Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 22
Leigh East U11 - 22

What a way to start a new season off! An excelent game of junior rugby league that was end-to-end throughout. Impressive debuts came from Callum Wright - the new powerhouse for the Unicorns - band 'pocket battleship', Chris Hunt, who tackled well above his size from start to finish.

Carrying on from last season, the Unicorns attacked strongly all game with Matty Wilkinson directing the show. Liam Cross, Jake Slydell, Michael Wharton all attacked hard. The defence was very patchy, but still a vast improvement on last season. Ashley Cox, James Williams and Jack Morgan defended with credit.

This game was a good platform to build from with only a few fine adjustments to the game plan and the Unicorns will be a strong team this season. Overall an excellent team performance

Tries: Wilkinson 2, Wharton, Hunt
Goals: Wilkinson, Sullivan, Wharton

Team: -
Cox, Cross, Hunt, Jack Johnson, James Johnson, Morgan, Reid, Slydell, Sullivan,
Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

02/10/2005 v Haresfinch Hawks (away)

Haresfinch Hawks U11 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - '40'

Latchford went from strength to strength as this game progressed, especially defensively as they forced Haresfinch back with their solid driving tackles time after time. This created an excellent attacking platform for the Unicorns to put on show their ball handling skills, which the crowd enjoyed throughout the game.

Liam Cross who captained the team today lead from the front at all times, but this was an outstanding team performance with some excellent tries scored.

Tries scorers were Cox, Hunt, Lea, Wilkinson, Slydell 2, Wharton 2, Savelio 2.
Goals from Cox, Hunt, Savelio, Slydell, Sullivan, Wilkinson

Team: -
Ashley Cox, Liam Cross, Chris Hunt, David Lea, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andre Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright Back to top

09/10/2005 v Culcheth Eagles (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 40
Cultheth Eagles U11 - 12

The Unicorns were too strong and slick for a developing Culcheth side that never gave up the challenge throughout this game. Good strong runs, with a fast play-the-ball, laid a good platform for the Unicorns to move the ball out wide for their fast men to score tries.
Defence again was led by Callum Wright who is showing what a great addition he is to the Unicorns' team this season. Michael Wharton and Daniel Reid also put in a massive effort in defence.

Liam Cross was given the 'unsung hero' award for yet another all-round great performance. Matthew Wilkinson took control of the attacking formation, directing traffic left and right, but always going forward with slick passing and controlled kicking. He picked up the Player-of-the-Match award but this again was a solid team effort from the Unicorns.

A special mention about the try of the game - Liam Sullivan's try - he picked up a kick through on his own 10 metre line, stepped virtually the entire opposing team and ran on 60 metres to score under the posts, a top solo try.

Tries: - Chris Hunt 2, Jack Johnson 2, David Lea, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Callum Wright
Goals: - Chris Hunt, David Lea, Jake Slydell, Callum Wright

Team: -
Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Johnson James, Lea, Reid, Robertson, Slydel, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

16/10/2005 v Blackpool Scorpions (away)

Blackpool Scorpions U11 - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - '40'

This was an excellent all round team performance from the Unicorns with lots of testosterone on show from both teams throughout this game. The Unicorns showed that their blockbusting runs and fast play-the-balls can lay a platform for slick handling of the ball. This resulted in the tries being scored out wide and also under the posts. 'Unsung Hero' James Williams delivered pass after pass from the acting half position to the attacking players, this lead to the Unicorns getting the attacking roll on.

Andre Savelio scored 4 unicorns tries in the game but it was his hard tackling and offloading that got him the player of the match award. Jack Morgan, Liam Cross and Alex Robertson all attacked well, pushing the team forward throughout. Morgan, Callum Wright, and Jake Slydell (top tackler) all tackled unbelievably throughout, but it was defensive line moving in and out, time after time, that prevented Blackpool scoring more tries.

Tries - Andre Savelio 4, Jake Slydell 2, Chris Hunt, Matthew Wilkinson, Michael Wharton
Goals - Liam Cross, Chris Hunt, Liam Sullivan, Callum Wright

Team: -
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Savelio, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

23/10/2005 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 42
Blackbrook Royals U11 - 24

Yet another exceptional game of rugby from the Unicorns saw them beating Blackbrook for the first time ever in four seasons. This wasn't luck but a real hard show of true grit and determination from the Unicorns to gain a victory against a top rugby team like Blackbrook.

During the warm up the Unicorns' outstanding hooker James Williams was forced to withdraw from the match due to a hand injury. Michael Wharton was put into the hooker role and what an unbelievable performance he put in. Mikey topped the tackle count, was scooting from dummy-half, put attacking players into the gaps in the defensive line and he also scored a top try.

Even so he wasn't the player of the match this time as this went to 'the juggernaut', 'the tank', 'the rhino' - there is no name sufficient for way Callum Wright drove the ball in time after time punishing the Blackbrook line. With Callum's fast play-the-ball the Unicorns got on roll, which allowed Matthew Wilkinson to control the attacking line, constantly questioning Blackbrook's defensive efforts during the game.

Andre Savelio, Jack Morgan, and Ashley Cox all attacked vigorously during this game, with Jack Johnson, David Lea and Alex Robertson tackling solidly throughout.

This was possibly the best team performance that the Unicorns have put in since they were formed four years ago and they even had three regular players missing from the squad. With those included in the team it's thought the Unicorns will play just like did today and possibly continue to improve for the rest off the season

Tries:
Callum Wright (2), Matthew Wilkinson, Michael Wharton, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Jack Johnson, Liam Cross
Goals:
Chris Hunt, Andre Savelio, Callum Wright, Matthew Wilkinson, Michael Wharton

Team:
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Savelio, Wharton, Wilkinson, Wright, Williams (withdrawn) Back to top

06/11/2005 v Ashton Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 14
Ashton Bears U11 - 14

What a game to grace the hallowed turf of the Halliwell Jones Stadium as this game proved. The curtain raiser between the Unicorns and the Bears preceded the England v New Zealand match and was tit for tat all the way through. The final score of 14-14 a true relection of the even contest and the best outcome for this keenly fought game to finish.

The Unicorns attack was a bit under par compared to normal standards with the ball going to ground, players over-running the ball and not running onto the ball hard enough. However, this was probably down nerves in the awesome cauldron they were playing in. Even so there was some excellent inter-passing during the game and let's face who wouldn't have nerves?

Ashley Cox and Liam Sullivan attacked well throughout, with top tackler David Lea putting in a defensive effort of Goliath proportions from his centre position. It was Jake Slydell who took the player of the match plaudits for his darting runs, exceptional control and positioning during the game. Jake Morgan took the 'unsung hero' award for his flawless game plan throughout the duration of this match showing the team the way forward.

TRIES - Michael Wharton, David Lea and Matthew Wilkinson
GOALS - Matthew Wilkinson

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Savelio, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

27/11/2005 v Haydock Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 30
Haydock Warriors U11 18

Three weeks away from the rugby field meant that the bitter cold winds and driving rain couldn't damper the team spirit on show from the Unicorns today. The Latchford players encouraged each other, congratulated each other throughout this game while always keeping the crowd entertained with an outstanding show of sleek handling skills, superb line passing and powerful attacking runs from all.

Jake Slydell put in a gargantuan defensive effort and topped the tackle count. Jack Morgan, Ashley Cox, ably supported him along with Unsung Hero, James Johnson who all worked like automated tackling machines throughout this game. Liam Sullivan as hooker was faultless with fast passing to hands from the play-the-ball, jumping runs from the acting half back and he even scored a cheeky try.

Matthew Wilkinson led the attack from start to finish with some pinpoint passing to the stampeding Callum Wright, Daniel Reid and Michael Wharton. His tactical kicking game also continually asked questions of the Haydock defence. With the chasing pack of tacklers led by David Lea and Jack Johnson, Haydock found it hard to get out of the own half for long periods of the game.

Tries: Wright 2,Wilkinson 2, Sullivan, Wharton
Goals: Wilkinson, Sullivan, Wharton, Slydell

Team: -
Ryan Burgess, Ashley Cox, Liam Cross, Jack Johnson, James Johnson, David Lea,
Jack Morgan Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, Callum Wright Back to top

04/12/2005 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 32
Oldham St Anne's U11 - 20

When the scheduled fixture at Woolston Rovers was called off the coaches worked hard to ensure that there charges were able to continue their progress and hastily arranged a game with Oldham St Anne's. Yet another outstanding display of team spirit was on show from the Unicorns today against a gritty Oldham St Anne's team who had some very good individuals, with a special mention deserved for the young lady playing on the wing who tackled anything that came near her. Well done to her.

The Unicorns' passing game was on form again, with Matthew Wilkinson leading the way by offloading to the rampaging bull known as Andre Savelio. Andre repeatedly punched holes through the Oldham defence. Callum Wright and Ashley Cox were unstoppable and also asked questions of Oldham's resistance.

Defensively, the whole Unicorns' team moved in and out continually during the game with exceptional performances from Michael Wharton, Jake Slydel, Liam Cross and Jack Morgan racking up some incredible solo defensive tackles. The Unicorns had to defend six repeat sets on their own try line and 'unsung hero' Chris Hunt put his little battered body on the line set after set to protecting his side's try line.

Tries: - David Lea, Jake Slydel, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson Callum Wright
Goals: - David Lea , Jake Slydel, Matthew Wilkinson, Callum Wright Back to top

11/12/2005 v Pilkington Recs Cougars (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 0
Pilkington Recs Cougars U11 - 32

This proved to be another excellent game of rugby but unfortunately the Unicorns were unable to cross the white wash today. However, they never threw the towel in. The Pilks' defence and attacking lines were awesome and this is something the Unicorns must take on board and train harder week in, week out to compete with the likes of today's visitors. The return game in St Helens is at the end of the season and this will be a good target to aim at to see how (or if) the Unicorns have improved over the coming weeks.

There were some excellent runs, interpassing and defensive efforts from Latchford but it has to come from the whole team not just a few individuals. Outstanding performances did come from Callum Wright, Micheal Wharton, Jake Slydel and Ashley Cox. It should be bourne in mind that this is the team's first defeat of the season and should serve as a timely 'kick up the backside' before any complacency can creep in.

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Savelio, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Wright Back to top

15/01/2006 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 16
Thatto Heath Crusaders U11 - 28

This was an exceptional game of junior rugby to start of 2006 in style. There were lots of positives to be taken from this match for the Unicorns and only one or two negatives that will be work on during training. Overall there was tremendous entertainment on show between the Unicorns and the Crusaders, with the visitors from St Helens gaining a vital try either side of half time. This turned out to be the difference between two well-matched sides.

The Unicorns attacked well all through the game with Ashley Cox, Callum Wright and player of the match Jake Slydell continually probing the strong Crusaders' defensive line, which was breached on three occasions through Matty Wilkinson, Liam Sullivan, Cox. Wilkinson and Sullivan also converted their own tries. The Unicorns' free-following passing game was not as apparent as it had been, presumably some of the players were still finishing off some left over Christmas puddings. Defensively the Unicorns were both strong and poor in separate patches. A lack of tackling in twos and threes, allowing the Crusaders to gain valuable yards up the field. On a more positive note there were some enormous blockbusting one-on-one tackles from Jack Johnson, Jack Morgan and Chris Hunt to give the Unicorns inspiration for the aggression required in this game.

Team:
Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, J Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Slydel, Sullivan
Wharton, Wilkinson, Wright Back to top

22/01/2006 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 18
Ince Rose Bridge U11 - 28

Unfortunately the Unicorns weren't firing on all cylinders during this game with sloppy play-the-balls, poor line passing and most of all a bad defensive line. This all combined to allow Rose Bridge to gain valuable yards up the field time after time. That said the Unicorns did start well with two great tries within the opening ten minutes; one from Mathew Wilkinson and the other from Jack Morgan. It was then that errors took away that early impetus and lead to Ince leading 16-12 at half time.

The Unicorns usual strong kicking game was also below par today with Rose Bridge reading where the kicks were going. Jack Morgan scored his second try by intercepting and running the full length of the pitch. It was an excellent solo effort to outpace the fast chasing defenders of the opposition. Good personal performances came from Danny Reid, Liam Sullivan, Mikey Wharton with Matthew Wilkinson. The latter gained the player of the match award for conducting his troops and pushing the Unicorns forward. David Lea was the 'unsung hero' after putting in yet another monster defensive effort alongside Callum Wright who was top tackler.

Tries: Jack Morgan 2, Matthew Wilkinson
Goals: Liam Sullivan, Mickey Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson

Team:
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Wright Back to top

05/02/2006 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 18
Saddleworth Rangers U11 - 18

Yet again another entertaining game of junior rugby league on show today, with both teams matching each all the way through this under 11 encounter.The game flowed back and to with both sides running, tacking and kicking to each other, canceling out each others efforts throughout the match. It took an excellent short ball to the rampaging Ashley Cox to break through the defensive line. Cox ran thirty yards but was tracked down by two defenders but he somehow fended them off to score. Saddleworth got a fast response to level the scores 6 each at half time.

Top attacking runs from Daniel Reid, Callum Wright and Jake Slydell came to nothing as Saddleworth got the first try of the second half. Latchford again attacked hard through the forwards but a fast yet controlled play-the-ball went to Matty Wilkinson who did hiss usual show and go dummy to score. Saddleworth went back in front with some poor defending a round the ruck area. With the scores at 12-18 someone had to come up with something special and Mikey Wharton did just that with one of his bamboozling runs through the Saddleworth defenders, confusing them (and his teammates!) to score and an excellent try.

Daniel Reid was voted the Player-of-the-Match for his tireless attacking runs and top defensive efforts all through the game, but Ashley Cox, Jake Slydell and Matty Wilkinson pushed him hard. Top defensive efforts were on show from Top Tackler from Callum Wright, Liam Sullivan and Unsung Hero Jack Morgan.

Tries
Wilkinson, Wharton, Cox,
Goals
Wilkinson, Wharton, Liam Sullivan

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, J Johnson, Morgan, Robertson, Slydele, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright. Back to top

12/02/2006 v Rylands Sharks (away)

Rylands Sharks U11 - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns 11 - 32

The challenge was set early in the week with predictions and outcomes laid down by some of the players from the opposite team. So the Unicorns camp responded with:
"Let the game commence and well see who are the real gladiators at the end of the game". This derby game was always going to be a hard one with both teams having lots of young, up and coming stars playing for them. However, it was the Unicorns' players who seemed more up for the challenge with some blockbusting runs from Cox, Wright and Slydell, resulting with big Liam Cross scoring. Constant defensive pressure resulted with both teams making errors but again the Unicorns coped better , producing some excellent passing along the line that created gaps for the speedy Chris Hunt to step his way the try line. Just on the stroke of half time Jake Slydell got his first try after some more outstanding forward running by the Unicorns. 16-0 half time.

Rylands opened the second half scoring, but Latchford responded well as Jake Slydell getting his second try after some great work up the middle from Wright, Burgess and Wharton. Danny Reid capped off another great personnel display be scoring a try from another one of his rampaging direct runs. Wright, Morgan and Johnson on the right side with Sullivan, Wharton and Williams on the left tackled hard to keep the defensive line repeatedly moving forward. Even so the line was breached by a cheeky run from one of the Sharks' players. From the restart Wilkinson fed the ball to Slydell who broke through the tiring defence, to outpace any chasing tacklers and score under the posts to complete his first hat trick of the season. Rylands kept going and scored on the last play of the game to make it 32-16 in favour of Latchford.

Some top individual efforts were on display form all of the Unicorns today that, when joined together, produced an outstanding team exhibition of junior rugby in poor conditions thus keeping the crowd entertained throughout and wanting more from the Unicorns. Hopefully this display can be taken forward and matched during the remaining games of the Under 11's season. A special mention for Alex Robertson on gaining his first points of the season and to the injured David Lea who could be heard the other side of Warrington vocally encouraging his team mates throughout this game. Goals were kicked by Chris Hunt, Liam Sullivan, Callum Wright, Alex Robertson

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

19/02/2006 v Langworthy Reds (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 16
Langworthy Reds U11 - 6

Langworthy Reds became the Unicorns 33rd opponent as the Manchester-based outfit travelled to Victoria Park for the first time. The Unicorns usual trusty band of 16 regular squad members was two short as Jack Morgan and Callum Wright were unavailable but there was a big welcome back to David Lea returning from injury.

The game proved to be a good close match with just four tries scored, all in the first half. Matty Wilkinson?s fine passing skills constantly brought his teammates into the game but it was he who managed to grab his first hat trick of the season. Wilkinson also added a conversion to his tally. Mikey Wharton kicked a goal giving the Albion the win 16-6.

It took a great defensive display to restrict the opposition to just one converted try. Top tackler Ashley Cox led that rearguard with both Liam Sullivan and Chris Hunt registering their personal highest tackle counts of the season. Captain Danny Reid and powerhouse Jake Slydell had a big impact on the match while young JamesJohnson enjoyed one of his best games for the Unicorns with some fearless tackling and scooped the player-of-the-match award. Back to top

26/02/2006 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U11 - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns - 28

Yet again too many missed tackles by some of the squad players let Folly Lane in to score time after time. Additionally, there was a lack of desire to help out other team members defensively that let the Unicorns down in this match. Even so this was still an outstanding display of the attacking abilities of the Unicorn team.

As the match got under way the Unicorns controlled the game going forward with power and pace. Matty Wilkinson was directing the rampaging forward runs of Ashley Cox, Callum Wright, Danny Reid and Jake Slydell who were all punching holes in the home side's defensive line. Big Liam Cross produced an outstanding attacking and defending display throughout, constantly asking questions on each attacking run whilst in defence he put in some unbelievable big hits. Callum Wright again topped the tackle count but Jack Morgan produced the best tackle of the day on one of Folly's big forwards. Overall the defensive line was a great improvement moving in and out at pace. Liam Sullivan, Chris Hunt and Jack Johnson tried vigorously to stop the big attacking runs that the opposition directed at them during this game.

Message from the coach: "Having more faith in the players around you, not being selfish or having tunnel vision could lead to bigger things for the Unicorns in the last remaining games of the Under 11's season, but this is not to say don't go for it if you get half a chance to brake the line and score"

Tries: Matthew Wilkinson, Chris Hunt, Callum Wright, Jake Slydell 2
Goals: Wilkinson, Hunt, Slydell, Sulivan

Team:
Ryan Burgess, Ashley Cox, Liam Cross, Chris Hunt, Jack Johnson, James Johnson, David Lea, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Jake Slydele, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams Callum Wright Back to top

19/03/2006 v Orrell St James (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11s - 18
Orrell St James U11s - 20

It was the first game in three weeks and it provided a lesson in rugby the hard way against a strong physical Orrell team, but the Unicorns gave as good as they got during the game. An inability to control the play-the-ball area allowed the opposition to score first but the Unicorns replied quickly with a well taken try from Jack Morgan. Good attacking runs from Ashley Cox and Mikey Wharton came to nothing as Orrell scored again. A bad leg injury to Jake Slydell in the first half hampered the Unicorns during this half. Half time score 6-10.

Orrell started the stronger in the second half scoring two tries. Another injury to a Unicorn player saw Daniel Reid leave the field with a back injury putting the Unicorns under further pressure as they had no more replacements.The boys all had to knuckle down, roll the sleeves up and push their bodies to the max, which they all did for the remainder of this game. Good pressure from the Unicorns resulted in player-of-the-match, Jack Morgan getting his second of the day. 'Unsung Hero' Matthew Wilkinson also scored one in his 100th appearance in Latchford Albion Unicorns kit, the first player of this age group to achieve that landmark having never missed a game in four seasons. With only minutes to go the Unicorns forced an error and Ashley Cox picked up, ran hard and fast only to be stopped short of the line at which point the oposition referee decided the game should finish with Latchford adrift by just two points! Full time 18-20. Ashley Cox finished top tackler. Conversions were kicked by Morgan, Wilkinson and Wharton

Team
Liam Cross, Ryan Burgess, Ashley Cox, Chris Hunt, , David Lea, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Back to top

26/03/2006 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11s - 12
Blackbrook Royals U11s - 22

The Unicorns were 18-0 down before they started to compete evenly in this match, against a well-drilled Blackbrook side. Player for player Latchford contained the Blackbrook side once the teams were balanced out equally and with this parity the Unicorns produced some excellent attacking rugby and defended better late on in the game. The Unicorns attacked well with 'Unsung Hero' big Liam Cross, David Lea and Callum Wright constantly asking questions with their rampaging runs up the middle of the pitch. With good fast play-the-balls Matthew Wilkinson directed the attack with Jack Johnson, Jake Slydell and Jack Morgan running well the whole time. It was ome excellent defense from Blackbrook side that kept Latchford out.

Defence again was slow and lacklustre from the Unicorn's side apart from Ashley Cox, Jack Johnson and top tackler Callum Wright who all put in a mammoth effort through out this game. Jack Johnson was man of the match award after making his debut in the Unicorn's pack after a few positional reshuffles. Jack's strong, direct running style and outstanding defence showed how much he has developed throughout the season into and tremendous Rugby League player. Both Tries came in the second half from Ashley Cox and David Lea. The latter converted his and Michael Wharton converted the other.

Team
Liam Cross, Ryan Burgess, Ashley Cox, Chris Hunt, Jack Johnson, David Lea, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright Back to top

02/04/2006 v Wigan St Patrick's Warriors (away)

Wigan St Patrick's Warriors U11 - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 38

Outstanding, exceptional, dazzling are some of the words that can be said about this Battle Royal encounter between two evenly matched Under 11 teams in conditions that only a mud wrestler can really excel in. Both teams contained each other throughout, cancelling out each other's scoring efforts during the match with Latchford only scoring in the last play of the game to take the spoils.

Latchford attacked with power and pace today. They were piloted by Big Liam Cross, the Powerhouse Ashley Cox, the direct running of Jack Morgan and all controlled by Matthew Wilkinson. Matty explored the St Pat's line with his passing game putting Danny Reid through their line on numerous occasions, but it was his pinpoint kicking game that constantly asked questions and allowed David Lea and Jack Johnson to chase and put St Pats under pressure in their own 10. Inevitably each scored.

The defensive effort was a massive improvement on weeks gone by with the line speed and control excellent during the game. Massive tackling stints from Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton and James Williams and the little pocket battle ship Jack Johnson who put his body on the line for the entire game. Chris (Benji Marshall) Hunt had a incredible game, picking on the big St Pat's pack and tackling them one-on-one. His running, stepping, jumping out the way of the opposition's defence to run, pass and also score.

A special mention should go to David Lea on completing his first hat trick for the Unicorns. Other try scorers were Jack Johnson 2, Matthew Wilkinson and Chris Hunt while goals were kicked by James Johnson, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson and James Williams

Team
Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams Back to top

09/04/2006 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 14
Halton Farnworth Hornets U11 - 12

The crowd was entertained throughout in this hard fast Under 11 encounter between two evenly match sides and yet again, for the second week running, the Unicorns took the spoils on the last play of the game. It's the team's "never-say-die" attitude to play until the final whistle that took the spoils, this time with a coolly taken kick. Both teams put on an excellent exhibition of attacking rugby, strong defensive lines and most of all there was lots of young testosterone on show in this match.

The unicorns started of very well with Liam Cross, Daniel Reid and Jake Slydell all questioning the Hornets defence that held strong until the powerhouse, Ashley Cox went on another of his blockbuster runs down the middle channel to score the first try of the game. Once again Mikey Wharton came up with one of those touches of class that only he can do and he did it to score from close range. A strong defence effort led by Chris Hunt, Jack Morgan and James Johnson, kept Halton out during the first half. These three put in an endless stream tackles until the half time whistle blew. Half time 8-0

From the restart Halton Hornets came back onto the field the stronger and more egger to compete than the Unicorns. Twice they picked out the weak link in the Latchford line to score and convert two tries to give them a 12-8 lead. Outstanding attacking runs from Callum Wright, James Williams and Liam Sullivan from around the ruck area were all cancelled out by a strong defensive effort. Again Halton attacked strongly down the righthand side only to be stopped by some unreal one-on-one tackles from the ever-improving Jack Johnson . The Unicorns kept pushing throughout the remainder of the second half but nothing was forthcoming until an excellent cross field kick from Matthew Wilkinson was collected by Mikey Wharton and the ball moved onto Danny Reid and to David Lea who forced his way over the whitewash to bring the scores level. Up stepped "cool boot Wilkie" to slot the ball straight between the uprights to take the spoils.
Another top display of junior rugby league that kept the spectators entertains throughout and it was well ref and controlled by a new referee from Halton area.

A special mention is due about Liam Cross who today reached a milestone in his Latchford career with his 100th appearance for the club since he started back in 2002. Liam is a player who his improved his overall game massively throughout this particular season and, if he keeps going, he may push towards a Service Area call up next year.

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Hunt, Johnson, Johnson, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top

23/04/2006 v Haydock Warriors (away)

Haydock Warriors U11 - 30
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 32

Ground Hog Day, as yet again the never-say-die attitude of the Unicorns proved vital once more as, on the last play, David Lea scored in the corner and Matty Wilkinson converted to take the spoils. But it was frustration, frustration all the way during the match for the coaching staff as the Unicorns tried to make every attacking move their best ever; putting on fancy offloads, big passes and, when things are not going your way, passes don?t go to hands but go to the floor, big offloads go to ground and all they had to do was play basic rugby.

Haydock played exceptionally well throughout this game and with great team sprit on show. The match was one that could have graced any Super League venue as the crowd was entertained by players from one of the sides showing slick handling and both putting in some remarkable tacking. The Unicorns tacking machine, Callum Wright was pushed all the way for the top tackler spot by Ashley Cox, Jake Slydell and Jack Morgan who all put in a mind boggling amount of tackles during this game. Attacking wasnt on top form as stated earlier, but David Lea, Ash Cox and Jake Slydell all pushed forward time after time, questioning the Haydock line. James Williams scored his first try of the season today and today marked a special occasion for one of the Albion players as it was the 100th game for Liam Sullivan and he celebrated with a try and a goal.

Tries
David Lea 2, Ashley Cox, Liam Sullivan, James Williams, Callum Wright
Goals
Ashley Cox, Liam Sullivan, Callum Wright, Matthew Wilkinson

Team
Burgess, Cox, Cross, Lea, Morgan, Reid, Robertson, Slydell, Sullivan, Wharton, Wilkinson, Williams, Wright Back to top