Our first league match was to be against Eccles but their players weren't registered in time. St Judes had a similar problem with their opponents so we arranged a friendly to fill the gap.

With not being able to raise a full team, we were always going to struggle against such strong opposition. Only Wilson, Budgen and Byron were able to put up any resistance in the first half as the visitors piled up a big lead.
Two Singleton kicks were pounced on, first by Budgen, then by Green as Latchford clawed back two tries.

A better second half saw stronger defence from Yates-Dutton, Feather, McIntosh and Atherton.

A fantastic run by Reid set up Hewitt for a third try. Player of the match Singleton then kicked the ball up, caught it and went over for a fourth, which he converted himself. Back to top

Culcheth Eagles U10s 30 - 32 Latchford Albion U10s

A fantastic game of rugby between two closely matched sides saw Latchford register their first ever win.

This was truly end-to-end stuff with the Albion's first try coming on the second set of six. Tom Wilson ran down the right flank, then Mark Singleton cut across to get with a yard of the try line. John Hewitt powered over for the first of his four tries, which he converted.
Hewitt's second came after a fabulous mazy run from Philip Green had se t him up and Singleton converted. Then Tom McIntosh ran across the line before cutting inside to score a third try, which he also kicked over.

Culcheth had scored four but only kicked two goals. This despite a phenomenal tackling display by the Man-of-the-Match, Phil Atherton.
Half time score: 18-20

In the second half Culcheth scored two more tries, but only kicked over once. Those were cancelled out by Hewitt's two, but our kickers failed to capitalise.
Then a great set of six runs saw McIntosh get within a few feet and 'unsung hero', Tom Southworth power over to make the scores level. He took the pressure kick himself and sent it sailing between the posts for a great victory.

Everyone played their part and each deserve a pat on the back. Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 28 - 30 Crosfields U10s

Another local derby and as closely fought as you'd expect. Crosfields could only muster nine players so Jordan Tarburton guested for them and did far too good a job being one of their top tacklers and saving a certain try for us!

Crosfields were allowed to take the lead with three converted tries. Our only response was a blind-side try by John Hewitt who duly kicked over.
Half time score: 6-18

We fared much better after the restart with the tireless Hewitt fully justifying his man-of-the-match performance with three more tries from his 13 carries. It is hard to pick out the best, maybe the full pitch length run down the left wing or the intelligent dive over as acting half-back.

Mark Singleton and Tom McIntosh converted two out of the three tries.
Not to be outdone 'unsung hero' James Antell powered over for a try, which he converted. This capped a superb tackling display, which, along with captain Phil Atherton and 'top-tackler' Tom Wilson had managed to restrict Crosfields to just two tries in the second half.

Despite these heroics the extra conversion proved to be the deciding factor as, for the second week running 2 points separated the two sides. Back to top

Burtonwood Bulldogs U10s 50 - 10 Latchford Albion U10s

A bad day at the office is one way to describe our performance in this game. We were slow to get started and Burtonwood capitalised with two tries on their first two sets of six.
By half time we had managed to slow down the opposition who had scored four converted tries. Latchford in reply again saw John Hewitt in full flow as he muzzled the Bulldogs to run two thirds of the pitch twice to score two more tries. He failed to convert the first but Mark Singleton was able to add the two points for the second.
Half time: 10-24

On the positive side it was nice to see Carl Evans play his first match of the campaign, even if it was as replacement for the injured Tom Southworth.
Jordan Budgen was playing like a man possessed both in defence and attack. Philip Green, too, put in some big tackles.
In the end the home side proved just to strong, and despite the effort in defence of Tom Wilson, Tom McIntosh and Phil Atherton, they ran in five more tries, three of which they converted. Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 22 - 34 Woolston Rovers U10s

Latchford managed to hold out against Woolston for the first couple of sets of six but were unable to gain any advantage. This was because the team seemed to regard themselves as a passing side and put in several pretty sideways passes without gaining any yards.

Woolston showed more direction and scored four tries, converting two. Phil Atherton showed great determination to drive over for a try, which Mark Singleton converted.
Half time score: 6-20

In the second half we got back to basics and with some great drives by Tom McIntosh, Tom Southworth and Johnny Hewitt, Latchford competed much better against a side that were not really any better than us.

Latchford actually outscored Woolston after the break. John Hewitt ran over from acting half back on two occasions, one of which he converted and the other kicked over by Tom Wilson. Try of the match came from 'Unsung Hero' Tom Mc who broke free of two tackles to run a third of the pitch to score. He was probably too tired and didn't get the extra two points.

Top Tackler was James Antell, but undoubtedly the 'Player of the Match' was John Hewitt who was not only top points score but equalled James in the tackle count as well. Back to top

Wigan St Patricks U10s 44 - 4 Latchford Albion U10s

We have always struggled against Wigan sides but have at least always shown heart. That was not the case in this game. True enough we struggled but against a St Pats team that did not look excessively superior. Indeed, in the opening exchanges we held them at bay but couldn't gain any ground.

What did disappoint the spectators was the lack of spirit shown by some of the team who seemed more than happy to allow a handful of their teammates to do all the work. On a day that cried out for tacklers only captain John Hewitt, Tom Wilson and Tom McIntosh could hold their heads high. On such a wet pitch that cried out for the ball to be carried, only John Hewitt, Tom McIntosh, Tom Southworth, Phil Atherton and Adam Yates-Dutton could be proud of their efforts.

Some players may have more ability than others but no one should be guilty of not trying.
For the second game running, John Hewitt was outstanding and fully deserved his try. He set a standard that each of the team must try to follow. With four more players signing on competition for places will be rife.

Enough said let's put that one behind us and move on. Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 42 - 0 Spotland Rangers U10s

The lads obviously heeded the few sharp words after the previous week's debacle and set their stall out to play well in this game against relative newcomers, Spotland from Rochdale.

Straight from the kick they ran the ball back with Tom McIntosh, James Antell, Mark Singleton and Tom Wilson making the yards for John Hewitt to go over. Mark Singleton converted. Strong defending from all the team allowed Adam Berry, John Hewitt and Tom McIntosh to add more tries which each converting.
Half time score: 24-0

There was no let up for the visitors as James Antell scored immediately and kicked over. John Hewitt added two more tries and Tom Mc another one. Alex Bentley showed great strength and determination in his first game for the club. By far the hardest workers were Tarburton, Singleton, Berry and the outstanding Jordan Budgen. But each team member can be rightfully proud of his or her contribution. Back to top

Widnes Moorfield U10s 39 - 26 Latchford Albion U10s

With injuries keeping out Tom Southworth and Jordan Budgen, Latchford were grateful for newcomers Alex Bentley and Jack Forshaw. What they didn't need was an injury to star player John Hewitt, but that's what they got. With a couple of other minor knocks and some slack defending the Albion found themselves three tries down at the interval.
Half time: 0 -18
Fortunately the second half was a different story. James Antell was rewarded for some great running with a try, which Mark Singleton converted. James then kicked over for Mark's try. Big drives by 'unsung hero' Phil Atherton saw the Unicorns take the game to Widnes and he, too went over to score.

Moorfield had one lad who was single-handedly keeping them in it. We had Adam Yates-Dutton running the show and he also managed to score a try, which he converted.
The game ebbed and flowed but Mooorfield managed to run in three second-half tries to keep them on top. This despite great tackling displays by Carl Evans, Atherton, Antell and Yates-Dutton. In the dying moments Tom Wilson burst through to bring some respectability to the final score line. Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 6 - 46 Westhoughton U10s

West Houghton came to Victoria Park having lost only four times in their last 14 games. We had only won 2 in 8. They had been playing together for 3 years, we had 5 lads playing their first season. We knew we were up against it but we should try and look on the positive side.

We welcomed back Johnny Hewitt from injury and he was able to play the full match.
In previous games our players have been accused of lacking heart. That was not evident in this game. In the first half James Antell carried on where he had left off at Moorfield with a great tackling display. Alex Bentley and Jack Forshaw not only play with a ready smile but are also improving with each performance.

At half time it was 22-0 but again the lads tried their best after the break. John Hewitt showed great determination to go over for our only try. The sure foot of Mark Singleton converted the extra points.

James Antell continued to lead the team and gained the 'player of the match' award, while Tom McIntosh was hard on his heels with an outstanding display, achieving the distinction of completing more drives than any other and top tackler by a mile.
Final score: 6-46 Back to top

West Bank Bears U10s 32 - 6 Latchford Albion U10s

Last season we took six players to West Bank in Widnes and had to use opposition players to make up the team. A year on and we were able to travel with a squad of fifteen, four more than we took to their 3-game tournament in August. This is surely a mark of how far we?'ve come.

This was a game in which the players who often find themselves in the shadows of others were able to grab some of the limelight themselves. It's true that John Hewitt scored his customary try, Tom McIntosh carried the ball more than any other and James Antell and Tom Wilson topped the tackle count. But this game showed others emerging as useful team members.

Jordan Tarburton tackled well in the first half and was voted 'unsung hero'. Adam Berry put in another keen display. Tom Daley had a sound first game and Jordan Budgen, returning after his shoulder injury, ran well in the second half.
'Player of the match' went to Mark Singleton who was ever eager to drive the ball upfield, put in the tackles and scored yet another conversion.
Full time score: 6-32 Back to top

Review of 2001

Latchford Albion Under Nines had begun the 2000-2001 season with just six registered players. Paul Whitty had been there since January 2000, John Hewitt had joined the club as an U8 in February, then Carl Evans and Tom Wilson joined the month after, with Steve James as their coach.

By the start of the U9 campaign Tom Southworth and Darryl Cox had registered.
Ironically the first game of 2001 was against West Bank Bears on 7th January. More players had been recruited. Phil Atherton, Jordan Budgen, James Antell and Tom McIntosh but Darryl Cox and Paul Whitty had left.

The team played a total of 24 games that season including the curtain raiser for the semi-final of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup at the McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield. The playing staff had been boosted by the arrival of Adam Yates-Dutton, Sean Martin, Mark Singleton, Jonathan Wykes and Michael Parrington. Johnny Hewitt was the only ever-present and had scored 33 tries. Tom Wilson had missed just one game and was top tackler, averaging over 9 tackles each match.

Coach for the season was Andy Temple who announced his intention to leave. A frantic search was on to find a replacement to build on the foundations now in place. Senior player, Andrew Wood offered to take on the role of head coach but was not available until July. Initially Steve Martin and Shaun Yates-Dutton came offered their services. Shaun brought along his brother-in-law and ex-Warrington Academy player, Antony Cottam and the new team were in place.

Stuart McIntosh had emerged as someone to take over the admin side of things leaving the coaches to do just that, coach. A new kit was bought sponsored by Shaun's business, KOSCO Interiors and the lads had new tracksuits as well. There were tournaments and even an appearance at Wilderspool before the new U10s season got under way in September.

Not everyone wanted to continue to build a team worthy of competing. Michael Parrington, Jon Wykes and Sean Martin left but they were replaced by Jordan Tarburton, Adam Berry, Philip Green, Alex Bentley, Jack Forshaw and Tom Daley.

It's never going to be easy competing against teams who have been together for five years but with wins against Culcheth and Spotland already this season we've shown we're on the right track. Thanks for the memories so far and here's to a bright 2002! Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 36 - 10 Spotland Rangers U10s

What a long time ago it seems since we played a competitive game. In fact it was November 18th when we visited West Bank Bears. It was even longer, October 28th when we entertained Spotland Rangers. On that day we ran out winners 42-0. We would be naïve if we thought they would have not improved by the time we met them again. Improve they had and it took a disciplined team performance to beat them on this occasion.

At first it may have looked like we would get it all our own way as Tom Mc carved a path through the visitors and offloaded to Tom Southworth to score the first try. 'Big Tom' had missed our last four matches through injury and returned with a great all round display. The sure foot of Mark Singleton converted. John Hewitt steamed down the left wing to score a trademark try which he converted. But then we found ourselves on the back foot as Spotland pulled a try back. Tom Mc restored the 12-point lead as he weaved through to go over and then score the extra two points. Spotland pulled back another try but were unable to kick over. Most of their attacks were coming down our left, which meant extra work for debutant Louise Sullivan and the ever dependable Tom Wilson. Further tries from Jordan Budgen, which he converted, and Carl Evans gave us a half-time lead of 28-10.

It was good to see Carl back on the score sheet as it was his first try since the Chorley tournament last July. Carl had an even bigger second half along with the other debutant Thomas Hardman who both took on the majority of the drives. Their work together with the strong defence of Wilson and Phil Atherton meant set Latchford up for a comfortable end to the game. Phil not only tackled hard but also smothered any loose ball. Jack Forshaw memorably caught the ball to regain possession. There was good support play from Jordan Budgen and Jordan Tarburton. Tom Daley, Tom Wilson, Mark Singleton all made ground on their runs. John Hewitt and Adam Yates-Dutton distributed the ball sensibly. Tom McIntosh made a determined burst through several pairs of hands to go over for his second try. Jordan Tarburton was unable to convert. Tom Mc then passed the ball out to Louise deep inside our half. Louise who was playing on the right in the second half sprinted past the Spotland line and showed some of her phenomenal pace to race home for her maiden try. It was arguably the best moment in the match. Sadly she was unable to gain the extra points. Thomas Hardman picked up the player-of-the-match award. Tom Southworth was the unsung hero. Top tackler was Tom Wilson followed by Phil and Louise but overall it was a solid all-round TEAM performance that won the day.
Final score: 36-10 Back to top

Thattoheath Crusaders U10s 42 - 0 Latchford Albion U10s

How embarrassing, to have 21 registered players and only manage to turn out 9 for a game. The opponents were newly-formed and were still to lend us two players to make up the numbers.

As Shakespeare might have said: 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' players in Latchford still abed shall think themselves accursed they were not here and hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks that fought with us at Thattoheath'.

What can we say, we were trounced. Absent, along with the 5 who have quit were: Antell, Evans, Forshaw, Hardman, Southworth, Sullivan and Tarburton.
Present were: Daley and Bentley, still learning the game; Yates-Dutton and Hewitt playing as half-back, the latter still not 100% fit but playing nonetheless.
Budgen ran hard and Wilson had a big tackling second half. Joint unsung heroes in tackling and running were Singleton and Atherton.
Top tackler and the player with the most drives was Tom McIntosh whose attitude and commitment to the cause earned him his first player-of-the match award of the season.
Final score: 0-42 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 36 - 16 Grappenhall Giants U10s

If we thought this local derby was going to be easy we were greatly mistaken. True we took our first set of six down to their try line and Johnny Hewitt went over. The sure foot of Mark singleton put us six points up.True also that a great kick into the score zone allowed Tom Wilson to go over, which Hewitt converted. But then came the fight back. Despite valiant tackling from some unexpected sources such as Jack Forshaw, Jordan Budgen and Jordan Tarburton, the visitors clawed back two tries. Thankfully they missed a kick so we could go in at half-time as leaders, 12-10.

Grappenhall took the lead with another try after the break, but Latchford began to believe in themselves and stepped up a gear. Some lovely play from Hewiit running and offloading to Tom McIntosh who passed it back typified the all-round improvement players have made. A determined run by McIntosh ended with him forcing his way over the line. Budgen converted and we were back in the lead. From there we never looked back. Hewitt ran in his second down the left, Phil Atherton missed the kick. Then player-of-the-match Wilson set off on an incredible weaving run and just wouldn't stop. McIntosh added the two points. Hewitt exploded down the left again to score his hat-trick but Alex Bentley was unable to convert. Another mazy run, this time from unsung hero Budgen, took him within centimetres of the line but he was held up. Hewitt, ever alert went over from half-back for his fourth try of the game. Carl Evans missed his kick but it didn't matter as a solid team performance saw us through to victory. Thank not only to the try scorers but to those who tackled hard. More tackles than in any other game this season. Top among the defence were McIntosh, Wilson, Budgen, Evans, Atherton and Hardman.
Final score: 36-16 Back to top

Shevington Sharks U10's 22 - 50 Latchford Albion U10s

This was our first encounter with the newly-formed Shevington Sharks and we travelled with a squad of 16. Maybe it was over confidence but we seemed a little shocked to see our opponents take the lead with their first set of six. Slack defence enabled their winger to charge down our right and score. We didn't need six tackles as John Hewitt took the first drive and scored. Mark Singleton kept up his 100% kicking record with the conversion. Mark also scored the second try but John was unable to return the complement with the extra two points. The lead switched back and forth but most noticeable was the effort of Adam Yates-Dutton who tackled like his life depended on it. It was considered by some to be the best game he'd ever played for Albion. Three Toms, Southworth, Hardman and McIntosh were also tackling hard. It was Tom Mc who scored next with a determined run. Jordan Budgen failed to convert. John Hewitt went over from acting half back to get his second but Tom Mc also missed his kick. Thomas Hardman dived into the right corner to score his maiden try and James Antell got the extra points.
The Sharks had scored three tries of their own with two conversions so the lead at the break was just 8 points.
Half time score: 24-16

Shevington had only the bare 11 in their squad and tiredness played a part in the second half as Latchford were able to bring on fresh legs. Captain on the day, Tom Wilson got a try from another of his determined 'Rhino Runs'. Unsung Hero Tom Daley whose tackling was a revelation scored with the kick. With two second half tries Hewitt took his total to four for the second game on the trot. Phil Atherton and player-of-the-match Yates-Dutton also scored tries and, with successful kicks by those two players, Latchford stretched their lead to 28 points. Not only had the 10 tries been the most scored by Latchford in any one game but the 112 tackles but their best effort since Folly Lane last year.
Final score: 50-22 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10's 32 - 24 Oldham St Annes U10s

The first game of our squad rotation system saw Atherton, Southworth and Carruthers miss out. It was a warm, sunny day as we invited our opponents from Oldham.
Latchford were made to work hard and it wasn't until more than half way through the first period that John Hewitt went over for the first score. Mark Singleton maintained his 100% record with the kick. Forceful drives from Carl Evans, Thomas Hardman and Tom McIntosh set up Hewiit for his second but he was unable to gain the extra two points. Sadly the lead came at a price as Tom Daley limped off and was not able to take any further part.
Half time score: 10-0

Oldham were not a team to give up and we conceded a try before Hewitt sealed his hat-trick. James Antell converted. Mark Singleton scored for the third consecutive game and Jordan Budgen scored with the kick. Oldham still came back with a try of their own before Antell went over with two defenders hanging off his back. Tom Mc was unable to get the extra points.Oldham scored three more tries to bring the scores close before Hewitt capped his player-of-the-match performance with his fourth try. Captain Adam Yates-Dutton successfully kicked over.Everyone agreed it was a fine team performance but two of the players who deserve special mention were the two top tacklers, Carl Evans and 'unsung hero' Louise Sullivan who worked tirelessly for the cause.
Final score: 32-24 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 18 - 18 Burtonwood Bulldogs U10s

At a recent coaches' meeting 'Woody' said he believed this game would be a barometer, a guide for us to see how far we have come. Our last three games against the Bulldogs were all defeats, 10-36 (18th Aug), 6-34 (27th Aug) and 10-50 (30th Sept).

We took the field with a squad of 15 so everyone had to take their share of bench duty. Even so, most had more than half a game and no-one had less than half, except that is Tom Daley who went off after receiving a knock on the chin, five minutes into the game.
It was stalemate for the first few sets of six, with both sides ensuring a strong defence. Tom Mc as marker was getting through a lot of tackles but it was good to see the others like Louise Sullivan, Carl Evans and Thomas Hardman backing up. Runs were being shared out among the team but equally pleasing was the amount of offloads that brought others into the game. After ten minutes Aaron Carruthers came on for his first game and what an asset he looked with strong running and some big tackles.
Latchford's hard work was repaid when John Hewitt was able to capitalise on the ground gained by others to force over from half-back. Mark Singleton converted as expected.
Burtonwood were not to be outdone and replied to level the scores at the interval.
Half time score: 6-6

The second half took nerve, not only to play but to watch, as it turned out to be just as tight as the first. The Latchford defence held strong and John Hewitt scored again with a forceful run down the left, which James Antell converted. Again Burtonwood pulled level. John got his hat trick and gained the extra two points himself. Yet again Burtonwood forced themselves over to equalise. Time ebbed away as nerves jangled and nails were bitten. Tom McIntosh topped the tackle count even though he, like everyone else had their fair share of bench work. The team's total tackle count was the highest ever this season.
Thomas Hardman's work rate earned him the 'unsung hero' award, but there was no denying that debutant Aaron Carruthers deserved to receive the player of the match award. There was to be no more score but what a fabulous game. A barometer? It's blood pressure we need to measure.
Final score: 18-18 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 20 - 32 Westhoughton Lions U10s

West Houghton specifically asked to play us as a training game to give some of his less used players a game. It was another chance for us to see how far we've come. Our opponents are probably in the top three in our league and we lost 46-6 in November.
Despite a large squad just managed to raise a team. Louise Sullivan was doing athletics, Mark Singleton was winning his football league, Thomas Southworth was on holiday, the Wilson brothers' parents had work commitments and poor Carl Evans had been concussed in midweek. This meant we were reliant on all the remaining players doing their best.

As the game kicked off Latchford drove the ball up and made good yardage. Players like Adam Yates-Dutton, Thomas Hardman and John Hewitt were offloading the ball well and so the 'carry count' at the end of the match showed drives than in any other game. Jordan Tarburton, Tom Hardman and Jack Forshaw had the ball more than before and although the visitors scored 3 converted tries, Latchford replied with Aaron Carruthers' maiden try, which James Antell converted.
Half time score: 6-18

Due to fatigue we invited one of their players to fill in for us as Latchford tried to shuffle its players. Hewitt had an immense game off-loading and running hard. His efforts were rewarded when he forced his way over for a try. Stuart McIntosh mistakenly thought John had already had a kick so next in line, Phil Atherton stepped up but sadly failed. Stuart told John to get another try to put the order straight. Typically John does everything that the coaches ask and duly scored another try. Unfortunately he was unable to convert.
Aaron showed tremendous strength to get his second try. Tom Mc gained the extra two points putting Latchford just eight points behind until West Houghton went over for their third try of the half.
Final score: 20-32
Aaron had topped the tackle count in only his second game. 'Unsung Hero' Jack Forshaw drove the ball more times than before and supported the defence with his tackle. Player-of the-match was Jordan Tarburton, not just for his first half running display but for his all round attitude and commitment to the cause. Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 6 - 56 Blackbrook Royals

Blackbrook Royals are probably the strongest league team at our age. The last time we met was in November 1999 when we were U8s. Tom Southworth is the only survivor from those days and as expected we lost heavily. 'Big Tom' was missing for this game as was Tom Daley and Carl Evans, but in for his debut was Dan Wilson, Tom's brother who has stepped up from the U9s.

As the game got under way we appeared quite sluggish and turned the ball over to our opponents twice on our first two sets of six. Furthermore we were punished on both occasions as several key players missed important tackles. Against such an up hill start we were always going to struggle. Tom McIntosh and Thomas Hardman were trying hard in defence and were joined by John Hewitt. They were joined by the Wilson brothers who came off the bench and immediately tackled hard. Even so the Royals scored three more converted tries.
Half time score: 0-26

Albion played better in the second half, runs were being shared out and players like player-of-the-match Tom Wilson and Jack Forshaw were unexpectedly asked to drive the ball more than usual. Players like James Antell, Phil Atherton, and Aaron Carruthers began to join in the tackling. Despite all this endeavour our visitors were simply too strong and skilful for us to stop them. They rattled in six more tries. 'Unsung Hero' John Hewitt, obviously upset at losing the 'top points score' trophy in the previous match drove towards the line and , after being tackled, picked himself up to drive again forcing his way over for a try. Mark Singleton scored his fifteenth league goal of the season to ensure we weren't 'nilled' at least. Interestingly enough two of the top four tackles were our youngest members, Tom Hardman and Dan Wilson who impressed greatly on his debut.
Final score: 6-56 Back to top

Chorley Panthers U10s 20 - 24 Latchford Albion U10s

Last summer we travelled to Chorley on a warm, sunny day and were greeted with equally warm hospitality. On the strength of that day we have accepted another invitation to this years' Chorley tournament. Oh how different this occasion was. Cold, windy and heavy showers greeted our arrival at the Chisnell playing fields. Although, as the game kicked off we soon warmed up watching John Hewitt force his way over after only a couple of drives up field. Mark Singleton put the extra two points on the board. Johnny went over again soon after and James Antell did the honours with the conversion.
Things seemed to change from this point on. Chorley came back strongly and forced their way down to our line. What seemed like being a stroll in the park altered as Chorley pulled a try back. Some strong tackling from both sides followed, but also the sidelines came alive with the poor ref 'Woody' - on the end of some severe criticism from the home fans. Unusual as it's often us slagging him off! John Hewitt again strode out running along the line and around the Chorley right to complete his hat trick. Fittingly he converted it himself.
Half time score: 18-6

Chorley continued to counter-attack in the second half and the ferocity of their tackles increased at the same time. They were rewarded with another converted try. Latchford replied with a fourth try from Hewitt, which Tom McIntosh was able to convert.
Tom Southworth and Phil Atherton was on the end of some harsh, but not foul, treatment and both had to go off for short spells. This was turning into a full-blown game of Rugby League, which, if played a few months ago would probably have witnessed the Latchford players folding and losing the game. This is a different Latchford side now and the lads dug deep. No-one shirked their responsibilities with Carl Evans probably the pick of the bunch. Despite the hard work Chorley ran in two more tries so it was now four tries each. Fortunately they were unable to convert the last two leaving Latchford the winners by four points. Hewitt, quite rightly, was player of the match, but his tries were scored with the aid of great runs by Antell, Carruthers, McIntosh, Wilson, and Singleton. The remainder of the team fought hard in defence for a great team performance.
Final score: 24-20 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 18 - 24 Folly Lane U10s

Missing for this game were Mark Singleton, Adam Yates-Dutton, James Antell and Tom McIntosh. Ryan Anderson was selected to play his first match. Ryan started on the bench to get him used to what a game was like. Alongside him were Carl Evans and Tom Wilson. Latchford started off slowly and conceded a try on the third drive by Folly Lane. It looked like this was to be a real 'backs to the wall' job as the side from Swinton showed good passing and an ability to run onto the ball. Latchford's defence proved strong and kept the visitors at bay. Pick of the tacklers were Louise Sullivan, Aaron Carruthers, Tom Southworth and Phil Atherton. Changes were necessary as Jack Forshaw and Jordan Budgen picked up injuries. Despite a sterling defensive effort Folly scored a second try. Thankfully they hadn't brought their kicking boots, which kept the scoreline tight.
Half time score: 0-8

Latchford shuffled their pack well, giving everyone chance to regain their breath.
Folly Lane added to their first half score with a converted try but Latchford were playing better than ever and definitely deserved something out of the game. Carl Evans was having a big game both in defence and making yardage with the ball. John Hewitt, who had a quiet first half, now started putting in the tackles. He carried the ball out to the left and was about to offload to Louise Sullivan but gaps opened and he was able to drive down the wing and over for our first score. In the absence of Singleton, Jordan Budgen showed a capable substitute kicker, adding the two points. Hewitt repeated the feat with a second try, which he converted himself. Folly Lane weren't finished though and scored another couple of tries despite the continued efforts of Dan Wilson, Budgen, Evans, Hewitt and player of the match Sullivan. Knocks were picked up by Sullivan and Bentley and with five minutes to go Tom McIntosh stripped off his tracksuit and stepped into the fray. In what turned out to be Latchford's last set of six Tom got the ball for the third run and took on the opposition for a fantastic run ending in his try, which Jack Forshaw converted. Unfortunately time ran out before Latchford could add any more.
Final score: 18-24 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 4 - 38 Woolston Rovers U10s

In September 2001 we acquitted ourselves well against our neighbours, Woolston Rovers. We weren't due to play them again this season but with both of us having a blank weekend a friendly game was hastily arranged. As the game got under way it was clear our opponents were 'up for it' as they ran onto the ball well and moved it along the line with speed. Latchford had to be at their best defending and were for the most part until, it seemed, when the Rovers neared our whitewash. Valient tackling from Sullivan, McIntosh, Carruthers, Tom Wilson and Southworth came to nought as Woolston ran in two tries. The Albion replied with a great punt up field by Singleton that Hewitt pounced on. Then something strange happened, which was as rare as the very Unicorn itself! Mark Singleton failed to convert. So he is human after all.

The second quarter saw the introduction of Jordan Stephenson for his debut along with Atherton and Anderson replacing the injured McIntosh, Dan Wilson and Singleton but Woolston continued to press their advantage.
Half time score: 4-22

Woolston continued where they left off and on a very hot day Latchford were asked to pull back an unassailable lead. On a positive note Budgen and Sullivan worked hard as did Stephenson who was quite rightly voted 'unsung hero' setting himself a high standard on his first outing. Player of the match was top tackler Phil Atherton who worked hard throughout and did all the coaches asked of him.
Final score: 4-38 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10s 14 - 16 Ince Rose Bridge U10s

Last season we played Ince, who were then known as St Williams, at their ground and lost 32-44. Reports had filtered through that they had worked hard on their defence and were now a force to be reckoned with. Illness had caused several players to be absent and so the thirteen-strong squad were going to have to be at their best to compete.
Phil Atherton was captain for the day and led by example being involved in everything. He ran hard as did John Hewitt, Tom McIntosh, Jordan Tarburton and Aaron Carruthers but true enough Ince?s defence held firm. Latchford, too, showed a great rear guard with McIntosh, Tarburton, Carruthers, Atherton and Louise Sullivan keeping the visitors at bay.
It was ten minutes before Latchford broke the deadlock when Atherton's determined run saw him go over for his third try of the season. Hewitt failed to convert.
Despite strong tackling from Jordan Stephenson Ince replied with a try of their own and the missed kick brought the teams level at half time.
Half time score: 4-4

Such valiant efforts in the first half took their toll and Latchford tired in the second half allowing Ince to run in three more tries. Fortunately they'd left their kicking boots at home and so the deficit was just 12 points. Latchford rallied and fine tackling from McIntosh, Tarburton, Jordan Budgen, Sullivan and James Antell ensured Ince were to get no more sight of the whitewash. The Albion launched a counter attack with determined running from Thomas Southworth, Sullivan, Hewitt, Antell and 'unsung hero' Carruthers, which set up Hewitt for his 47th try of the season?not bad in just 22 appearances! Budgen failed to gain the extra two points. Latchford's tails were up and Tom Mc went close on the blind side before Hewitt powered around the flagging Ince defence and selflessly passed to Jordan Tarburton to ground the ball. Jordan's try was well deserved and capped possibly his best ever display for the club. He was quite rightly voted 'player-of-the-match'
Antell converted to bring us within two points of a draw but time had again run out when we were the better side. Still a defeat by just two points was a creditable performance and one the players should be proud of.
Final score: 14-16 Back to top

Amateur Final Curtain Raiser

We all gathered outside the players entrance at Wilderspool. Of course we were the first to assemble, after all we're organised if nothing else. The Rylands coach suggested there wasn't enough room for two pitches to be laid out, fortunately he listened to sense and two pitches were marked out. These pitches were so wide that it was decided we would play 12 aside. Only 4 teams had turned up and with Rylands drawn to play Woolston we took on Burtonwood.

Burtonwood Bulldogs

Stephenson, Sullivan, Anderson and Dan Wilson were asked to sit out the first half of 15 minutes. Sometimes players shrink from the big occasion when others come to the fore. The first period was a tense affair in which Atherton, Tom Wilson, Yates-Dutton and Evans tackled like their lives depended on it, while McIntosh, Hardman, Evans and Atherton took on the bulk of the running. Neither team managed a score but those watching thought Latchford had the upper hand.
Half time score: 0-0

For the second half off went Forshaw, Hardman, Budgen, Southworth and Singleton.
Sullivan and Stephenson went straight into tackling mode joined by McIntosh, Hewitt and Yates-Dutton but the Bulldogs were showing better mobility with their half back running around our marker and bring the wingers into play. They took the lead after stretching us.
Latchford were not to be outdone though and Hewiit ran across to the right passing to Tarburton who ran in a lovely try. Hewitt unfortunately failed with the kick.
This only served to spur on our opponents who scored twice more.
Final score: 4-18

We were to play a second half against late-comers Grappenhall but Rylands asked us over for another game.

Rylands

Some might say we were tired but Rylands had played the same as us. Instead, somewhat disappointing from the coaches view point was the lack of respect when the coaches were trying to talk to them, a general lack of discipline in executing basic instructions and a lack of interest from some of our players in wanting to compete in this game. The tackle count shows in the 20 minute game that 10 out of the 17 players failed to put even one tackle in and two others only managed one each. With so many people watching it was simply not good enough. There's nothing more to be said.
Final score: 0-34 Back to top

Latchford Albion U10's 26 - 44 Leigh Miners Rangers U10s

The Unicorns were already missing six of the squad due to the Whit holidays when they heard the news that promising newcomer, Jordan Stephenson, had been rushed into hospital for an appendectomy. Latchford started brightly with a good set of six resulting in Leigh being forced to hand over the ball when a Leigh player was tackled behind his own line off a high kick. The resulting set of six lead to a John Hewitt try, which he duly converted. Leigh then came back and scored a number of quick tries after some lapse tackling by the Albion defence. The boys then returned to their old habits of bunching in attack and not moving in together in a defensive line. This combined allowed to Leigh to stretch their lead further. Latchford did rally near the end of the half to remain in touch in the game with two converted tries from Hewitt and Aaron Carruthers. Carruthers and James Antell scored the goals.

The second half mirrored the first in that Latchford failed to spread out or move in. Leigh also stepped up the pace and the absence of our normal centre partnership of Wilson and McIntosh left the wings more exposed than usual. Despite being under this pressure Latchford never gave and their persistance was rewarded with two tries from Hewitt and Tom Southworth. John Hewitt's hat-trick try was his fiftieth of the season - not bad in just 24 appearances. Sadly both 'Big Tom' and Mark Singleton missed their kicked.Chief coach, Andrew Wood, suggested that Latchford's performance was slightly affected by the lack of some of the more experienced players and some players suffering from a lack of training over the past couple of weeks. There were good tackling performances by Carruthers, who was Top Tackler, along with 'Unsung Hero' Antell, Hewitt and 'Player of the Match' Evans. Excellent running came from Atherton, Hardman, Budgen, Southworth and Tarburton.
Final score: 26-44 Back to top

More Reports 2001-2