Rylands Sharks U11 - 56
Latchford albion Giants U11 - 44

Latchford Albion Giants kicked the season off in superb style away at neighbours Rylands. By the end of the first half, they had scored six tries to Rylands' two. The defence and work ethic of the team in the first was nothing short of phenomenol. This was epitomised by Ryan Hickman who was captain for the day, Sam Wright, Martin Forde and Cameron Davies. Another player who stood out by scoring two tries in a fantastic first
half team display was Josh Hardman, who also ran half the length of the pitch before offloading to allow Ayrton Monckton to cross the line for his try.

The second half saw Rylands come back into the game, where fatigue appeared to
take it's toll on the Latchford Giants' team. Despite spirited defence and the constant probing attacks by Steven Darbyshire on the Rylands' line, the Giants couldn't withstand the pressure, and Rylands took advantage, particularly towards the end of the second
half.

The score ended up 56-44, although Rylands' last converted try was scored a minute from the end of the match, which shows how close the game was. Both coaches commended the defence and effort of the Giants in their first competitive game under the Latchford Albion banner.

Try scorers were Ryan Hickman, Martin Forde, Ayrton Monckton, Josh Hardman (2), Sam Wright (2) and Steven Darbyshire. Man of the match was Josh Hardman, although Sam Wright and Steven Darbyshire deserve special praise for their efforts. Back to top

02/10/2005 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 12
Thatto Heath Crusaders U11 - 44

Thatto Heath Crusaders were the visitors for Latchford Albion Giants' second game of the season and, despite being apparently 'under-strength', still managed to overwhelm the Giants' defence. The highlight of the first half was Steven Darbyshire's fantastic solo try
from one side of the pitch to the other, which he converted and gave the Giants hope, although they found it tough against a very well organised visiting team.

The Giants' overall game improved a lot in the 2nd half, although they still struggled to score points against a strong defensive line. Cameron Davies was man of the match, for an almost perfect second half performance from the prop, whilst Sam Wright scored an excellent opportunist try from dummy half and then added the extras. Each of the Giants' players gave 100%, although special praise should go to 'unsung hero' Jack Harvey and captain for the day Ryan Hickman for some strong forward running, especially in the second half. Praise also to Jack Clifton for his continuous tackling. Back to top

09/10/2005 v Widnes Moorfield (away)

Widnes Moorfield U11 - 36
Latchford Albion Giants U1 - 18

Latchford Giants Under 11s struggled in what was a disappointing loss to Widnes Moorfield. Despite giving two players to the home side, the Giants were poor in defence and allowed a couple of sloppy tries to be scored by Widnes. In attack, Josh Hardman scored another fantastic try, with a run almost the length of the pitch, and Steven Darbyshire scored his now customary try out wide. Ryan Hickman had yet another solid game in defence and attack, and Martin Forde is also worthy of mention for a hard working display. As the home side grew with confidence, the Giants slipped from their
usual game plan of strong defence and made some fundamental errors handing easy possession to the opposition. Bad discpline gave the home team some easy yardage, and they took advantage to open up a good lead. Another opportunist try by Sam Wright gave some hope, but it was never going to be enough, as Widnes scored a late try to effectively kill the game.

Try scorers : Steve Darbyshire, Sam Wright and Josh Hardman
Conversions : Steve Darbyshire, Sam Wright and Josh Hardman Back to top

16/10/2005 v Woolston Rovers (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 0
Woolston Rovers U11 - '30'

Latchford Albion Giants struggled against what was an aggressive and organised Woolston Rovers side. Early in the match a hat-trick of 'knock-ons' did not help the home
side, as they gifted possession to a very good Woolston attack. In what also turned out to be a poor refereeing display, Latchford's discipline and morale slumped as some basic decisions went against them. Woolston Rovers fully deserved their victory, although the Giants never gave up on effort. Player of the match was Ayrton Monckton for some excellent impact in defence, although Steven Darbyshire and Lewis Appleton pushed him close, due also to some superb effort in defence. Back to top

23/10/2005 v Crosfield Cobras (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 42
Crosfield Cardinals U11 - 18

Latchford recorded their first official win of the season with a good display against a spirited Cardinals' side. In a tight first half, Latchford went ahead through Ayrton Monckton and the first of Steven Darbyshire's four tries.

In the second half though, some of the Giants's attacking play was faultless. The passing and off-loading was exceptional, most of it coming from an excellent performance by Lewis Appleton at hooker, who also scored two superb individual tries.
Crosfields worked hard, but they could not cope with the pace of the Giants' backs, in particular Steven Darbyshire, who scored a second half hat-trick.

There could be no argument in awarding the man of the match to Steven Darbyshire, although Ryan Hickman, for an outstanding defensive display, and Lewis Appleton deserve special mention.

Try scorers: Lewis Appleton 2, Steven Darbyshire 4, Ayrton Monckton 2.
Conversions: Steven Darbyshire 2, Martin Forde 1, Ryan Hickman 1, and Charlie
Humphries 1. Back to top

30/10/2005 v Wigan St Patrick's Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 16
Wigan St Patricks Warriors U11 - 42

Despite being beaten, the scoreline from this game did not reflect the excellent performance of the Giants in what was very difficult conditions. Against an excellent opposing side, the Giants battled in both defence and attack, and pressurised the visiting side for short spells of the game.

Ryan Hickman was once again outstanding for the Giants, although Jack Clifton deserves praise for his first game for a few weeks, which he capped with a try and a conversion. The Giants were losing 20-12 at the break, despite losing 2 early tries, which gives a reflection of the team's performance up to half time.

The difference in class became more evident in the second half, although the Giants never gave up, and every player deserves praise for a stirling effort. Sam Wright celebrated his fiftieth Latchford appearance with a try, which he converted. The undoubted man of the match was Ryan Hickman, although Jack Clifton and Charlie Humphries ran him close and every Giants' player deserves credit for not throwing the towel in. Back to top

13/11/2005 v West Bank Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Giants - 4
West Bank Bears - 36

Latchford Albion started this match well, but came up against a well-equipped West Bank Bears' team. The visiting side was strong in defence and agile in attack and didn't give
the Giants much room to manoevure. The Giants didn't help themselves with some poor defensive line although their forwards never gave up in attack.

Captain for the day, Martin Forde, who also won the player of the match award, scored the Giants' only try of the game with a superb individual effort from virtually the halfway line. Other players worthy of special mention were Ryan Hickman for yet another good display, Lewis Appleton for his excellent effort throughout, and Jack Clifton who never gave up running with the ball. Back to top

27/11/2005 v Wigan St Patrick's Bulldogs (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 22
Wigan St Patricks Bulldogs U11 - 14

Latchford Giants were low on playing numbers, but still managed to edge an evenly
sided game played in an excellent spirit, by producing one of their best performances all season. An early try from Martin Forde, lifted the Giants team who worked hard in defense, to pressurise the visitors, who came up with some handling errors, and gave Latchford some good early possession. Sam Wright bossed the ruck and was at the centre of nearly everything Latchford produced, with some good defence and superb passing.

The second half saw Wigan come back into the game, but Latchford continued to work hard, and some of the passing and offloading in attack was exceptional. Sam Wright scored another trademark try, diving in from dummmy half, whilst Jack Clifton scored another excellent try, to cap an outstanding individual performance. Man of the match was Jack Clifton, although Sam Wright, Ayrton Monckton and Cameron Davies were all close seconds.

Try scorers: Martin Forde, Sam Wright, Jack Clifton, A.N.OTHER (2).
Conversions: Ryan Hickman Back to top

04/12/2005 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 6
Chorley Panthers U11 - 24

Latchford Giants gave a good performance against an organised Panthers' outfit. The scoreline in no way reflected the game, as each side showed some excellent defence, and only 5 tries were scored in the entire 40 minutes. Sam Wright set up Latchford's try for Jack Clifton in an entertaining first half, which finished 12-6 to the visiting side. Lewis Appleton was having an excellent game, especially in defence, although he was later injured and struggled to finish the match.

The second half continued to be a close encounter, although a third try midway through the 2nd half for Chorley effectively killed the game for the Giants. Chorley scored another try late on, to end any hopes of a comeback, although the Giants were always pressurising the Panthers' line. Man of the match for the Giants was Jack Clifton for an excellent 'support' try and some superb defence. He also added the conversion. Lewis Appleton and Cameron Davies were unsung heroes. Back to top

15/01/2006 v Haresfinch Hawks (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 20
Haresfinch Hawks U11 - 12

Latchford Giants began 2006 in fine style by beating Haresfinch Hawks, in what was an excellent game of rugby played in good spirit. Haresfinch had a large pack who put the home defence under pressure, but also had some pacy players out wide, this being in addition to also having two substitutes, who were used regularly during the game.

The Latchford defence stood up to the visiting team pressure, and managed to take the lead early in the first half. The superb team spirit displayed by the under 11s is improving each week, and some of the defence and attacking support play on display was excellent. Despite a few handling errors each and every player played well and dug in for the ?team? for another encouraging performance by the under 11 Giants, who are making huge improvements, week in, week out.

Player of the match, Jack Clifton crossed twice for the Giants, after some tremendous work by his forward line namely 'Unsung Hero' Sam Wright, Martin Forde and Ryan Hickman. Clifton also kicked over a goal. Two guests also scored tries and one converted. Back to top

22/01/2006 v Leigh East (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 0
Leigh East U11 - 32

Latchford Albion struggled to gain any momentum against a strong and well-organised Leigh East side. Against what was probably the best opposition they have faced this season, Latchford Giants had problems with the outstanding defence and constant pace of the visitors. However, the Giants never gave up till the final whistle, and it was only for some last ditch defence in both corners, that they failed to cross the whitewash. Sam Wright had an excellent game, and controlled a lot of what Latchford threw at the visitors, although other players worthy of mention were Ryan Hickman and Lewis Appleton. Back to top

05/02/2006 v Westhoughton Lions (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 12
Westhoughton Lions U11 - 40

Latchford didn't stick to their game plan in what was a hugely disappointing loss to Westhoughton. Both defences started the game well and it was 10 minutes before
anyone crossed the whitewash. Westhoughton opened the scoring, although the Giants hit back with a try of their own through Martin Forde. Billy Grimshaw converted. Westhoughton scored again but Ryan Hickman battled his way through and the subsequent conversionto drew the Giants level again at half time, 12-12.

The second half signalled the point were the Giants completely lost their game plan and they didn?t score after the break, which affected the team structure further. The visiting team grew in confidence and took full advantage. Despite the poor team performance, some of the Giants players gave 100% 'til the final whistle. Ryan Hickman stood out as player of the match, but Martin Forde and Jack Clifton pushed him close yet again. Back to top

12/02/2006 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (away)

Wigan St Cuthberts U11 - 40
Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 36

Latchford lost this match, but gave an outstanding second half display against what was top class opposition, despite only having seven players available. Wigan St Cuthberts took an early 2-try lead in the first half and threatened to pull away from the Giants in treacherous conditions. Shortly afterwards Ryan Hickman kicked a bomb to the left hand corner, Lewis Appleton caught the ball and duly scored a try and converted. Not three minutes later the same combination repeated the exact same move this too was converted. Even so the Giants still went in at half time losing 24-12.

The second half turned out to be the Giants best half of rugby all season, with them outscoring the opposition 24-16. Despite the difficult conditions, the Giants stuck to their game plan and kept the ball alive. They were rewarded with tries for Jack Clifton, Martin Forde and two for the prodigal Steven Darbyshire. The overall performance was even more impressive when you consider Latchford had just seven players against the seven plus three substitutes of St Cuthberts. Additionally, the home side benefited from a further six tackles on the Giants try line prior to scoring their last try while the match concluded five minutes early, due to another fixture on the same pitch. It is no surprise, to learn that no individual Latchford player deserved to win the player of the match award, as the whole team was outstanding, especially in the second half.

Try scorers: Martin Forde, Lewis Appleton (2), Jack Clifton and Steven Darbyshire (2)
Conversions: Lewis Appleton, Jack Clifton, Steven Darbyshire, Joe Chomondley and Ryan Hickman, and Martin Forde Back to top

19/02/2006 v Eccles & Salford Juniors

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 18
Eccles and Salford Juniors U11 - 22

Latchford Albion Giants developed their characters individually and as a team in this game and realised a harsh lesson of life that good does not always prevail. Despite losing three tries in the first five minutes of the game Latchford always remained in contention and it was through no fault of their own that the youngsters were deprived of an opportunity to take a share of the spoils. Even so the Giants lost this game by just one try.

The home side may have taken to the pitch thinking the game was already won but they came up against a spirited opposition.The visitors confidence rose as the home side defended badly and let them in for those early tries early. Latchford then tightened their defence and conceded just one try in the second half, but were prevented from increasing their try tally by things neither side had control over.Despite this, the Giants almost clawed the deficit back until the final minute, but could not find the final pass.

Man of the match was Lewis Appleton, who did not miss a tackle for the entire game, although Joe Keenan and Steven Darbyshire pushed him close for the award.
Try scorers: Joe Chomondley, Joe Keenan and Steven Darbyshire (2),
Conversions: Joe Chomondley Back to top

26/02/2006 v Blackpool Scorpions (away)

Blackpool Scorpions U11 - 22
Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 24

Latchford;s Under 11 Giants made life difficult for themselves by defending badly at times throughout this game, against a spirited home side. Latchford scored first, although the home side waltzed through for an easy 4 points, which was duly converted.
It was nip and tuck throughout the game, with each side taking turns to score converted tries, although the home side missed a crucial kick to allow the Giants to score a converted late try to snatch victory.

The move of the match was when Sam Wright picked the ball up from dummy half and ran half the length of the field to offload to Lewis Appleton, who kept the ball alive to Joe Keenan, who then passed to Ryan Hickman, who then seemed to side-step every Blackpool player to score under the posts.The player of the match was Ryan Hickman for another superb offensive show, although Joe Keenan pushed him every inch of the way, with Lewis Appleton another worthy of note for some excellent tackling. Unsung hero was Sam Wright, who proved to the team that he can actually run more than 10 feet!

Try scorers: Lewis Appleton, Steven Darbyshire, Ryan Hickman (2)
Conversions: Lewis Appleton, Steven Darbyshire, Ryan Hickman and Joe
Chomondeley Back to top

19/03/2006 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U11 - '30'
Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 0

The recent good form shown by Latchford came to a grinding halt against Ashton Bears. The home side totally dominated the first half and ran in four tries. Latchford put in some sterling effort, but could not get through what was an absolutely airtight home side defence.

Into the second half and the Giants' play improved dramatically, enjoying four continuous sets of six within the Ashton 20 metre line, but could not penetrate the defensive wall. A break away try ended any possibility of a fight back. Although the home side scored two late tries in the second half, the spirit and second half performance of the visiting side was commended by the home team coach. Whilst the home side more than deserved the win, the Giants can take heart from the fact that four of the Ashton tries were scored by one player, whose pace and finishing ability, was probably the main difference between the two sides.

The outstanding player of the match was Joe Keanan, who did not miss a tackle all game and who?s attacking runs put pressure on the home side every time he had the ball. Lewis Appleton and Ryan Hickman were others worthy of note, for some excellent defence and attacking play respectively. Back to top

26/03/2006 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11s 6
Oldham St Annes U11s 26

Latchford played extremely well in parts of this game, but lost mainly due to their inability to make the 1st tackles count. The visiting team scored midway through the first half, although Latchford refused to give up. It wasn't until the final play of the first half that the away side extended their lead, although they missed their conversion.

Latchford got onto the score sheet with an excellent team try for Joe Keanan, after some sterling work by Ryan Hickman, Danny Thorpe and especially Steven Darbyshire. Joe Chomondley kicked over the conversion. The visitors were rattled, but Latchford could not keep them out on their next set of six, which was what was needed and Oldham extended their lead yet again. Despite creating numerous breaks on either wing, Latchford couldn?t find the final pass and Oldham scored two more tries to seal the game.

Danny Thorpe was player of the match for keeping the play moving and some excellent tackling, although Steven Darbyshire, Joe Keanan and Ayrton Monckton were worthy on mention Back to top

02/04/2006 v Woolston Rovers (away)

Woolston Rovers U11 - 46
Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 22

When these two local rivals met last October the result was a whitewash by the Rovers over the fledgling Giants, something their website uncharitably and boastfully emphasised. Despite being beaten again, this time in particularly bad pitch conditions, Latchford gave a spirited performance against an aggressive Woolston side. Indeed it was a backhanded compliment to how far the Giants have developed and gelled together to hear the somewhat over zealous cheering of the home side at the final whistle.

A couple of early tries did not dishearten the visiting side, as they competed till that final whistle. Ryan Hickman scored a try in each half, whilst Steven Darbyshire and Lewis Appleton both scored a good try each. Hickman and Darbyshire each kicked over a goal as did Ayrton Monckton. As it was Latchford succumbed to one Woolston player's individual performance that was top quality, and it was he who effectively won the game on his own. Apart from this, the Giants' team spirit is gaining momentum and their never-say-die attitude is to be admired. Each Latchford player played well, and the players? individual development has improved dramatically, whilst the team continues to work hard on its attacking and defensive structures. Back to top

09/04/2006 v Widnes Moorfield (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 34
Widnes Moorfield U11 - 32

Latchford made an awful start to this game, but still turned it round to take the spoils in what was a good game of rugby league. The corresponding away fixture, back in October 2005, had marked one of the Giants' low points of the season with a very poor performance away to Widnes, but today they turned the tables with some fantastic running and passing in attack. The Giants conceded 2 tries in the first 6 minutes, which were duly converted, although they hit back with a superb try of their own through Steven Darbyshire. Ryan Hickman led the response superbly with a couple of tries in the first half, although Joe Keanan was again outstanding throughout with some bone-shaking one-on-one tackles.

In a game which was competitive throughout, the Giants found themselves 10 points ahead in the second half at one point, although they gave the visiting side a fighting chance with some poor defence late in the game. Time ran out for Widnes and the Giants claimed the win. Five players were worthy of man of the match accolade, Ryan Hickman, Joe Keanan, Sam Wright, Ayrton Monckton and Steven Darbyshire, but the coaches decided the superb overall performance in defence and attack swung it Steven Darbyshire's way.

Tries: Steven Darbyshire (2), Ryan Hickman (2), Joe Keanan, Ayrton Monckton (2)
Conversions : Joe Cholmondley, Ryan Hickman, Sam Wright, Ayrton Monckton Back to top

30/04/2006 v Higginshaw Rhinos (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U11 - 12
Higginshaw Rhinos U11 - 30

Latchford played outstandingly well in some areas of this game, although they couldn?t finish with the home win their season deserved. Some of the defence shown by the hosts was phenominal at times, driving back the opposition forwards time after time.
Unfortunately the standard of refereeing was not up to the same level and Latchford found themselves (once again), on the receiving end of some highly questionable decisions.

The visiting side scored the first try midway through the first half, and followed it up with a fortuitous second, but Latchford did not give up, and deserved what was a superb individual try by Lewis Appleton. Ryan Hickman added the extras. With seconds to spare before the half time whistle, the visitors scored a third try due to some tired Latchford defending.

After the break Latchford took the game to Higginshaw and, despite scoring the next try through the outstanding Steven Darbyshire, which he also converted, they couldn?t keep the visiting side at bay for the next set of six and the visitors scored a fourth. The visitors went on to score what was another questionable try, although the game had been a lot closer than the final score eventually suggested.

Steven Darbyshire celebrated his 50th appearance in a Latchford shirt with sublime attacking and defensive display that rightly earned him the player-of-the-match award.

Each team member of the Latchford team can be proud of their first full season, with some fantastic team and individual performances, home and away, although work is still to be done, particularly on defence.The team spirit shown towards the latter end of the season bodes well for next year and, hopefully, with some further numbers added to the squad they can build on the foundations laid for next season. Back to top