Widnes Moorfield U14 - 26
Latchford Albion Unicorn U14 - 26

Confusion had reigned a couple of days before and at one point it looked like Latchford wouldn't have a fixture on this day. Saddleworth of the 1st Division asked to come down to the 2nd Division, which made it a little bulky. The Unicorns' coach asked the league if they could take Saddleworth's place and it was granted. Unfortunately, that meant that Latchford's new fixture was with Burtonwood who couldn't fulfil it. Similarly Saddleworth couldn't entertain Moorfield. The original fixture was resurected as a friendly and so a bare thirteen Unicorns travelled to Widnes for what proved to be a tough encounter to start the 2005-06 season.

Latchford kicked off and both teams fulfilled a couple of sets of six each when the visitors stepped up the pressure. The combination of O'Donnell, McIntosh and Yates-Dutton conspired to force a goal line drop out. The ball was run back to the Widnes try line by Hewitt. The next play saw him join in again and pass along the line to Stephenson who threw out to Stanger who passed to Reardon on the overlap and Latchford were in front. Hewitt converted. Hewitt strained his leg at this point and moved from full back to centre. A knock on under the sticks allowed Moorfield undeserved territorial advantage which they used to pull back a try. Widnes were spurred on by their success and the game took on a more even look. A scrum to the home side was won by Latchford as the outstanding Beswick came away with the ball. Joe Beswick went on to put in his best-ever display in a Latchford shirt. Curran went on a rampaging run, brushing off several would-be tacklers and touched. The conversion atempt failed but the Unicorns took a 10-4 lead into the interval.

Moorfield took adavantage of some sloppy defending when they won a kick and chase deep in the Latchford half. Hewitt put in a last ditch tackle to stop the try but was adjudged to have had a second flop. The defence was still disorganised and Widnes scored from the tap penalty. A deep kick into Latchford territory and a good chase forced the defender into touch. The resultant pressure saw Moorfield take the lead with a converted try under the sticks. Latchford replied when top-tacklers Yates-Dutton and Litherland combined to pressurise the Moorfield player into a forward pass. Reardon was released and showed a great turn of speed to burst through the defensive line and on to score his second try of the day. The missing goal kick meant the scores were now level, 14-14. Moorfield again drove the ball into touch and from the resultant scrum were able to work the ball out to the Latchford left for another try. A good kick out wide restored a six point lead for the home side. They extended this with another converted try under the posts and with time ticking away Latchford looked to have a mountain to climb to pull back 12 points. Great courage was being shown by the entire team, typified by Jamen Smith who played with a back injury and then sustained a bang on the face. He played on but at the final whistle went to hospital with a suspected broken nose. Hewitt, playing through the pain of his leg, had moved to loose forward and forced his way over under the sticks for Stephenson to convert. Two minutes were left. The ball was kicked deep and Hewitt ran it back. More good runs took the ball into the opposition ten metres but they were awarded a scrum. For the third time in the game Latchford won against the head, this time Reardon coming up with the ball. Curran was given the ball and did a fair impression of a Rhino as he powered over near the posts. Stephenson converted the pressure kick and the scores were all level. The next three drives still left Latchford a good thirty yards out when Darryl Smith attempted an audacious drop goal, which failed and proved to be the last move of the game.

Team: -
1. Hewitt
2. Jones, 3. J. Smith, 4. McIntosh, 5. O'Donnell
6. Stephenson, 7. Litherland
8. Beswick, 9. Yates-Dutton, 10. D. Smith
11. Curran, 12. Stanger
13. Reardon Back to top

11/09/2005 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 14
Oldham St Annes U14 - 16

Having gone into the previous game with a bare thriteen players Latchford had hoped to welcome back several players to bolster the team sheet. This didn't materialise and the one player who did show dedication to the cause was not included by the coaches after learning that he had been knocked the previous day before playing school rugby union. It was confirmed that Jamen Smith had broken his nose at Widnes so he was unavailable but winger Steven Smith made his season bow. With captain John Hewitt suffering a thigh strain positions were shuffled around. It was not ideal that a bare thirteen should take on an Oldham side who had run in 76 points against them last season.

Latchford applied pressure straight from the kick off and won the ball back only for them to relinquish it quite cheaply. Oldham took a set of six to the kicking phase and a high shallow kick was met by their speedy left wing who burst through the defence to score. The conversion attempted failed. Latchford found themselves back under pressure but Steven Smith gathered a loose ball on his own 20m line and raced passed all oncomers to run in his first try of the season. Jordan Stephenson added the extras to give the Unicorns the lead. That lead was extended when Stephenson kicked a penalty awarded for 'mouthing off'. At half time the scores stood at 8-4 but Pat Reardon had to leave the field with a twisted knee and was unable to take any further part in the game.

It was Latchford's turn to knock on from the kick off, giving Oldham a great chance under the Albion posts from which they ultimately capitalised with a converted try to re-take the lead. The penalty count began to mount giving a stop-start feel to the game but Latchford began to exert some real pressure and penned St Annes back into their own half. After forcing goal-line drop out Adam Yates-Dutton forced his way over the try line but was adjudged to have been held up. Latchford returned once more to the breach but paid a heavy price as Jos Stanger limped off with a leg injury making it eleven players against thirteen for the rest of the game. Even so a swift passing move saw the ball flow from Hewitt to Tom McIntosh, out to Danny Jones and back to Hewitt who forced his way over. It was no more than the captain deserved as he topped the tackle count with athird more completed tackles than his nearest rival. Stephenson added the goal and Latchford were back in the lead by four. With five minutes to go Oldham burst into the Latchford half, the defence scambled to get back and were still facing their own goal when McIntosh at marker made a tackle at the quick play-the-ball. The whistle blew for offside and the numerical advantage was exploited by the visitors who scored a converted try to take the lead by 2 points. Oldham rallied again but a fabulous try-saving tackle by Hewitt gave Latchford hope of getting something from the game. That was not to be despite all their endeavour.

Team: -
1. Reardon
2. Jones, 3. McIntosh, 4. O'Donnell, 5. S. Smith
6. Hewitt, 7. Litherland
8. Beswick, 9. Yates-Dutton, 10. D. Smith
11. Curran, 12. Stanger
13. Stephenson Back to top

18/09/2005 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panthers U14 - 17
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 10

Pat Reardon hadn't recovered from the knock he received in the previous game and Steven Smith was unwell but making their first appearances of the season were Phil Atherton, Adam Coley and Carl Evans, so Latchford travelled to Chorley with the luxury of two substitutes.

The Albion kicked off and applied pressure straight away forcing the opposition to knock on in their first set. Sadly, the visitors also spilled the ball without completing their own set and two tackles later went behind as Chorley took advantage of a couple of missed tackles to race through and score. Latchford came back and were given additional territorial gains as the home side were penalised for leading with the elbow and a couple of knock ons. Jamen Smith, in his first game back, took a bang on his damaged nose and was replaced by Darryl Smith. Lewis Litherland passed to Jordan Stephenson, his inside ball was met by John Hewitt at full pelt. He sliced through the defence like a knife through butter to maintain his 100% scoring rate this term. Jordan Stephenson kicked the goal and took Latchford into the lead, 6-4. Chorley were helped by some uncharacteristic sloppy player from the Unicorns who ultimately gifted the Panthers with an unexpected interception try, which they converted to make the score at half time 10-6 in their favour.

Despite some outstanding play Latchford were their own worst enemies as they kicked a ball down the defender's throat and then failed to tackle him as he ran it straight back to score under the posts. After that it was all Latchford as they amassed their highest ever tackle count to shut out the opposition. Leaders in defence were Adam Yates-Dutton, Carl Evans, John Hewitt, Darryl Smith and Joe Beswick. The Unicorns began to apply pressure of their own and a well-struck Hewitt kick across the in-goal area was pounced on by Carl Evans for a try. The conversion attempt failed, but the scores were now just one converted-try apart and Latchford were in the ascendancy. Just before the end, as legs naturally tired, Chorley found themselves back in front of Latchford's posts and dropped a goal to put the game out of reach. Despite suffering another defeat this was a commendable performance by each and all in the claret and gold shirt.

Team: -
1. Carl Evans
2. Danny Jones, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Tom McIntosh, 5. Phil O'Donnell
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Matthew Curran
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Phil Atherton
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Darryl Smith, 15. Adam Coley Back to top

25/09/2005 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 12
Mayfield Mustangs U14 - 42

Latchford always knew this was going to be a tough encounter against a powerfully-built Mayfield side who had already won all three of their opening games of the season. Despite boasting a large squad on paper, the Unicorns still only managed to muster 14 players including Johnny Hewitt nursing a thigh strain and Jamen Smith recovering from a broken nose.

Latchford kicked and forced a knowck on on the third tackle to gain possession. Sadly, a knock on at the play-the-ball gave up the ball cheaply and the Albion found themselves on the back foot. Carl Evans supported by Jamen Smith put in a try saving tackle on the Latchford right but pressure mounted. Forced to drop out from under their stcks Latchford soon conceeded the opening try of the game. Another knock on and the a penalty for offside ensured the pressure mounted and the side from Rochdale exploited a three-man overlap on the left to score. Steven Smith and John Hewitt forced the Mustang's winger into touch as he neared the try line. Smith strained his back and had to be replaced, he was not to return to the filed and so Latchford were left with a bare thirteen. Mayfield scored once again to take a 16-0 lead into the break.

The visitors kicked off and were the first to the ball to win it back. They then ran the ball back unopposed down the Latchford right wing. Having won the ball back the Albion again knocked on and found themselves defending their own line again. Latchford did defend courageously throughout with another high tackle count dominated by John Hewitt, Adam Yates-Dutton, Jamen Smith, Joe Beswick and Lewis Litherland. The visiting scrum half produced a well crafted chip through to score. It was then Adam Yates-Dutton's turn to provide a last gasp tackle on a forward who had breached Latchford's line. Unfortunately the defensive line was absent as Mayfield scooted it over the line. With 42 points against them most teams would have folded altogether but not Latchford. The Unicorns galloped into the Mustangs paddock and with good passing found themselves able to release John Hewitt to stretch over for a score that Jordan Stephenson converted. Having learnt how it was done Hewitt was released again to bulldoze through the defensive line and fend off would-be defenders for fifty metres before grounding undr the posts. Again Stephenson added the extras to bring a little respectability to the scoreline.

Team: -
1. Carl Evans
2. Steven Smith, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Tom McIntosh, 5. Phil O'Donnell
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Phil Atherton
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Adam Coley Back to top

02/10/2005 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U14 - 26
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 10

Even more team selection shuffles were necessary for this fixture at high flying Folly Lane. Earlier in the week it was revealed that the inspirational captain John Hewitt would be out for at least a month with a thigh muscle tear. Steven Smith and Pat Reardon had not recovered from their respective injuries. On the morning of the game Jamen Smith experienced transport problems but the coaches were able to include Ian Waters for the first time and the prodigal Jack Murray, whose last game for the club was back in May 2004. Also back was Matty Curran. This meant that Latchford were able to field two substitutes while their opponents had just a dozen players on the field.

Folly Lane kicked off and Latchford completed their first three sets of six while the home side coughed up possession on the first or second tackle of each of their's. Unfortunately the Unicorns were unable to convert such dominance into points and it was Folly Lane who scored against the run of play. Latchford won the ball back back quickly and advance deep into the opposition territory. A clever grubber kick through was not dealt with and Jack Murray pounced on the loose ball and planted it over the try line to mark what was to be a fine returning performance for the team. The conversion attempt failed but the Unicorns were back in the game. A penalty for holding down allowed a further attack on the Folly line. Lewis Litherland was able to exploit a gap in the middle and ran in his first try of the season. Jordan Stephenson added the extras to give the Albion a 10-6 lead at half time.

It was clear to those watching that the next score was vital. If it went to Latchford it was hard to see how Folly would get themsleves back into the game, if it went to the home side it would be interesting to see how Latchford reacted. Everything was poised for an exciting second stanza. Sadly from the off Folly were allowed to dance through two Albion defenders without a hand being laid upon him and the home side regained the lead. Suddenly Latchford began to look tired and fell off the tackles, so much so it looked like they were a man down rather than the other way round. Indeed, Folly even found themsleves with an overlap to score down the Unicorns right. Latchford rallied and found themselves under the posts at the other end only to spill the ball and experience a breakaway that almost led to another try. In fact two more tried were conceded and Latchford were left wondering how this game got away from them.

Despite having to defend for most of the second half only four players achieved double figures on the tackle count; Adam Yates-Dutton, Tom McIntosh, the impressive Darryl Smith and Carl Evans.

Team:
1. Adam Coley
2. Phil O'Donnell, 3. Carl Evans, 4. Jack Murray, 5. Danny Jones
6. Adam Yates-Dutton, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Tom McIntosh, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Matty Curran
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Phil Atherton, 15. Ian Waters Back to top

09/10/2005 v Leigh East (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 24
Leigh East U14 - 12

With just a handful of games taking place in the 1st Round of the BARLA Lancashire Cup Latchford, along with the majority of other clubs, were granted a bye to the 2nd Round in a fortnight's time. That presented the earlier than expected arrival of Leigh East to Victoria Park. The Unicorns knew this side well but in their previous six meetings they had only managed one draw against the Easts and had scored less than forty points in total. However, their opponents were currently sitting just place above the Unicorns in the league and had played one more game so everything was poised.

Latchford started positively and an early attack saw Carl Evans bundled into touch as he stretched for the try line. Latchford forced their opponents to drop out from under the posts and soon capitalised on the pressure as Lewis Litherland drew the defence and fed Tom McIntosh into the resulting gap for his first try of the season. Jordan Stephenson added the extras. The Albion then lost the ball cheaply and Leigh rallied to score in the right corner. The tricky touchline conversion attempt failed giving Latchford a slender lead. Il-discipline saw Latchford penalised for kicking the ball away, then a knock and soon their opponents crossed again. The goal kick struck the cross bar and so now the gap of two points was in the visitors' favour. A penalty for offside brought the Unicorns back onto the ascendancy and Adam Yates-Dutton scooted over friom close range. 'Stevo' added the extras giving Latchford a 12-8 lead at the break.

Leigh came back after the resumption and forced Latchford to drop out. The home side were unable to clear their ranks and Leigh scored through the Latchford right side. The missed goal attempt meant the scores were now level. Latchford then applied some concerted pressure and the 12-man Leigh side visibly tired as the latchford forwards began to punch holes in the defence. It was this work that saw Matty Curran power through to score, which Stephenson converted. Yates-Dutton danced through a gap in the middle and Latchford increased the lead. That lead was stretched further with another Stephenson conversion.

This was a well-deserved victory that had been on the cards for a few weeks. Adam Barnes enjoyed an impressive debut and was ably supported by fellow forwards Darryl Smith, Joe Beswick and Matty Curran. Tom McIntosh was faultless as he topped the tackle count with Yates-Dutton, Jamen Smith, Phil O'Donnell, Lewis Litherland, Curran and Beswick all getting into double figures.

Team: -
1. Carl Evans
2. Jack Murray, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Tom McIntosh, 5. Danny Jones
6. Jordan Stephenson, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Adam Barnes, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Matty Curran
13. Phil O'Donnell
14. Phil Atherton, 15. Joe Beswick, 16. Adam Coley, 17. Ian Waters Back to top

16/10/2005 v Waterhead (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 12
Waterhead U14 - 25

In it's seven year history these two teams had never met before. It was Latchford who strted the brightest right from the off, winning the kick off back and applying pressure with good forward play. Within the first set of six Matty Curran was fed by Lewis Litherland and the powerfully built player forced his way over. Jordan Stephenson added the extras. The Unicorns twisted their grip further when a neat Stephenson grubba was touched down by Jack Murray to extend the lead. The conversion attempt failed but Latchford were now in the ascendancy. Unfortunately it was short-lived as the Albion were unable to gather the kick off and Waterhead rallied applying pressure of their own. Latchford were unable to stop their Gargantuan prop from scoring under the posts. Latchford took a 10-6 lead into the break, the fifth time in seven games they have led at half time. It should have been a warning that one only of those games ended in a Latchford win.

Again it was Latchford who started brightly with the forwards being asked to make hard yards to gain good field position. A penalty kick for offside allowed Stephenson to extend the lead. Latchford were then penalised themselves for the same offence - on several occasions - and found themselves pushed back by a Waterhead side who were now tackling with greater intensity and running with renewed vigour. This pressure was turned into points as the visitors ran in three tries, two of which they converted. A mark of the respect they held for Latchford was seen when they added a drop goal. The statistics show the work undertaken by the Latchford fowards and how they were always going to tire. Also how one-dimensional the rugby became, four players never got the ball in their hands at any point and three more less than four times each. Only 18 offloads were attempted throughout the game and all but four from just one player. Even so, the work of fullback Jack Murray and centre Jamen Smith was creditable alongside top tackler Adam Yates-Dutton.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Adam Coley, 3. Tom McIntosh, 4. Jamen Smith, 5. Danny Jones
6. Jordan Stephenson, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Adam Barnes, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Matthew Curran, 12. Joe Beswick
13. Phil O'Donnell
14. Phil Atherton, 15. Josh Stanger, 16. Ian Waters Back to top

23/10/2005 v Leigh East (home) Lancashire County Cup 2nd Round

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 10
Leigh East U14 - 40

The day couldn't have begun in a worse fashion when the referee simply failed to show. Frantic phone calls to secure a replacement were made but to no avail. Eventually both clubs decided the show must go on and elected the Leigh East coach to take on the thankless, and oft maligned, role of 'man in the middle'. Ian Reynard is known by his Latchford hosts as one of the most fair-minded men around and, overall, he put in one of the better refereeing displays seen this season. That said, the opening try within the first few minutes, was heralded with reasonable shouts of 'forward pass'. To be fair, the result of the game did not hinge on controversial decisions as the clear better side won.

Leigh East's welcomed back one of their more influential players who had been absent in the previous league encounter and it was he who ran riot on the day. At ten-nil down the Unicorns applied some pressure of their own with back-to-back sets of six and forcing a couple of goal line drop outs but they were unable to convert this into points and soon found the scoreline had doubled, which is how the first half ended.

The shame of it was that some of the fourteen Albion players available for this game were enjoying some extended game time. Adam Coley, at left wing in the first half, was having his best ever outing in a Latchford shirt and was top tackler for the opening stanza. Phil Atherton in the alien position of right wing, was not far behind on the tackle count as Leigh constantly expanded the game out wide. It was great credit to Latchford that they never gave up and drew first blood when the game resumed with Jamen Smith crashing in on the right side to quieten the uncharitable shouts of "nil 'em" coming from the opposition touchline.

Unfortunately the hopes of the home side were soon dashed as Leigh ran the ragged defensive line a merry dance to extend the points difference to thirty. Atherton, by now in a more familiar forward role, drove a tap penalty up towards the Leigh East line, they contrived to push him back from whence he came but the little man cleverly off-loaded to the ever supportive Adam Yates-Dutton. The scrum half made a good impression of an angry bull with nostrils flared and brushed aside the defence to score under the posts. Jordan Stephenson's conversion ensured double figures for the Albion. Sadly, the Warrington lads were shattered by their efforts and Leigh scored once more before the end.

Latchford's forwards; Darryl Smith, Adam Barnes, Joe Beswick and Matty Curran consistently ran the ball upfield throughout the day. Jack Murray continued to impresse with last-ditch tackles from fullback while the tackle count showed the brunt of the defending had been borne by Phil O'Donnell, Tom McIntosh, Adam Yates-Dutton and Adam Coley.

Team:
1. Jack Murray
2. Phil Atherton, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Josh Stanger, 5. Adam Coley
6. Jordan Stephenson, 7. Adam Yates-Dutton
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Tom McIntosh, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Adam Barnes, 12. Matty Curran
13. Phil O'Donnell
14. Danny Jones Back to top

30/10/2005 v Parkside Golborne (away)

Parkside Golborne U14 - 14
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 18

The Unicorns welcomed back their captain John Hewitt back after an enforced four match absence due to a thigh injury. This game, played at times in torrential rain, also saw Jamen Smith notch up his fiftieth appearance for the club. The Albion visited Golborne knowing they had never before previously beaten the Parkside outfit and that their opponents were joint second in the league with four wins already under their belt.

Latchford kicked off and won the ball back immediately as the wet conditions were bound to make handling tricky. The game ebbed and flowed but Golborne took an early lead when their left winger slipped through a couple of half-hearted tackles out wide. The kick was converted from the touchline to extend the lead. Latchford replied with some good pressure, finishing their set of six with a deep kick and then forcing a knock on. This pressure was turned into points when Adam Yates-Dutton scooted under the posts and Hewitt converted. Latchford continued to apply the pressure as player-of-the-match Lewis Litherland fed to Hewitt who cut back inside to score under the posts, allowing himself an easy conversion. Golborne came back and when Latchford failed to deal with a simple kick through the opposition grounded. The kick failed giving the Albion a slender 12-10 half time advantage.

The second half was precariously balanced but Latchford benefitted from timely rotation of their forwards. Each of the pack tackled their heart out and continued to punch dents into a resilient Golborne defence. Phil Atherton built on his previous week's 'unsung hero' performance with another superb tackling effort. Darryl Smith also tackled his heart out while Adam Barnes, Joe Beswick and Matty Curran burst themselves for the cause. The game seemed to be nearing its end when John Hewitt found Lewis Litherland who put Curran into a gap on the left. Two would-be tacklers tried to halt the second rower's progress to the line but to no avail. Hewitt's sure foot added the extras. It was then the ref announced their was still a quarter of an hour left to play. Golborne rallied again and forced a knock on deep into Albion territory from which they scored their third try. The resultant kick failed and Latchford were able to hang on to their four point advantage for the rest of the game. A great effort borne out by the highest tackle count of the season and nine players into double figures on it.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Phil O'Donnell, 3. Tom McIntosh, 4. Josh Stanger, 5. Jamen Smith
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Darryl Smith, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Adam Barnes
11. Matty Curran, 12. Phil Atherton
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Joe Beswick, 15. Adam Coley Back to top

13/11/2005 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Ince Rose Bridge U14 -26
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 38

The weather put paid to Latchford's home game to Westhoughton Lions and so a fortnight had to pass before Latchford could see if they could put back -to-back wins together for the first time this season. It was a big ask as they travelled to Ince Rose Bridge to face a team they had never beaten in their previous four meetings and who had rattled in three times as many tries as the Unicorns in those encounters.

This match proved to be an exciting game, which saw some outstanding individual tries as well as good teamwork to ensure that Latchford took the spoils. Johnny Hewitt showed he was back to full fitness as he registered his twenty-second hat trick of his Latchford career and kicked over five goals. Not only that but the captain led by example in the tackle count, too. Matty Curran, Jamen Smith and Adam Yates-Dutton continued their rich vein of try-scoring and Adam Barnes scored his first for the club. Ashley Pilling made his Unicorns debut and found himself immediately in the thick of things having to put in a try saving tackle.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Jamen Smith, 3. Josh Stanger, 4. Tom McIntosh, 5. Phil O'Donnell
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Matty Curran, 12. Phil Atherton
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Adam Barnes, 15. Adam Coley, 16. Ashley Pilling, 17. Danny Jones (not used) Back to top

27/11/2005 v Folly Lane (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 16
Folly Lane U14 - 18

Another week of harsh weather meant the league fixture with Wigan St Cuthbert's could not be played. The scheduled league opponents, Leigh East, were on Lancashire Cup duty and so the home league tie with Folly Lane was brought forward. Latchford learnt on the day that two of this season's regulars, Lewis Litherland (influenza) and Tom McIntosh (broken wrist) were not available. Also absent was Jamen Smith, while Adam Yates-Dutton was due to catch a plane before the end of the match. On top of this Adam Barnes was unable to leave the substitute's bench after attending with a stomach upset. Such disruptions necessitated a shuffling of the pack and, despite amassing twenty-two points from stand off in the previous match, captain John Hewitt was asked to relinquish this role for the hooker's berth. Jordan Stephenson came into the half backs alongside Yates-Dutton among one or two other subtle changes.

Folly Lane kicked to the Unicorns who, after the first few exchanges appeared to be able to exert some early pressure on their visitors. Those efforts came to naught as Folly Lane's prop forward steam rollered his way through a tentative defence to challenge the reliable Jack Murray at fullback. Murray was up to the task but a quick play-the-ball and slick hands saw the ball travel out to Folly's left winger who scored in the corner. Shortly after Latchford were penalised for offside at their touchline drop out. The team from Swinton scored in the same corner after creating an overlap. Folly Lane were now totally dominant and applied pressure down their left to score a third try and take a 0-12 lead into the break. The tackle count for the first half relected how the Unicorns had been kept on the back foot for large portions of the game. Most notably the efforts of Jordan Stephenson was creditworthy as was the defensive support of Yates-Dutton, Hewitt, Atherton, O'Donnell and Pilling.

The coaches shuffled their players at the interval, allowing Hewitt a freer role and Murray to offer more of an attacking threat. Adam Coley was forced to retire with a hand injury and was replaced by Ian Waters. Latchford started the second half as they had the first, by exerting pressure on their opponents. This time, however, they were able to capitalise as Hewitt forced his way over and then converted his own try. Folly Lane replied with a lovely passing move to score near the posts. The conversion made the score 6-18. By now the game was a more even affair despite Yates-Dutton's early departure reducing Latchford to just twelve fit players. Two more close range efforts gave Hewitt his second hat trick in successive games. He converted the last try to reduce the deficit to just two points, but time ran out denying the Unicorns a remarkable comeback. Obviously Hewitt's efforts, yet again, almost go without saying. Stephenson's player-of-the-match performance was backed up by Top Tackler Joe Beswick. Jack Murray continued his consistantly high standards this season and newcomer Ashley Pilling built on his debut to put in another fine performance.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Danny Jones, 3. Phil O'Donnell, 4. Josh Stanger, 5. Ashley Pilling
6. Jordan Stephenson, 7. Adam Yates-Dutton
8. Joe Beswick, 9. John Hewitt, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Matthew Curran, 12. Philip Atherton
13. Adam Coley
14. Ian Waters, 15. Adam Barnes (not used) Back to top

04/12/2005 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (away)

Burtonwood Bulldogs U14 - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 10

Whispers from both touchlines before the game reminded everyone that the Unicorns always lose to the Bulldogs. Well truth to tell Latchford have only won one of the prvious ten meetings. Their preparations weren't helped with the absence of ever-present Joe Beswick, fellow prop Adam Barnes and utility back Adam Coley joining the growing list of injuries. The only other noticeable absentee was the referee! Fortunately Lewis Litherland returned to the side and Callum O'Toole became the squad's third debutant of the season.

Burtonwood kicked off and scored on their first forray into the Latchford half after the tackle count was wiped allowing the home side to apply additional pressure from which they scored out wide right. The conversion attempt failed. Latchford immediately responded by forcing a knock on and keeping the Bulldogs penned in their own half for the majority of the remainder of the half. Despite some outbursts of heavy rain and a very squelchy pitch Latchford's handling errors were kept to just two knock ons at the-play-the-ball. Unfortunately it was from one of these that Burtonwood scored against the run of play to lead at half time 10-0.

The first half had been extended to compensate for some injuries to the home side and Latchford still seemed a little weary as the second stanza commenced. The line failed to move in and Burtonwood were allowed an easy try under the posts, which they converted. From this point Latchford resumed their dominance of the game borne out by a drive count that was greater than in any other game this season and eleven players in double figures for hit ups. They also had to do their fair share of defending but such defence restricted the Bulldogs to spend most of their game in their own half. Lewis Litherland registered 29 tackles beating his club record by one. Also high on the tackle count was player-of-the-match, Adam Yates-Dutton, Jamen Smith, Ashley Pilling, John Hewitt, Jack Murray and Darryl Smith. Several of those and others registered their highest individual tackle counts of the season. Such concerted effort deserved rewards and they came with Yates-Dutton switching his pass to Hewitt for powered over and then converted off the touchline. A lovely passing move found Phil O'Donnell who scored out wide right. The score was now 10-16 but the opposition coaches were being constantly deployed with at least one injury in every set of six that Latchford had. Fortunately the Unicorns had no such stoppages but all their efforts had taken its toll. Burtonwood managed to get into the Latchford half twice more and score in each corner to insult to their injury list. Latchford will never cointribute so much to a game and end up as losers again. On the plus side it did give the Warrington-based opponents their first win of the season and that can only be good for the town.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Danny Jones, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Josh Stanger, 5. Callum O'Toole
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Matty Curran, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Ashley Pilling, 12. Phil O'Donnell
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Phil Atherton, 15. Ian Waters Back to top

11/12/2005 v Langworthy Reds (away) NWCup 1st Round

Langworthy Reds U14 - 12
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 26

The first round of the North West Counties Cup threw up an interesting fixture for Latchford. Their opponents had finished a place higher than Latchford in the league last season but it was the Unicorns who found themselves promoted for this campaign. In the second division Langworthy have begun the season unbeaten and obviously had a point to prove. Latchford did muster a full squad of seventeen for the game but Lewis Litherland was had succombed to illness and Adam Coley attended whilst feeling under par. Adam Barnes and Joe Beswick were back to bolster the pack so Ashley Pilling were able to return to the backs after filling in at second row the week before. Jordan Stephenson moved to scrum half.

Latchford kicked off and both sides completed their first sets of six. As Latchford kicked on their last tackle the opposition right winger collected it and showed tremendous pace to run it back down the wing and open the scoring. Langworthy applied further pressure and, when a high kick was spilled, they were able to kick the ball over the try line and score again. Latchford were now 12-0 down and up against it. Jordan Stephenson launched a high kick towards the Langworthy line, fullback Jack Murray challenged for the ball and, as it came loose, Adam Yates-Dutton gathered acrobatically and ran it over the line. John Hewitt converted to bring the Albion back into the game. The remainder of the half was tight with both teams pressing hard but there was no more scoring.

Langworthy kicked to the Unicorns to get the second half underway and player-of-the-match, Matty Curran rampaged 60yds up field to hurt the opposition. Within two more tackles Joe Beswick crashed over for his first try for the club. The conversion attempt failed but from here on in there was only one side in this game. Joe Beswick demonstrated how far the Unicorns have developed his ability since joining from neighbours Crosfields ten months ago when he gained great yards and then offloaded to the supporting Yates-Dutton who ran on to score. The forwards were punching holes into a wilting defence and John Hewitt found himself with the ball. There was still a lot to do but the big lad danced better than Daren Gough to bamboozle several opposition players and ground the ball under the posts. He duly converted his own try to extend Latchford's lead to 20-12. Naturally the opposition were frustrated and some ill discipline resulted in them being reduced to eleven players. Latchford were camped out on the Langworthy line and Joe Beswick capped a fine day with his second try, to which Hewitt added the extras. It was one of the lowest tackle counts of the season but that should not diminish the achievements of Jordan Stephenson and Jamen Smith to top it.

Team: -
1. Jack Murray
2. Phil O'Donnell, 3. Jamen Smith, 4. Ashley Pilling, 5. Callum O'Toole
6. John Hewitt, 7. Jordan Stephenson
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Adam Barnes
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Darryl Smith
13. Matty Curran
14. Danny Jones, 15. Phil Atherton, 16. Ian Waters, 17. Adam Coley (not used) Back to top

08/01/2006 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 18
Chorley Panthers U14 - 30

Chorley kicked off the first game of the new year and showed they were revved up for the clash when, withing the first few sets they had a player warned for leading with the elbow. There was nothing to choose between the two teams in the opening excahnges but, with ten minutes played the Panthers' left winger showed great turn of pace to run down the line and around to ground under the posts. Latchford forced the visitors back into their own half and replied ten minutes later after Adam Yates-Dutton forced his way to the line with four tacklers hanging off him. He was unable to get down to the line but Phil Atherton's Union skills came to the fore as he snatched the ball and dived over under the posts giving John Hewitt an easy conversion attempt that he didn't spurn. There was just time as the first half was concluding for Chorley to reply and take a 12-6 lead into the break.

Several Latchford players were sporting bumps and bruises to their heads and Jack Murray was unable to take any further part in the match after being ploughed headfirst into the ground. All the aggression of the opposition was energy sapping and John Hewitt exploited gaps to force his way through the middle and score under the posts. He kicke the goal and Latchford were back level. That parity last only seconds when Latchford spilled the kick off and Chorley grabbed another converted try. The Albion effort never diminished and they came back again when Yates-Dutton found similar gaps to dance through for a ry, which Hewitt converted. There were just three minutes left when Chorley gathered a Latchford kick and ran it back down our left, a desperate tackle from Hewitt stopped the attacker but not before he cleverly offloaded to a supporting team mate who ran in a try. To add insult to numerous facial injuries Chorley then immediately picked up a spilled catch to score again and give the result an unrealistic slant. Joe Beswick worked tirelessly in attack and defence whilst the tackle count was topped by the half backs Hewitt and Lewis Litherland.

Team:
1. Jack Murray
2. Phil O'Donnell, 3. Ashley Pilling, 4. Jamen Smith, 5. Danny Jones
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Matthew Curran
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Phil Atherton, 15. Adam Coley, 16. Ian Waters Back to top

15/01/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (away)

Mayfield Mustangs U14 - 38
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 12

Latchford travelled to Rochdale to find they were to play on an exceedingly heavy and sticky pitch. Knowing their opposition possessed one of of the strongest and combative packs in the league but not noted for being fleet of foot and Latchford not the most of expansive teams, this game was always going to fought out down the middle. Latchford had been beaten earlier in the season with Mayfield registering 42 points despite a tackle count that gave each of the Unicorns an average of 11 tackles in the game. If they could match this defensive effort, the pitch could prove a great leveller. Of course this was all pre-match speculation and soon dissapated after Mayfield kicked off.

The game was six minutes old when the home side scored after being allowed to gain cheap yards. A good kick off ensured the opposition dropped out back to Latchford but within three tackles that possession was given back and Mayfield launched another attack that ended with four tacklers hanging onto the attacker who spun round and ground the ball over the line. Again Latchford's kick off gave them back possession but the massive pack of Mstangs came up with the ball at the scrum and play went back up the Latchford end where they scored after being first to the kick in goal. Yet again John Hewitt's kick off was won back and a penalty near the Rochdale line gave great field possession. Lewis Litherland had already tried a couple of dashes for the line and his determination to score his second try of the season paid of as he dived over near the posts. John Hewitt converted reducing the deficit to just eight points. Five minutes later a Mayfield forward brushed past a couple of feeble tackle attempts and crashed over. There were just two minutes of the half left. Latchford, who were able to take five substitutes into the game, brought on the first two as pack members Josh Stanger and Adam Barnes made way for Phil Atherton and Adam Coley. There was still enough time in the half for Mayfield to score again as the defensive line was breached again. Adam Yates-Dutton chased back and put in a try-saving tackle only to see the quick play-the-ball feed the supporting player who cruised over the whitewash to make the half time score 22-6, a score that could have been greater if the had taken more than just one of their five conversion attempts.

The second half saw the introduction of Tom McIntosh who had been absent since November with a broken wrist. Within four minutes of the restart the Mustangs powered through the middle to score again, which they converted. Joe Beswick and Josh Stanger came oof the bench for Darryl Smith and Adam Barnes. Mayfield scored their 7th try three minutes later. Callum O'Toole and Danny Jones came on for Phil O'Donnell and Ashley Pilling. Usually this season Latchford have faded as the games have gone on due to the work load expected of key men who naturally tire. This game was different and for the next quater of an hour Latchford actually applied pressure of their own culminating in a well-worked try after spending a long time in the opposition half. The ball was near the try line and the Unicorns' had stacked the short side, Adam Yates-Dutton feinted that way but turned back and fed John Hewitt superbly for the captain to add his 16th try of the season under the posts. Hewitt added the extras. Unfortunately Latchford allowed the ball to go out of back play on the kick off and found themselves dropping out from under their posts. Even so they rallied well and should have been able to keep out Mayfield for the remainder of the game but in the dying seconds the home side scored again to seal the match 38-12.

It may have been four points less than the earlier meeting but this time the average tackle count was less than eight per player and just three players were in double figures: John Hewitt, Adam Yates-Dutton and Jack Murray. That and the fact that Latchford only attempted just 23 passes in the entire game on a quagmire of a pitch that cried out for the ball to do the work rather than individuals tends to tell the story. Latchford have the opportunity to repair matters as they return to Rochdale next week to meet the same opposition in the Cup.

Team:
1. Jack Murray,
2. Jamen Smith, 3. Phil O'Donnell, 4. Matthew Curran, 5. Ashley Pilling
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Adam Barnes
11. Josh Stanger, 12. Darryl Smith
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Adam Coley, 15. Phil Atherton, 16. Tom McIntosh, 17. Callum O'Toole, 18. Danny Jones Back to top

22/01/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (away) NWC Cup 2nd Round

Mayfield Mustangs U14 - 8
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 14

What a difference a week can make. Same opponents, same venue, same team, but oh how different was this performance? Maufield kicked off and Jamen Smith collected, gained yards and set the Unicorns off with a great first set. A knock on early in their second set was soon forgotten as, with just over five minutes on the clock, Adam Yates-Dutton ran from his own ten metres as acting half back at a static defensive line, drew the opposition to him and released a timely pass to the onrushing John Hewitt who hit the gap and kept going to notch the first points of the day. Hewitt's conversion attempt failed but the lead was established. Table-topping Mayfield replied on the quarter of an hour mark when their attacker brushed off three feeble tackles to ground on the Latchford right side. Thier kick failed and so the scores were level. After losing so heavily in two league games this season the spectators could be forgiven for thinking this 2nd Round North West Counties Cup game would be a similar result. Fortunately the players showed a determination to repair the previous weeks' debacle. Pressure was applied to the Mayfield line, which Yates-Dutton was able to convert into points as he dived over. There were no extras added but as half time drew near Latchford were able to cross again. Great preesure on the left wing forced Mayfield back on their own try line, the ball then moved through the hands of Yates-Dutton, Hewitt, Jordan Stephenson and onto Jack Murray who crossed on the right of the posts. This was just reward for Murray who has been nothing if not consistant since being handed the fullback's jersey this season. John Hewitt had left his kicking boots in the changing room as he missed the conversion attempt again. Prior to this game he'd kicked over 20 from 26 attempts from all angles. Regardless Latchford had the lead at half time 12-4.

Latchford kicked off the second half and immediately won the ball back with a knock on. The game became a real midfield struggle with neither team wanting to show any weakness. 'Unsung Hero' Josh Stanger was having his best game of the season and typified the effort put in by all fifteen players used on the day. A dubious penalty was awarded for a knock on at the play-the-ball despite constantly trying to draw the referee's attention to numerous instances of interference. The momentum switched briefly in favour of the home side who capitalised on the generous award of yards, tackles weren't completed and the Mustangs scored again but failed to convert. Yet again Latchford won back the kick off and resumed attacking in the opposition half. Both teams were penalised for questioning decisions but when Mayfield were adjudged to have held down too long in the tackle up stepped Hewitt (with boots on!) to smash the ball clean through the uprights to seal the victory 14-8. The simple difference between the performance this week and last can be found on the statistics sheet; over thirty more passes facilitating the highest hit up rate of the season and an average tackle count of over ten for each player. That tackle count was tooped by the outstanding Phil O'Donnell playing at second row whose tenacious nineteen tackles greatly improved his personal average for the club. If the team can carry theis cup form into league games, they should be able to improve on their current third from bottom place.

Team:
1. Jack Murray
2. Ashley Pilling, 3. Tom McIntosh, 4. Josh Stanger, 5. Jamen Smith
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Matthew Curran
11. Phil O'Donnell, 12. Darryl Smith
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Adam Barnes, 15. Phil Atherton, 16. Danny Jones (not used), 17. Adam Coley (not used) Back to top

05/02/2006 v Golborne Parkside (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 20
Golborne Parkside U14 - 14

A week off following sharp frosts set up another encounter with the current Division One leaders. This time Golborne has taken over that position and it must have been in the back of their minds that Latchford were one of the four defeats that they had suffered so far this campaign. The game at Loushers Lane was delayed due to the late arrival of the official, which served to heighten the tension. The Unicorns kicked off and the opposition launched an attack straight away only for the referee to order a restart. Latchford put things in order and, after a decent first set forced the opposition to knock on. A penalty near the line for ripping the ball allowed Lewis Litherland to run onto a short pass and carve his way over the line. John Hewitt converted and Latchford were on their way. A Hewitt kick through was spilled backwards by the fullback and it ws a pack of three Unicorns who were the three to rspond, Adam Yates-Dutton fly-hacked the ball towards the posts but it was fumbled at the try line. Even so Latchford were sending out a message that they were up for this game. Joe Beswick took a breather and Tom McIntosh picked up a thigh injury. They were replaced by Adam Barnes and Phil Atherton. More pressure was applied and a lovely passing move from Yates-Dutton, Hewitt found Jamen Smith who kept the ball alive for Jack Murray to collect and weave through the Golborne defence to score. The conversion failed but ten points were on the board. Golborne were then gifyted an easy try when a speculative kick was not dealt with on the right wing. Latchford found themselves back in their own 10metres for the first time in the game but from that position Hewitt brushed off three tackles and sprinted the full length of the field to score under the posts. He duly kicked over the conversion and Latchford took a 16-4 lead into the break.

The Albion were slow to the kick off and allowed Golborne the upper hand as the second half got under way. Some heavily debated decisions in favour of the visited gifted them cheap yards, which they converted into points with a try. There then followed a series of knock ons that created frustrations on both sides. Latchford held their emotions in check but Golborne were reduced to 12 men for the rest of the match after their scrum half let the referee know what he was thinking. Lewis Litherland was forced to withdraw with a shoulder injury that saw him taken off to hospital. Latchford pushed forward again and Joe Beswick launched into a barn-storming run that threatened to go all the way leaving defenders in his wake. Hewitt drove it up to the line and Yates-Dutton scooted over for his tenth try of the season. The kick failed and there was still ten minutes to go for Parkside to narrow the 20-10 scoreline. Latchford, not for the first time this season, gave the ball back from the kick off and Golborne again punished the mistake scoring a try wide on the Albion right. Time ticked down with Latchford back in the opposition half and the whistle blew on a great team victory. Phil O'Donnell topped the tackle count for the second time in consecutive matches since his switch to second row. Hewitt matched him followed by Yates-Dutton and Jordan Stephenson. Jack Murray was player-of-the-match with several players also in contention including Jamen Smith who continues to improve week on week.

Team
1. Jack Murray
2. Danny Jones, 3. Josh Stanger, 4. Tom McIntosh, 5. Ashley Pilling
6. John Hewitt, 7. Lewis Litherland
8. Joe Beswick, 9. Adam Yates-Dutton, 10. Darryl Smith
11. Phil O'Donnell, 12. Jamen Smith
13. Jordan Stephenson
14. Adam Barnes, 15. Phil Atherton, 16. Adam Coley Back to top

Click here for reports from the remainder of the season