Under 13 2005-06
04/09/2005 v Hindley (home)
11/09/2005 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (away)
25/09/2005 v Crosfields Cobras (away)
02/10/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home)
09/10/2005 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (away)
16/10/2005 v Widnes St Marie's (home)
23/10/2005 v Rylands Sharks (away)
30/10/2005 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (home)
13/11/2005 v Folly Lane (away)
27/11/2005 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (home)
11/12/2005 v Crosfields Cobras (home)
08/01/2006 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (home)
15/01/2006 v Widnes St Marie's (away)
22/01/2006 v Rylands Sharks (home)
05/02/2006 v Hindley (away) NWC Cup & league
12/02/2006 v Folly Lane (home)
19/03/2006 v Chorley Panthers (away)
16/03/2006 v Leyland Warriors (away)
04/09/2005 v Hindley (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 6Hindley U13 - 24
Lightweight Latchford were outsized and outplayed in the first half by their skilful well-drilled opponents and trailed 20-0 at the break despite the heroic efforts of top tacklers Phil Woollacott and Tom Arnold. With four regular pack members unavailable 12 man Latchford suffered an early setback with the loss of debutant Sam Coyle after 10 minutes
following a bump on the head.
A determined second half effort salvaged some pride for Latchford and, but for some first class scrambling defence by the visitors, the score could have been a lot closer. Latchford scored 5 minutes after the break when Matt Reid stormed onto a well timed pass from Tom Hardman and raced seventy metres to score. George Briggs added the extras. Coyle bravely returned to the fray and Latchford's expansive approach continued to
stretch their opponents with Reid being pulled down inches short on two further occasions.
With the heavy brigade due back off holiday this week Latchford know there is plenty of work to do with the old saying ringing in their ears 'Defence wins matches' Back to top
11/09/2005 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (away)
Halton Farnworth Hornets U13 - 20Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 12
This was an end-to-end game that was in the balance until closing minutes. Latchford stepped up on the previous week's effort against well-drilled opponents and, despite conceding an early try, dominated the first half proceedings with solid defence led by Lloyd Feather, Jack Phillips and James Brazendale. With Tom Hardman, Gareth Cox, Tom Green and Fraser Jones-Lake making good yards, halves George Briggs and Alex Pendlebury exploited the space and two flowing passing moves set up tries for Matt Reid
and Phil Woollacott out wide. Half time 8-4.
Latchford extended their lead shortly after the break when Jones-Lake crashed over and Briggs narrowly missed the conversion. The remaining 20 minutes proved extremely frustrating for Latchford as they were starved of possession due to a combination of excellent play by the hosts and a number of 50/50 calls not going their way. Hornets pulled one try back from a clever kick, however the game-breaking play came with the hosts intercepting in their own 10 metre zone. Reid pulled off a fantastic saving tackle following an exciting 90 metre foot race however Latchford were unable to scramble and fell 16-12 behind. A last minute try concluded the scoring however Latchford need not feel too down as the whole team showed excellent commitment throughout and newcomers Mike Hesketh, Sam Coyle and Chris Lake came through only their second game with
flying colours. Back to top
25/09/2005 v Crosfields Cobras (away)
Crosfields Cobras U13 -16Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 18
Latchford were back into the fray with a game against local rivals Crosfields after an enforced week-long lay off when the game with Leyland was postponed due to fixture congestion. It was worth the wait as Latchford secured their first ever league points in an exciting derby match that was played in a fine spirit and was credit to all 32 players
that took part.
Latchford flew out of blocks and scored on their very first set when quick hands put James Brazendale through a gap and he raced 50 metres to score. George Briggs gained an excellent conversion. Receiving the ball from the kick-off Latchford forwards Gareth Cox and Tom Green gained good yards, and then Briggs and Alex Pendlebury combined to put Matt Reid into space. The centre then went on a weaving 60 metre dash fending off several would be tackles to score under the posts. Briggs converted. Latchford continued to play expansively however a loose pass was intercepted for the hosts to post a converted try. Shortly afterwards Briggs slotted a penalty from in front of the posts which was ultimately to prove decisive in the final count up. Half time 14-6.
Crosfields upped their game after the break but Latchford's defence held tight. With only one substitute Latchford began to tire and made a number of errors. Following a series of penalties ?The Soap? closed the gap as they crashed through some sloppy defence. To their credit Latchford rallied and following an exciting passage of play Jack Phillips
off-loaded to Reid who out paced the cover to score in the corner. Briggs was unsuccessful from wide out. The home side then threw the kitchen sink at Latchford who stood firm until the last play of the game when former Unicorn Ryan Ellis scored a hotly disputed try in the corner. To Latchford's relief the conversion was unsuccessful and the points were secured.
The most pleasing aspect of this match was Latchford's resilience. In defence Phil Woollacott, Lloyd Feather, Gareth Cox, Tom Hardman, Alex Pendlebury, Jack Phillips, George Briggs and Fraser Jones-Lake put in a huge effort whilst Tom Green put in an excellent all round display. Chris Lake, Greg Ryder and Sam Coyle continue to make pleasing progress whilst Matt Reid and James Brazendale are providing a potent cutting edge in attack. Back to top
02/10/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 22Leigh Miners Rangers U13 - 4
Latchford reaped the rewards of their hard work on the training ground with a controlled all round display. The whole pack was in fine form, led by the rampaging Tom Green, Gareth Cox, Tom Hardman, Jack Phillips and Fraser Jones-Lake.
Leigh started brightly forcing Latchford into their 10 metre zone, however strong driving cleared the lines and allowed George Briggs and Phillips to combine to release Matt Reid who stormed over from half way. Briggs converted from in front. Latchford's defensive line was enthusiastic and forced numerous errors from their opponents. Following a resulting scrum loose forward Hardman exploited some slack marking and raced seventy metres to score a superb try. Briggs added the extras. To their credit Miners played some fine Rugby and managed to sneak over in the corner after Latchford conceded their only penalty of the half. HT 12-4.
The Unicorns kept up the pressure after the break however only a magnificent cover tackle from the impressive Phil Woollacott maintained the home sides advantage. With Alex Pendlebury, Lloyd Feather and Briggs organizing the go-forward it was only a matter of time before Latchford added to their tally and following some Leigh indiscipline Hardman took a tap and charged over for his second try from 10 metres. Briggs kicked a
fine conversion. Latchford continued to press with Mike Hesketh making some eye-catching runs and completed the scoring when Woollacott crashed over in the corner after quick hands exploited the space created by yet another blockbusting run from Green.
This performance was a huge step-forward for the whole squad as each player played a full part in ensuring that the workload was shared equally. They can all take great satisfaction from a good weeks work. Back to top
09/10/2005 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (away)
Wigan St Cuthberts U13 - 10Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16
Latchford secured the two points with a workmanlike display against lively opponents. The Unicorns dominated the early exchanges and took a six-point lead when George Briggs and Gareth Cox combined to send Matt Reid storming over from half way. Briggs added the extras. Strong driving from Tom Green, Fraser Jones-Lake, Tom Hardman and Cox kept Wigan on the backfoot, which enabled Briggs to dive over from close range and extend the lead to 10-0. Latchford then preceded to create a number of chances but failed
to execute the final play. Just before half time the hosts scored a breakaway try. HT 10-6.
The second half was error ridden with Latchford?s only bright spot being a converted try from Briggs who sidestepped his way through to score near the posts. St Cuthberts reduced the deficit to 6 points from a clever kick however the Latchford defence stood strong. Latchford almost paid the price for not taking their chances but their willingness to work for each other in defence saw them through in the end.
Special thanks are due from both teams to referee Gary Wagstaff who stepped in at the last minute having come to the game as an interested spectator! Back to top
16/10/2005 v Widnes St Marie's (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 28Widnes St Maries U13 - 6
The Unicorns helped assistant coach Nick Owen celebrate his 21st birthday with a resounding victory against previously undefeated opponents.
Latchford prepared well for this contest and showed tremendous skill and discipline for the full 50 minutes. Underpinned by enthusiastic defence, the home side dominated proceedings from the off with forwards Gareth Cox, Tom Green and Fraser Jones-Lake keeping the visitors on the back foot with some punishing drives. Halfbacks Alex Pendlebury and George Briggs revelled in the space and kept St Maries at full stretch throughout.
Latchford scored first following a swift handling move that saw Jack Phillips send Matt Reid over in the corner. A second try soon followed when Green crashed over close to the posts. Briggs added the extras. Widnes rallied and Latchford had a stroke of luck when their centre dropped the ball over the try line. However, just before half time Tom Hardman was rewarded for some classic loose forward play by powering over in the
corner from the base of the scrum. HT 14-0.
Latchford continued to press after the break with debutant Adam Rathbone and the other first season players Mike Hesketh and Chris Lake leading the way with some impressive drives. The lead was extended to 18 when Reid received a basketball pass from Briggs 40 metres out and stepped through the defence on a mazy run. Briggs unluckily hit the cross bar from wide out. St Maries the reduced the arrears following some sloppy play by Latchford but Hardman added a fifth try on the next set after Phillips had gone close. The Unicorns rounded off the scoring when Sam Coyle cheekily intercepted 40 metres out and scooted away to score beneath the posts. Briggs converted.
This performance confirms Latchford?s ongoing progression with the most pleasing aspect the willingness of the players to share the workload and support each other. Back to top
23/10/2005 v Rylands Sharks (away)
Rylands Sharks U13 - 6Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 6
Both sides received a standing ovation at the end of this rip-roaring derby match in which both sides tackled each other to a standstill.
Latchford went into the game with just fourteen players available and suffered a blow when prop Gareth Cox failed a fitness test during the warm up. This enabled newcomer Adam Rathbone to make his full debut. The game flowed from end to end with committed defence from both teams limiting the opportunities. Rylands broke the deadlock just before half time when a clever kick saw Roberts sprint over between the posts. HT 0-6.
The Unicorns rallied in the second half with Lloyd Feather and George Briggs dictating play behind some excellent go-forward from Fraser Jones-Lake, Mike Hesketh, James Brazendale and Matthew Reid. Latchford equalized with 10 minutes left when Tom Hardman scooted over from the base of the scrum following a period of sustained pressure. Briggs converted. In a frantic last ten minutes the Unicorns almost snatched the spoils but the ball was knocked forward out wide with the line open.
This game was a credit to all who took part with a draw ensuring both sides were rewarded with a hard earned point. For Latchford it is particularly pleasing to see Greg Ryder, Mike Hesketh, Chris Lake and Adam Rathbone continuing to make rapid progress. Back to top
30/10/2005 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16Thatto Heath Crusaders U 13 - 12
Thatto Heath had started this season in the top division but after a run of defeats they asked to be moved into Latchford's league and help fill this blank fixture. Their first outing a week earlier saw the Crusaders win 44-12 at Leyland, so this game was always going to be an interesting contest. This match was originally an away tie but the weather put paid to that and so the venue was switched. As it was the game started in driving autumn rain and finished in hot summer sunshine such was the amount of stoppage time added by the referee.
For the second week in a row the Unicorns went in with just the bare thirteen. However, each and everyone came out with enormous credit following a mistake ridden game that turned into a real arm wrestle. Latchford were quick off the mark when George Briggs pinpointed Matt Reid with an excellent pass and the loose forward powered over from 70
metres to score beneath the posts. Briggs added the extras. Latchford continued to press with Fraser Jones-Lake, Tom Green and the rapidly improving Greg Ryder making good yards. In defence debutant Jonathan Rigby, Jack Phillips, Lloyd Feather, Tom Arnold, James Brazendale, Sam Coyle, Alex Pendlebury and Chris Lake ensured the visitors had no room and it was against the run of play when Thatto were awarded a dubious try on the stroke of half time after the attacker had seemed held up for an age. HT 6-6
In the second half Latchford showed that their kick and chase game is starting to come together when following a poor initial four tackles, Pendlebury hunted down Briggs kick and enabled the excellent Rigby to pick up the loose ball and race over from half way. Briggs goaled from in front. The home side began to tire and the visitors' winger capitalized on some shoddy marking to level the scores. Unruffled, Latchford roared back and an excellent cross kick from Pendlebury saw Rigby grab his second try in the corner. The remaining period saw thirteen Unicorns out on their feet but refusing to budge with some heroic scrambling defence as Thatto set up wave after wave of attack.
This was not Latchford's most polished display but for sheer guts and gritty commitment this ranks as one of this teams finest with Jonathan Rigby deserving of special mention playing in the older age group for the first time and a number of others revealing gears that had not previously been seen. Back to top
13/11/2005 v Folly Lane (away)
Folly Lane U13s - 6Latchford U13s - 30
The home game with Chorley Panthers was cancelled due to a flooded pitch and so, a week later, Latchford returned from Swinton with the points but with a final score
line that flatters to deceive.
After their week off the Unicorns started lethargically, unlike their opponents who used their big forwards to good effect. It was no surprise when Folly took the lead after three minutes with a converted try following good pressure. Latchford continued to struggle
and only last ditch tackles from Tom Hardman, James Brazendale and Chris Lake prevented further tries. Latchford began to claw their way back and got themselves level when a classic piece of centre play from Tom Arnold released Lake to dive in at the corner for his first ever try. George Briggs kicked a magnificent conversion from the touchline. The hosts continued to push Latchford back however they were repelled by some excellent scrambling defence in which Fraser Jones-Lake, Tom Green, Phil Woollacott, Lloyd Feather, Alex Pendlebury and Jack Phillips were working overtime. The decisive point in this match came just before half-time when against the run of play the impressive Hardman ran 70 metres from the base of the scrum leaving everyone in his wake. Briggs converted. From the resulting restart the short kick off was fielded by Matt
Reid who powered his way through a ragged chase to score by the posts. Briggs added the extras. HT 6-18.
The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first with the home side enjoying huge territorial advantage but running into increasingly stubborn Latchford defence whose spirit was unrelenting and typified by Sam Coyle and Tom Arnold putting players twice their size on their backs. A try saving dive by huge prop Greg Ryder when Folly looked certain to score was another memorable moment in an amazing rearguard action. With 10 minutes to go, Latchford began to breathe a little easier following a spell in which they survived 24 tackles within their own 10 metre zone. Hardman once again was unstoppable as he powered past three or four would be tacklers to run 70 metres to score by the posts. Briggs slotted over the conversion. Latchford welcomed back Adam Rathbone from illness for the final eight minutes and following an impressive forward
drive the visitors finally completed the scoring when Briggs pinpointed Hardman at pace for the loose forward to complete his hat-trick. Briggs rounded off a flawless kicking display with his fifth conversion. A satisfactory day's work from the Unicorns against opponents who will surely play much worse than this and win! Back to top
27/11/2005 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13s 4Halton Farnworth Hornets U 13s 30
Latchfords inability to control their own possession cost them dearly against a powerful Halton side who did the basics efficiently and ultimately earned a well deserved victory. Latchford created a number of opportunities in the first half but took some poor options late in the tackle count to let their opponents off the hook.
Poor ball retention meant that the defence was working overtime however the wet and windy conditions meant that the home side were always going to struggle to peg back a 16-0 half time deficit. The Unicorns battled till the end with the one bright spot being Tom Greens blockbusting try as he broke through six or seven challenges to score in the corner. A bad day at the office for Latchford with the only consolation being that they managed to beat the Australians try count in the Tri-Nations final! Back to top
11/12/2005 v Crosfields Cobras (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13s - 12Crosfields Cobras U13s - 12
For the second time this season both sides tackled each other to a standstill in yet another nail biting local derby. Illness and injury reduced Latchford to just 14 able bodies who put in a Jekyl and Hyde performance, that saw some fine passages of play undermined by sloppy defence and poor ball retention.
Latchford took the lead when an excellent kick from George Briggs was supported by an enthusiastic chase and resulted in Alex Pendlebury capitalizing on a defensive error. Briggs converted. Latchford then preceded to waste a number of gilt-edged opportunities, although to their credit the visitors scrambling defence was of the highest order. Just before the break Crosfields levelled the scores with a try under the posts after a period of pressure.
The second half saw Latchford pinned back for long periods as they continued to hand the initiative to their opponents and it was no surprise when Crosfields took the lead when Brown powered over. Latchford almost equalized when the impressive Jonathan Rigbys try was ruled out for a forward pass but it wasnt until the final minute that the Unicorns snatched a draw when Mike Hesketh offloaded to fellow rookie Adam Rathbone
who crashed over wide out for his first ever try. George Briggs reaped the rewards for hours of practice by kicking a glorious conversion to ensure both sides took home a hard earned point.
Although far from their best, Latchfords never say die attitude was epitomized by the tireless Tom Green, Lloyd Feather, Phil Woollacott and the partially fit Gareth Cox whilst centres Mike Hesketh and Jonathon Rigby were always dangerous. Back to top
08/01/2006 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 32Wigan St Cuthbert's U13 - 0
Latchford welcomed back a number of players from injury and illness and ran out worthy victors with a performance full of good teamwork and enthusiastic defence. The visitors knew they were in a game from the off when Fraser Jones-Lake put in the first of a series of bone-crunching tackles and set the tone for a solid defensive display from the whole team. Latchford scored on their first set when Tom Hardman powered over after quick hands exploited some excellent go forward from Tom Green, Adam
Rathbone and Matt Reid. George Briggs added the extras. Latchford continued to press with Jonathon Rigby and Lloyd Feather proving to be a constant threat and it was no surprise when Hardman grabbed a second try barging over from close to the line. Ironically the second rower suffered a knock to the ankle and was replaced by Andrew Unsworth who made a welcome return to action for the first time since breaking his ankle in July 2005. Latchford added a further try before half time when the industrious Feather dived over from close in. Briggs goaled. HT 16-0.
The home side continued to dominate and rookie Rathbone scored his second try in two games, blasting over from a tap 15 metres out after Phil Woollacott's quick thinking had caught the Wigan defence offside. Latchford then added the try of the match when Alex Pendlebury and Tom Arnold combined at the scrum base to put Briggs into space. Briggs pinpoint pass was met by Reid who drew the defence and released James Brazendale to storm over from 60 metres. Two further tries for the hardworking Rigby and Mike Hesketh's first ever try for the team rounded off a very satisfactory mornings work in which all seventeen players made telling contributions. Back to top
15/01/2006 v Widnes St Marie's (away)
Widnes St Maries U13 - 44Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 0
This was always going to be a tough match for Latchford as they visited the league leaders who were still smarting from their only defeat of the season at Victoria Park in October.
Ravaged by illness and injury the Unicorns were only able to muster twelve able bodies who were given a torrid time by a team worthy of their current league position. Latchford were woeful in attack, continually turning over possession early in the tackle count and as a result the defence was constantly on the retreat despite the efforts of the hardworking Lloyd Feather, Alex Pendlebury, Phil Woolacott and Tom Hardman Back to top
22/01/2006 v Rylands Sharks (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 8Rylands Sharks U13 - 6
Although Latchford brought their local rivals impressive winning run of five games to an end, the real winner in this bruising encounter was the game of Rugby League. For the second time this season both sides tackled each other to a standstill, as many school friendships were set aside for yet another 50 minutes of full on derby action. Latchford welcomed back the sick and the lame that had missed the previous weeks mauling in Widnes and all sixteen produced an excellent defensive display in the face of equally enthusiastic opponents.
Rylands had the best of the opening exchanges, however strong defending lead by Jon Rigby, Gareth Cox, Lloyd Feather, Tom Green and Fraser Jones-Lake coupled with an amazing Tom Hardman recovery tackle when Lawlor intercepted ensured the Unicorns line remained in tact. Latchford opened the scoring after fifteen minutes when Matt Reid powered onto a pass on the left and was dragged down 30 metres out. Hardman continued the momentum as the ball moved to the right where George Briggs found Andy
Unsworth who delayed his pass perfectly allowing Mike Hesketh to crash over in the corner. The rest of the half saw the Sharks pounding the Latchford defence which held players up over the line on at least two occasions. HT 4-0
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with defences on very much on top. With twelve minutes to go Rylands grabbed the lead when Capper capitalised on a stray Latchford pass on their own 20 metre line and he kicked on to score beneath the uprights. Trailing 6-4 the Unicorns bounced back with determination epitomised by the non stop efforts of the excellent Alex Pendlebury and some strong James Brazendale tackling. Powerful forward driving by Cox, Green, Reid, Unsworth and Hardman began to put pressure on the visitors and with four minutes left, Jack Phillips, having his best game to date, powered over from 10 metres for his first try for the team. The remaining minutes saw the Latchford defence survive some frantic attacking but they held their nerve to close out an absorbing game played in a fine spirit. Back to top
05/02/2006 v Hindley (away) NWC Cup & league
Hindley U13 - 32 v 0Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 0
Latchford crashed out of the North West Counties cup to first division high flyers Hindley
with a poor performance. The game also doubled up as one of the remaining league matches so it was a double blow. The Unicorns week started badly with a training injury to skipper George Briggs, which meant he missed his first game in two years. Along with Phil Woollacott's continued absence Latchford went into the game short of backs, a situation compounded with the loss of Matt Reid with a knee injury after ten minutes.
Latchford started brightly with Fraser Jones-Lake making some powerful runs, however their inability to close down the home teams mercurial scrum half Kieron Whittle was to prove costly on a number of occasions. Latchford fell behind to an unconverted try after 5 minutes and then fell 10 points behind after being on the end of a number of bizarre
refereeing decisions, one of which was being given offside whilst the ball player was still on the floor! Latchford bounced back with Andy Unsworth diving over in the corner, but the try was ruled out after the intervention of the Hindley coach as the touch judges flag remained firmly by his side. This was effectively the key point in the game as the
following scrum saw Hindley exploit some shoddy tackling and go into the interval leading 16-0.
The last 25 minutes was thoroughly forgettable for Latchford as they were outplayed in all facets of the game by a very competent outfit, the visitors seemingly demoralised by the perceived injustices dished out by the match official. Back to top
12/02/2006 v Folly Lane (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 28Folly Lane U13 - 0
The memory of the previous week's cup exit was laid firmly to rest as Latchford put together a pleasing display of enthusiastic defence and excellent ball control in atrocious conditions. Latchford's starting line up had an unusual look to it with six of the regular back line on the sidelines. On the positive side they were able to give debuts to new signings Louis Houghton, Eddie Krawiecki and Damon Rauhihi, with all three putting in eye catching performances.
The Unicorns started well with the forwards putting Folly Lane on the back foot. Skipper Gareth Cox lead superbly from the front with Tom Green, Fraser Jones-Lake, Greg Ryder and Tom Hardman all powering forward whilst half backs Alex Pendlebury and Andy Unsworth along with hooker Lloyd Feather kept things organised and ensured the momentum was maintained. It was no surprise when the hosts took the lead when Hardman dived over, having been held up over the line only seconds earlier by some
superb scrambling defence by the visiting full back. Unsworth converted. Latchford continued to pile forward with Adam Rathbone joining the fray along with Krawiecki. The home side then started to expand the play with Mike Hesketh and Houghton looking dangerous on the right and Jack Phillips and Rauhihi on the left. Just before half time they extended their lead when quick hands found Green who dived in at the corner. HT
10-0.
The visitors came out fired up for the second half with Rainford and Drazcowski constantly testing the defence and only a fine last ditch tackle from full back James Brazendale ensured the Latchford line stayed in tact. The Unicorns however remained disciplined, completing their sets and forcing errors by enthusiastically chasing some down excellent Unsworth kicks. As they tired the Folly defence was struggling to hold the
powerful surges of Krawiecki playing his first game of rugby league. Hardman was first to cash in with his second try which was quickly followed by further scores from Rauhihi, Pendlebury and Jones-Lake all of which were the product of some excellent off-loading and support work. Unsworth added one further conversion. FT 28-0
Latchford will gain a lot of confidence from this performance with the most satisfying aspect being the players having the discipline to respect the conditions and adapt accordingly Back to top
19/03/2006 v Chorley Panthers (away)
Chorley Panthers U13 - 32Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 12
This was a very disappointing performance from the Unicorns, who after five weeks without a game, came up short in all departments, with promotion-seeking Chorley exploiting some very lazy defence throughout and claimed the full four points on offer.
Latchford suffered early set backs with Gareth Cox failing a fitness test on a heel injury and Andrew Unsworth straining a calf muscle in the warm up. This was compounded after 5 minutes with George Briggs leaving the field after a blow to the head. The hosts started brightly and scored on their first set however Latchford bounced back and strong driving from Damon Rauhihi and Tom Hardman saw the latter dive in for a try. Lloyd Feather converted. Further pressure from Latchford was then halted by an interception by the excellent Josh Jones who went the length of the field to score despite a valiant chase from Jon Rigby. Two further tries followed as poor tackling allowed Chorley to lead 18-6 at half time.
The second half started well for Latchford as the Chorley restart went straight into touch. From the tap Rauhihi took the ball at full tilt and powered over from half way with a blockbusting run. Feather added the extras and for a spell Latchford started to look the part however losing the ball twice on the first tackle within 10 metres of the Chorley
line proved decisive and let the home side off the hook. A poor last 7 minutes saw the Panthers stretch away with three further tries. Back to top
16/03/2006 v Leyland Warriors (away)
Leyland Warriors U13s - 38Latchford Albion Unicorns U13s - 20
A second consecutive trip up north and another 'four-pointer'. It perhaps would have been fairer for Latchford to have been given home advantage in just one of the three doubled-up games this season, especially as the last remaining fixture is also away at Leigh Miners Rangers. However, that was no excuse for another woeful defensive performance from Latchford whose deficiencies were fully exposed by the powerful running Leyland forwards.
Latchford made too many basic errors when in possession but did manage to score tries through Matt Reid (three) and Eddie Krawiecki. George Briggs kicked two conversions Back to top
Leigh Miners Rangers U13s - 14
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13s - 18
Latchford wound up their league campaign with a hard fought victory, however the real winner was the game of Junior Rugby League as thirty muddy heroes put on as good a match as you could wish to see. Latchford welcomed back the inspirational Gareth Cox from injury and started well, putting pressure on the home side with Eddie Krawiecki, Tom Green, Damon Rauhihi, Tom Hardman and Cox all making good metres, however poor decision-making and enthusiastic defence kept the Miners line in tact. The Unicorns were left to rue the missed chances when the host prop barged over in the corner. Despite the gluey conditions the game flowed from end to end and just before half time Latchford equalised when Jack Phillips crashed over following an exciting passage of handling. HT 4-4
Leigh started the second half in determined fashion and took a 10-4 lead following a prolonged period of pressure. This set back seemed to spark the Unicorns into action and at this point halves Alex Pendlebury, George Briggs and hooker Lloyd Feather began to control the Latchford go-forward. Strong driving by the forwards saw the impressive Jon Rigby go close and quickly after Cox dived in for his first ever try for the team. Latchford began to click and an excellent pass from Briggs released Hardman who powered over from half way. Briggs added the extras and secured a 14-10 lead. The game breaking score came shortly afterwards when following a scrum Rauhihi needed four defenders to stop his progress. Feather exploited the space from acting half and with superb timing put Hardman in for his second try. To their credit the home side refused to lie down and completed the scoring with a flowing handling move with the last play of the game. Back to top