressure on the visitors' line led to the second try as the ball was moved wide and Mike Linaker put Chris Higham over. Lee Mitchell converted. The visitors replied before half time but after the break Latchford regained their composure and scored with a penalty kick. Joes Gandy then stepped through to score under the posts for Mitchell to add the two points. Latchford were able to shut out St Pat's to clinch the game. Back to top
21st September 2003
Widnes St Maries U15's - 20Latchford Albion U15's - 12
Latchford started well and early pressure was turned into points when Joe Gandy scored under the posts and Lee Mitchell added the two points to give the Albion a 0 - 6 lead at the break. The home side scored early in the second half before Jono Smith restored the lead. Two late tries snatched away victory in favour of the home side. Back to top
5th October 2003
Leigh Miners Rangers U15's - 24Latchford Albion U15's - 18
Twelve-man Latchford started strongly taking a 10-0 lead with tries from Steve Fisher and Lee Mitchell. As the game wore on tiredness took its toll and the scores were levelled by half time. Leigh pulled ahead after the break but Jono Smith's solo effort followed by a Mike Linaker try kept the Albion in the game to the end. Back to top
12th October 2003
Latchford Albion U15's - 13Oldham St Annes U15's - 11
The visitors took a 5-point lead that spurred on Latchford to respond through Lee Mitchell. Mike Linaker kicked over to give a 6-5 half time lead. Oldham replied after the break before Jono Smith scored and it was his drop goal that sealed the victory. Richard Potts played well on his debut. Back to top
19th October 2003
Latchford Albion U15's - 46Pilkington Recs U15's - 16
This was a workmanlike performance by Latchford who controlled the game throughout after Daz Hill opened the scoring. Lee Mitchell, Ste Fisher and Jono Smith scored first half tries. With the visitors managing a try after an unforced error.
With a half time lead of 24-6 the second stanza saw more pressure turned to points when Ste Fisher, Lee Mitchell and Daz Hill all grabbing their second tries. Mike Cooper scored under the posts. Mike Linaker kicked seven goals. Ben Mellor, Joe Gandy and Mike Cooper all worked hard in defence and attack with Lee Mitchell, Jono Smith and Ste fisher linking well offensively. This was a good performance all round and was a team effort showing spirit and an increasing confidence with the ball in attack.
After the emphatic victory over Pilks Recs, Latchford's U15's had a two week break. Back to top
9th November 2003
Latchford Albion U15 - 12Ryland Sharks U15 - 4
A victory is always welcome but when it comes against your local rivals who are the reigning League Champions, it's all the sweeter.
Steve Fisher scored two tries; Mike Linaker converted both. Rylands rallied and scored a disputed try, which they failed to convert. Despite having a player sent off with 25 minutes remaining, the Latchford victory was never in doubt.
A defeat 12-26 at Wigan St Pat's followed to bring Latchford back down to earth. Back to top
23rd November 2003
Latchford Albion U15's - 4Widnes St Maries U15's - 24
The scoreline did not reflect the effort that Latchford gave and three tries in the last ten minutes gave the visitors victory despite the best efforts of Ben Mellor, Daz Hill, Lee Mitchell, Chris Higham and Tristan Keddie. Steve Fisher scored the try. Back to top
30th November 2003
Blackbrook Royals U15's - 30Latchford Albion U15's - 12
This was a game that Latchford never made an impact on after going down to two early tries. The uphill struggle was eased slightly with tries from Mike Linaker and Ben Mellor, both of which Mike converted.
The U15's next opponents were Leigh Miners Rangers at home in which the visitors left with the points beating Latchford 12-4.
Oldham St Anne's away and Pilkingtons Recs before a short Christmas break. Back to top
14th December 2003
Pilkington Recs U15's - 22Latchford Albion U15's - 12
The final score is not a fair reflection of the effort that Latchford put into this game.
A lack of discipline resulted in the loss of one player, which in energy sapping conditions should have finished them off. However, the Albion still managed to score two tries via Lee Mitchell.
Mike Linaker kicked over two goals while Ben Mellor, Tristan Keddie, Darren Hill and Sean Coleman all put in good performances.
The Christmas break was lengthened as the home tie with Parkside Golborne was cancelled. Back to top
11th January 2004 - NWC Cup 1st Rnd
Latchford Albion U15's - 78Shevington Sharks U15's - 0
The U15's returned to competitive rugby in this NWC 1st round cup tie and were on top of their game against lower league opposition.
Tries were scored by Steve Fisher (2), Gary Grindley (2), Jono Smith (2), Darren Hill (2), Joe Gandy (2), Sean Coleman, Mike Linaker, Josh Hough, Lee Mitchell, and Ben Mellor.
Goals were kicked by Mike Linaker (four), Tristan Keddie, Jono Smith, Daz Hill and Richard Potts.
There was no fixture the week after Back to top
25th January 2004 - NWC Cup 2nd Rnd
Widnes Moorfield U15's - 0Latchford Albion U15's - 54
Latchford sailed through this NWC Cup 2nd round game with a stylish win over lower league opposition.
Try scorers for the Albion were Lee Mitchell (3), Steve Fisher (2), Joe Gandy (2), Mike Linaker (2), Josh Hough and Gary Grindley.
Mike also kicked three goals while Jono Smith added two more. Back to top
1st February 2004
Parkside Golborne U15's - 2Latchford Albion U15's - 12
This was a hard fought victory against a determined side fighting for survival in the Premier Division. It was sterling defence that gave Latchford the two points with Ben Mellor, Daz Hill Jono Smith and Mike Cooper at the forefront.
Mike Linaker and Daz Hill scored the two tries that were both converted by Linaker. Back to top
7th February 2004 - NWC Cup 3rd Rnd
Widnes St Maries U15's - 12Latchford Albion U15's - 6
This North West Counties' Cup quarterfinal game was worthy of being the final itself.
A pulsating game, despite appalling weather, that saw the bare thirteen players of Latchford come back from two tries down to within a sniff of winning. Steve Fisher scored a try, which Mike Linaker converted but luck ran out against a physical and determined Widnes outfit. Back to top
15th February 2004
Latchford Albion U15's - 4Blackbrook Royals U15's - 12
Latchford put in a disciplined display against a physical side in energy-sapping conditions.
The Albion scored a try via Steve Fisher, while Ben Mellor, Lee Mitchell, Joe Gandy and Mike Cooper all made good contributions to this spirited performance. Back to top
