Langworthy Reds U8 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 28

This was an excellent team performance against a very good Langworthy team. Latchford were always in control and led at half time by 5 tries to 2. The captain, Aaron O'Dea had already registered a hat trick, while Dominic Judson and Harry Reardon scored a try each.

The second half saw Aaron O'Dea cap a Player-of-the-Match performance as he burst through a very tight Langworthy defence to score his fourth try of the day. Peter Moorcroft was also impressive in defence and attack and as a result scored his fifth career try in a Latchford shirt.

Excellent debuts for Lawrence and James Hull, Lawrence?s defence was perfect and therefore walked away with the top tackler's award. The Coaches' award was given to Charlie Mercer for his hard work in both defence and attack. Back to top

02/10/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 32
Leigh Miners Rangers U8 - 24

In what was a closely fought game against a good and organised Leigh side, Latchford came out the stronger team on the day and took the win. After falling behind early on when Leigh ran in 2 tries in as many minutes, Latchford re-gathered, worked together as a team and over turned the difference to lead 4 tries to 3 at half time.

A hat-trick of tries came from both Player of the Match, Reece Brunt and Aaron O?Dea (captain marvel) plus two more from the Sponsor's Award winner, Dominic Judson helped sealed the victory. There was excellent defence from the whole team on show, but a big improvement from Elliot Jolley meant he took the Top Tackler award. Other big contributions came from Coaches' Award winner, James Hull, his brother Lawrence Hull, Peter Moorcroft, Conner Johnson and Matthew Lilley made the decisions for awards the hardest yet. Back to top

09/10/2005 v Oldham St Anne's (away)

Oldham St Annes U8 - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 36

In what was a great team performance, every player worked hard in defence and attack. The hard work paid off as at half time Latchford led 6 tries to 1. In the second half Latchford didn't have it all their own way and a very determined Oldham St Anne's played some good rugby and were rewarded with 3 tries. Four weeks into the season this was undoubtbly the Unicorns' best performance so far as seven players crossed the try line.

Tries came from Aaron O?Dea, Reece Brunt, Dominic Judson, two from player of the match Peter Moorcroft, two from the speedster Elliot Jolley, Harry Reardon and Connor Johnson paved the way to Latchford's victory. Awards went to Harry Reardon because of outstanding work at the back in organising the defence. Connor Johnson caught the eye of our sponsors and Charlie Mercer got the top tacklers' award for the quality and important tackles he made. Back to top

16/10/2005 v Widnes Moorfield Raiders (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 28
Widnes Moorfield Raiders U8 - 04

In what was a closely fought game between two very strong and organised sides, Latchford came out convincing winners with a 7 tries to 1 win. However, Latchford didn't have it all their own way, as Widnes Moorfield pressured the Latchford try line on numerous occasions but Latchford's defense was far too strong, in particular the smallest guy on the pitch, top tackler Charlie Mercer, who indecently lead by example by making 15 tackles in as many minutes.

Reece Brunt was awesome in defence and attack, scoring one and creating two tries for player of the match and hatrick hero Conner Johnson. Reece off loaded the ball in true Martin Gleeson fashion for the supporting player Johnson. Harry Reardon was also instrumental in defence by organising his troops in such a way that the team only conceded one try in the whole game. Harry was also very creative in attack but was just pipped by Matthew Lilley for the coaches' award for his effort in his attacking runs. Also impressive for Latchford were Peter Moorcroft, Elliot Jolly, Lewis Hammer, James and Lawrence Hull, Dominic Judson and 'Captain Marvel' Aaron O?Dea

Overall, the game was a pleasure to watch with some fantastic rugby from both sides.
Latchford's persistence to back up and off load when necessary paid off on a number of occasions shown by the fact that 5 of their 7 tries came from assists.

Try scorers
Conner Johnson 3, Aaron O?Dea, Dominic Judson, Reece Brunt, Harry Reardon Back to top

23/10/2005 v Ince Rose Bridge (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 16
Ince Rose Bridge U8 - 20

In what was billed to be a fantastic fixture this game certainly lived up to it. Two closely-matched sides, both unbeaten, went at it head to head, right from the kick off. All expectations were met as the game progressed with some excellent rugby played as if it was fixture at a much older level. Defence from both sides was intense, until a powerful and determined Ince broke a solid Latchford line to give them the slighter upper hand. Persistence paid off for Ince when they scored a second to bring the game eight points to nil within the first ten minutes. In true Latchford fashion, and inspired by their captain, Aaron O'Dea, the Unicorns dug deep to bring the score to eight-all at half time with two well worked tries by their Aaron O'Dea and Elliot Jolly. Half time came with the game poised at two tries each.

If the spectators thought there was nothing left to give then they were mistaken as the second half proved to be just as entertaining as the first. Ince crossed the line in their first set of six but, as per usual, Latchford came back and levelled the score once more at eighteen points all. Harry Reardon, who was recommended by the Ince Coach as player-of-the-match, was outstanding in both attack and defence. Harry scored two clever tries worthy of being shown on the BBC rather than the England V France game, as he fooled everyone with a dummy, stepping right then left before beating at least 3 players to put the ball down over the try line. Harry was extremely unlucky not to score his hat-trick but for some excellent defence by Ince.

The Sponsor's Award and top defender went to Reece Brunt. Top tackler was Peter Moorcroft and the Coaches' award went to Lawrence Hull who put huge dents into the Ince defensive line. As the second half progressed Latchford became stretched and naturally tired, but to make matters worse they lost two very influential players in Charlie Mercer and Elliot Jolly. Consequently, by loosing an excellent defensive player and wide speed star, their options were restricted. Both sides scored again and, with the score at sixteen all, neither side deserved to lose. But, with the clock ticking down, Ince scored in the last 30 second of the game to snatch the victory. Back to top

30/10/2005 v Crosfields Cobras (away)

Crosfields Cobras U8 - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 44

In torrential rain, both teams did really well to handle the ball and play some great rugby.
In what looked to be a close encounter between the two neighboring clubs, Latchford came out on top to take the win by 11 tries to 7. After a very close first half with the score to five tries a piece, Latchford managed to score six tries to Crosfield's two in the second half.

Impressive performances by all eleven players made it extremely difficult for the coaches to decide who got the awards, coaches' award went to James Hull as he came of the bench and put in a solid performance in both defence and attack. Tries came from Man of the Match, Harry Reardon, who scored a hat-trick. Peter Moorcroft also scored a hat-trick, two tries came from the top tackler Reece Brunt, two more from Elliot Jolly and one from Dominic Judson

Led by their captain and sponsors' award winner Aaron O?Dea, this result got Latchford back to winning ways and further along their path of development. Back to top

04/12/2005 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 36
Leyland Warriors U8 - 24

In torrential weather, the game must have appeared to go on forever but Latchford were always in control and shone brightly in their new kit playing some excellent rugby. In what as fantastic a game to watch, Elliot Jolley who is undoubtbly one of the fastest players in this age group with great skill and speed was able to complete a double hat-trick earning him the player of the match award.

Impressive as usual and supported by a huge following of class mates, Harry Reardon scored two, made a hat full of try-saving tackles and received the sponsor's award. The tries were completed by some fancy foot work by Peter Moorcroft who also got his name on the score sheet again. Reece Brunt was top tackler and played exceptionally well in defence and attack. He was unfortunate not to score but his defensive work alone was worth a hat-trick.

The whole team was impressive in both defence and attack but a special mention should go to Daniel Hickman who received the coaches' award on his debut, just as the David and Goliath story goes, the small guy on the pitch fearless, taking down the opposition?s biggest player with ease. Other big contributions came from James Hull, his brother Lawrence Hull, Conner Johnson and Matthew Lilley, Aaron O?Dea and Charlie Mercer. Back to top

11/12/2005 v Blackbrook Royals (away)

Blackbrook Royals U8s - 36
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8s - 28

With for four key influential players missing, Latchford travelled to Blackbrook with a bare nine players. Hoping Blackbrook would have an off day things couldn't get any worse as the coach forgot the registration cards and the game had to be delayed for twenty minutes until his return. This was always going to be a difficult game in any case as Blackbrook boast twice as many players and consequently had the luxury of being able to make changes as and when they wished. Nevertheless, the game was played and spectated in great spirit with some fantastic rugby played by both sides.

Latchford found themselves two tries to nil down in as many minutes before realising the socks of their new kit needed to pulled up and there was work to be done. From this point on the scores virtually went try for try, with the game ending nine tries to seven in Blackbrook's favour. The quality of tries from both sides was excellent in particular one from Dominic Judson who had no right to score but somehow, with his fancy footwork, beat a number of player before touching down.

All nine Unicorns played their part whether it be in defence and or attack with the award presentation proving a very difficult decision. Stand in acting half back Reece Brunt took the award for the countless number of strong runs, excellent defence and a well worked try. Lewis Harmer received the coaches' award for his continual efforts in attack. Elliot Jolley won the top tackler award as well as scoring four of the team's seven tries and Dominic Judson won the sponsors' award for his performance. Peter Moorcroft also scored a try. Back to top

18/12/2005 v Haresfinch Hawks (away)

Golborne Parkside U8 - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 32

Three tries from top tackler Harry Reardon and a stunning all round performance from player-of-the-match Reece Brunt ensured that Latchford never looked like they were going to lose their first game after Christmas. On what was a cold morning at Golbourne, Latchford didn't play their best rugby but did enough to score some classy tries. Lawrence Hull scored a long range try, Dom Judson squeezed over the line to the shock of the coaches, the player himself, the spectators and most of all the referee. Aaron O'Dea completed his double with some slick handling from Reece who sent him 20 metres down the touchline to score in the corner. Another good piece of play also saw Connor Johnson score in the corner. Although Latchford won the game, both the coaches and players know that they can play better rugby as will be shown in the weeks to come. Back to top

05/02/2006 v Leigh Miners Rangers (away)

Leigh Miners Rangers U8 - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 32

This was the first game Latchford's youngest team have been able to play in 2006 and is proved to be an excellent performance by all, with each player playing their part in the eight try draw against a very talented Leigh Miners Rangers team. The last time these two teams met in October Latchford had come out on top 8 tries to 6 so the writing was on the wall for another try-fest.

Fast becoming a master of the dummy and side step Latchford's Lucky Number 7, Harry Reardon was again on top form scoring another four tries, on some occasions out of nothing. On his day, Harry Reardon is arguably one of the best under 8's player in the league leading by example. He was rewarded by being given the Sponsors' Award for his performance in both defence and attack.

Latchford seemed to be in control throughout the first half as player-of-the-match Corey Sherlock ran half the length of the pitch to score with his first touch of the game, bringing the score to 5 tries to 3 before the first half break.

The second half saw much of the same however; with the loss of Coaches' Award winner Charlie Mercer, as well as Dominic Judson and Daniel Hickman, a much improved Leigh Miners came battling back to conclude the game at 8 all.

Reece Brunt, James Hull, "Captain Marvel" Aaron O'Dea, and top tackler Lawrence Hull all played exceptionally well and were unlucky to have just missed out on one of the awards on offer. Dominic Judson and Elliott Jolley scored the other two Latchford tries. Back to top

12/02/2006 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 24
Oldham St Anne's U8 - 36

No match report submitted Back to top

19/02/2006 v Widnes Moorfield Raiders (away)

Widnes Moorfield Raiders U8 - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 52

No match report submitted Back to top

26/02/2006 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Ince Rose Bridge U8 - 40
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 32

In a very exciting match, Latchford were able to match Ince in every area of the game except the scoreline. A game that was end to end, Latchford came up short with Harry 'the dummy master' Reardon leading the way with three very well earned tries, which enabled him to take the player of the match trophy home. Other tries came from Reece 'the big hitter' Brunt who also took the top tackler award. Corey Sherlock who was very strong going forward took the Coaches' award after two well earned tries and Elliot 'the speedster' Jolley took the sponsors award after two well worked tries. Players from both teams deserve a mention after they put in a very entertaining game for parents to watch and a joy for coaches to coach in. Back to top

19/03/2006 v Hindley (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8s - 52
Hindley U8s - 28

There was no stand out player in the Latchford team as each player had their part to play in this magnificent performance. Each player deserved to take an award home with them but at the end of the day the coaches had four hard decisions to make. Ultimately the coaches decided that Elliot Jolley should take the top tackler award home as he was putting in his best defensive effort, Corey Sherlock took the coaches' award as he led by example as captain, Daniel Hickman took the Sponsors' award as he put in his best display of the season and Lawrence Hull rightfully took the player of the match award as he put in some big tackles, made some big runs and even got on the score sheet. Each player deserves to have their name mentioned but it was these four players who rightfully took the awards as the Unicorns ran in 13 tries to their opponents' 7. Back to top

26/03/2006 v Leigh East (away)

Leigh East U8 - ? (not stated)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 20

With the clocks going forward an hour and the Latchford players losing an hour's sleep some of the Unicorns looked like they were still trying wake up. Nevertheless they were soon woken up by very good Leigh East side who played some very good rugby. Captain and player of the match, Harry Reardon, along with a handful of other players were extremely unlucky to be on the losing side. Harry's fancy footwork and neat little dummies gained him a try. Also powering over the line twice was Coach Award winner Corey Sherlock. Elliot Jolley was another who grabbed a couple of tries as he rounded the defence before sprinting down the line far too fast for even a good defensive team like Leigh. Aaron O'Dea was top tackler

Following the main match a ten minute friendly was played to accomodate some children who did not get as much game time as the others. During this game positive performances came from Lewis Hammer, Mike Syer who picked up the Sponsor's Award and Corey Sherlock who ran riot scoring three tries in the ten minutes allowed to a return of one from the visitors Back to top

02/04/2006 v Newton Storm Rams (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 36
Newton Storm Rams U8 - 8

Following a two tries each draw at the beginning of the season in the Coop Sponsored Festival, Latchford expected a close contest. However, with some new additions to the Albion side and Latchford performing almost at their full potential, this team would have given anyone a run for their money. All 15 players involved played a huge part in the nine tries to two win, with some excellent performances in both defence and attack. Sponsors Award winner, Lewis Hamner was singled out for a great try saving tackle.

With the game even poised at 8-4 in favour of the home side and Newton on the attack top tackler Lawrence Hull undoubtbly put in the tackle of the match, forcing the Newton player in to touch. This gave Latchford a platform and from then on everything they touched turned into tries and in particularly Harry Reardon who scored 4. Speedster and player of the match Elliot Jolly scored twice. Lawrence Hull, Reece Brunt and captain Cory Sherlock grabbed a try each. Aaron O'Dea was the Coaches Award winner

Latchford were worthy winners but credit must go to the Newton Storm players who never gave up except when it came to coming back afterwards for prepaid refreshments! Back to top

09/04/2006 v Leyland Warriors (away)

Leyland Warriors U8 - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 28

Latchford turned out in high numbers for their trip to Leyland with the coaches having 14 players to choose from. On arrival Latchford discovered they were to loan Leyland some players for the morning as the Leyland, although very competent, were under strength with only six player available. What followed was a fantastic game to watch for all parents and coaches as all fourteen players played a full 30 minutes, with some excellent examples of defence and attack on show. Recognition must be given for the attitude of the 7 players who played for the opposition over the two halves. The first half saw excellent performances from Ellis Hughes, Reece Brunt, Lawrence Hull and Aaron O'Dea while in the second half performances from Harry Reardon, Corey Sherlock and Lewis Harmer were tremendous. All seven players did themselves and their club proud.

For the Maroon and Gold of Latchford, Dan Hickman was all over the opposition like a rash. Dan and James Hull appeared to be in every tackle made and, as a result ,were awarded with Top Tacklers and Sponsors award respectively. Ellis Hughes picked up the coaches' award while the Player of the match was Charlie Mercer who also performed exceptionally well, scoring two superb tries one in each half bursting the opposition defense on many occasions. Also touching down was Hazza Reardon, Reece Brunt, Corey Sherlock, Elliot Fry, Peter Moorcroft and Lawrence Hull.

In a fortnight's time Latchford face a tough home test against Blackbrook Royals where those players selected will be required to put in 100% for the full 30 minutes and play as one team, working hard in defense and around the play the ball area also listening to instruction given by their captain. Back to top

23/04/2006 v Pilkington Recs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 32
Pilkington Recs U8 - 8

In what was billed as the Unicorns' hardest match of the season it was Latchford who dominated this one-sided game with their defence in outstanding form led by the trustworthy Corey Sherlock, Reece Brunt, Aaron O'Dea and Harry Reardon all in tremendous form. Brunt was nominated as the player of the match for his best game of a very positive season. Reardon picked up the sponsor's award and Christian Savage was the coaches' choice.

Pilkington started lively and it looked like the Unicorns were in for a tough battle until captain, Elliot Jolley opened the scoring with a devastating burst of speed down the right flank for his first of four tries. Who can catch this flyer when he's in such form? All Pilkington's attacks were thwarted by a great defensive display by the Unicorns.

It was not till the 12th minute that the Unicorns briefly fell asleep and Pilks made them pay with a well worked try. However, midway through the second half the game looked all over as the Unicorns built up a big lead with some excellent rugby and held Pilkingtons to a scoreless second period. Elliott Jolley went on to score a personal clutch of four tries, Corey Sherlock scored two and there was a try each for Reece Brunt and Harry Reardon.

Another test awaits the Unicorns on Thursday as they take on Rylands Sharks to the Recreation Ground on Gorsey lane. Following Sunday's performance it has been advised to arrive early for the 6:30 KO as a big crowd is expected and parking is limited. Back to top

27/04/2006 v Rylands Sharks (away)

No match report submitted Back to top

30/04/2006 v Haresfinch Hawks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 24
Haresfinch Rhinos U8 - 24

It's baffling why the public of Warrington don't come down to Victoria park when the battling Unicorns take the field, every game this season has been an absolute thriller and this one was no exception. Haresfinch took an early lead through some sloppy tackling in the Unicorns defence, but the never-say-die attitude of the Unicorns hit back with a well taken 30yard try by Elliot Jolley. As the game progressed it looked like the St Helens' side would walk out easy winners but never discount the battling Latchford side and as the half time whistle went the Unicorns were two tries down.

Two minutes after the re-start the Unicorns pulled one back and although the well-drilled Haresfinch side were showing lots of quality with good runs down the middle and tackling not seen by many Under 8 sides. It was the fighting Unicorns who once again came from behind to equalise. With excellent performances from player of the match Reece Brunt, the superb offloading of Aaron O'Dea and a truly gutsy performance from all the team, a draw was a fair result. IT WAS A GAME FULL OF CONTROVERSY, BLOOD AND GUTS AND DEFINETLY FULL OF EXCITEMENT Back to top

07/05/2006 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panthers U8 - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 44

No match report submitted Back to top