U12 Unicorns 2005-06
25/09/2005 v Crosfields Vipers (away)
02/10/2005 v Chorley Panthers (home)
09/10/2005 v Culcheth Eagles (home)
16/10/2005 v Ashton Bears (away)
23/10/2005 v Parkside Golborne (home) Lancashire Cup 2nd Rnd
30/10/2005 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)
06/11/2005 v Ashton Bears (away)
20/11/2005 v Latchford Albion Giants (away)
27/11/2005 v Mayfield Mustangs (away)
04/12/2005 v Widnes Moorfield (home)
11/12/2005 v Folly Lane (home)
08/01/2006 v Crosfields Cobras (home) NWC Cup 1st Round
15/01/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)
22/01/2006 v Ashton Bears (away)
05/02/2006 v Chorley Panthers ('away')
12/02/2006 v Culcheth Eagles (home) NWC Cup quarter-final
19/02/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (away)
26/02/2006 v Woolston Rovers (home)
19/03/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (home) NWC Cup semi final
26/03/2006 v Culcheth Eagles (away)
02/04/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (home)
09/04/2006 v Leyland Warriors (away)
23/04/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)
30/04/2006 v Widnes Moorfield (away)
25/09/2005 v Crosfields Vipers (away)
Crosfields Vipers U12 - 10Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 28
A great start to the new season, Latchford showed great discipline during the first half scoring 18 unanswered points due a level of shared defensive discipline that was missing last season. The second half however saw a determined Crosfields cross the line twice as the Latchford defence capitulated to the Vipers' attacks. During the latter stages of the game the Latchford determination returned and a quite convincing victory was eventually recorded.
Players noted in the action were: -
Jon Rigby, awarded "Best Attack", whose overall commitment and sheer Rugby-minded play could have netted him any of today's awards for his efforts. Jon scored 3 tries.
Gavin Bennion, awarded "Best Defence", for a much improved tackling effort and attitude that inspired a greater effort from others around him. Gavin scored 2 conversions.
Luke Davis, awarded "Player of the Match", on his debut League game Luke showed great maturity on the wing and committed himself throughout in defence. His efforts were awarded with a try and 2 conversions and looks to have a very fruitful season in front of him.
Nigel Hankey also scored a try. Back to top
02/10/2005 v Chorley Panthers (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 12Chorley Panthers U12 - 18
The result was arbitrary to a great game of Rugby League, played in good spirit by both teams with high energy action from beginning to end. The Latchford pack dominated the first half in "hard yard" go-forward, setting up decent field position time and again from which the backs maintained the attacking advantage. This was matched by a solid and controlled defensive team effort which saw Latchford leave the field at half time 12-4 in front.
The second half was less auspicious for the Unicorns as the controlled discipline of the first half left the team and they allowed themselves to get drawn into a scrappy centre of the park slog, which they ultimately lost to a more determined set of Panthers. The winning try coming ironically from a Latchford player loaned to Chorley to make up numbers.
Player Awards: -
Team Players - Went to Alex Kirkby who for a time played well for the Unicorns but was inspired on the wing for Chorley scoring their winning try!!!, also loaned to the opposition were Ben Clarke, Adam Ewing and Joe Cooper whose total commitment to the game earned them a sportsmanship award.
Defensive Award - Went to Tim Mitchell who had a decisive attacking game scoring a try but whose continuous hounding defensive effort earned him this weeks best defender award.
Attacking Award - Was given to the pack leader Billy Martin for a determined performance whose "hard yards" eventually earned him a try and the best attack award.
Luke Davis converted both tries. Back to top
09/10/2005 v Culcheth Eagles (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 42Culcheth Eagles U12 - 12
A spirited effort from the visitors who could not ultimately compete with the faster and more expansive rugby of the Unicorns but never gave up the chase and were a credit to their Coaches. We hope in the future the Eagles can attract more players so as to give them a stronger platform from which they can compete. So far this season the Unicorns have not played a 13-aside match and today's encounter was no exception as yet again four Unicorns became Eagles for half a game each. They each played hard and competitively against their own team and they deserve plaudits for their conduct.
Latchford's go-forward was almost faultless today with some big efforts from players who do not normally dominate. The movement of the ball and inclusive rugby gave opportunity to the flanks and the Unicorns made many points from simply passing the ball down a running line and exploiting the overlap. We hope this basic tactic is used in more challenging games in the coming months.
The Latchford defensive effort for much of the game was enough to keep the Eagles' wings clipped but a few moments of indiscipline in the line let in the opposition twice, though comfort was taken from the fact Latchford players on loan made the "hard yards" which set up the tries.
Player Awards
Team Players - Went to the 4 players who played for the opposition, these were Ryan Farnan, Billy Martin, Luke Boden and the pick of bunch Tom Corroboy.
Best Defence - Awarded to Captain for the day Nigel Hankey whose commitment to training has paid dividends in this encounter.
Best Attack - Went to ever reliable scrum half Shaun Rigby, who set up many of the opportunities for those 7 players who scored today with his inspired field play at dummy half.
Players who scored tries were Adam Ewing, Lewis Melia, Ryan Farnan, Tom Brady, Tom Corroboy, Alex Kirkby, Luke Davis (2) and 5 conversions. Back to top
16/10/2005 v Ashton Bears (away)
Ashton Bears U12 - 22Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 16
Although there were some good individual performances in this match, Latchford?s lack of team work and inability to defend ultimately cost them the game. Trailing 10-0 at half time after some costly unenforced handling errors, the Unicorns battled to register scores from Billy Martin, Lewis Melia and team player Joe Cooper. Melia and Lewis also kicked goals. However, the earlier setbacks proved too much and the home side held on to register the win. The top attack award went to Ryan Farnan, and top defender was Adam Ewing. Back to top
23/10/2005 v Parkside Golborne (home) Lancashire Cup 2nd Rnd
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 4Golborne Parkside U12s - 30
A hard-fought and enthralling Lancashire County Cup second round tie. The final score line flattered the visitors who were pushed all the way by a determined Latchford team effort. Team player Tim Mitchell led the way with an excellent overall performance including forceful running that punched holes in the Golborne defensive line. The drive of joint top attackers Gavin Bennion and Billy Martin often had the visitors on the back foot. Shaun Rigby scored the Unicorns' try. A superb defensive display by fullback Ben Clarke including a couple of notable try-saving tackles, earned him the top defender accolade. In defeat the Latchford boys could hold their heads up high and be proud of an excellent display. Back to top
30/10/2005 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 30Saddleworth Rangers U12s - 10
This was a hard-fought encounter in energy sapping conditions. The Latchford team played some exciting and fast flowing rugby, despite the very heavy pitch. Going in at half time 10-8 down the Unicorns started the second half with power and pace, ultimately scoring 22 unanswered points and overpowering the visiting side. Leading the way in defence was captain Luke Boden whose efforts were rewarded with the top defenders' trophy. Ryan Farnan received the top attack award and Gavin Bennion gained the team player accolade for his hat-trick of tries and three conversions. Other tries were scored by Ryan Farnan, Billy Martin and Shaun Rigby. Back to top
06/11/2005 v Ashton Bears (away)
Ashton Bears U12s - 20Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 20
This was an enthralling game played in very heavy conditions. With seven squad members unavailable due to either illness or injury, a makeshift Albion team performed admirably and earned a well deserved draw. It was made even more sweeter coming just three weeks after losing in a prequel of this fixture. Ryan Farnan's 'go-forward' attitude caused endless problems for the home team. He was supported by some resolute defence from Tom Corroboy and overall game play by player-of-the-match, Joe Cooper. Ryan and Joe both scored a try each, while Luke Boden grabbed two. Luke Davies kicked two goals. Back to top
20/11/2005 v Latchford Albion Giants (away)
Latchford Albion Giants U12 - 30Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 0
The Unicorns were given an enforced fortnight's rest as the weather prevented them from valuable match practise at home to Culcheth Eagles. In what can be described as a great game for the spectators the Unicorns came off second best to their Latchford Albion rivals. It was the first time the two sides have met since the Giants came under the Latchford Albion umbrella. The Giants' exapansive game saw them score all but one of the tries out wide. A sign of the heart and spirit of the Unicorns' was that they never gave up the fight and came close to scoring right at the death but the Giants' defensive line just held out until the final whistle. Back to top
27/11/2005 v Mayfield Mustangs (away)
Mayfield Mustangs U12s 10Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s 24
After a disappointing performance last time out, the Unicorns bounced back in fine style to dominate the game in all areas. A strong start saw the Albion score four tries early on with a lone response from the home side. The Latchford pack overpowered the Rochdale side setting up numerous chances for the backs and only desperate defence by the home team kept the scoreline down. The second half saw Mayfield come on strong but with a twenty point deficit to make up this provided too high a hill to climb.
A lone score in the second half was sufficient to decide the outcome with Latchford again camped in the home teams 20m for a considerable amount of time. Team player and captain Billy Martin led from the front whilst Luke Boden excelled in defence. The top attack award went to Steven Hay for his darting runs and superb distribution from his first start in the hooking position.
Try scorers: Billy Martin, Luke Boden (2) and Gavin Bennion (2)
Goal scorers: Gavin Bennion (2) Back to top
04/12/2005 v Widnes Moorfield (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 32Widnes Moorfield U12 - 20
The only thing missing from this excellent game of rugby was a victory that the Latchford side truly deserved. Defensively the Albion were superb and dealt with everything thrown at them by the visitors, whilst the 'go forward' attitude by the team showed flare and invention with strong drives from the forward line and some fine ball movement from the backs. Elliott Sampson, on his debut, made some devastating runs and the try scorers, Ryan Farnan and Alex Kirkby, always looked dangerous with ball in hand. Gavin Bennion kicked a conversion. No individual accolades were given out as the whole team as a unit were worthy of praise jointly. Back to top
11/12/2005 v Folly Lane (home)
Folly Lane U12 - 22Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 0
After a recent run of good results an under strength Latchford side came down to earth with a bang . The inability to deal with the home team in the first half resulted in 18 un-answered points . The Albion can, however, take heart from a much improved second half, conceding one try and they were unfortunate not to register points themselves. Paul Coleman excelled going forward and provided a platform for his team-mates to put pressure on the home team for almost the entire second half , only determined defence by Folly Lane kept the visitors out . Shaun Rigby was awarded top defence for his last ditch tackle running a full 50 metres to deny the attacker and Joe Cooper was awarded Man of the Match for an excellent all round performance Back to top
08/01/2006 v Crosfields Cobras (home) NWC Cup 1st Round
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 34 Crosfields Cobras U12s - 4This was an excellent performance from a Latchford side fresh from the Christmas break. After registering early tries the Albion never looked back in this enthralling North West Counties Cup 1st Round tie. The Latchford forwards totally dominated the opposition creating a platform for the backs to capitalise on. To the visitors' credit they never let their heads go down and fought hard to the end and were rewarded with a score of their own in the second period.
Gavin Bennion received the top attack award for his strong running, 2 tries and 4 superbly taken conversions. Luke Boden was a constant thorn in the opposition's side and his outstanding defensive display rightly earned him the top defender accolade whilst stand off Shaun Rigby who was at the centre of all the good work and selflessly set up four of the Albions tries was presented with the man of the match award.
Try scores: - Luke Boden, Lewis Melia, Billy Martin, Ryan Farnan, Gavin Bennion (2), Alex Kirkby, Paul Coleman
Goal scorers: - Gavin Bennion (4), Luke Davies (1) Back to top
15/01/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 18Mayfield Mustangs U12s - 10
This was a competitive game from the kick off in which both teams were evenly matched, although the visitors from Rochdale took a first half advantage. A reinvigorated Latchford team came out in the second half and played a consumate attacking game to give Mayfield no quarter for reply to fourteen unanswered points.
Latchford's new boys took the awards with debut player Luke Mellis taking the "best attack" award for a dynamic performance and a first half try. George Lofthouse, in only his second outing, was awarded the best defence accolade for a very mature and organized game, he also scored a try. Elliot Sampson's drives, tackling and passes earned him the "best team player" award. Other try scorers were Gavin Bennion who also converted and Ryan Farnan. Back to top
22/01/2006 v Ashton Bears (away)
Ashton Bears U12s - 24Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 22
A game played in very heavy conditions that was really lost by the Latchford team rather than won by home side after three costly errors in the in-goal area gifting Ashton three converted tries. Due to the home side's insufficient numbers, five players were loaned to the Bears, which considerably strengthened their side. After racing into an early lead the Albion made a series of errors that knocked them out of their stride and from which they never fully recovered . Even so only a missed conversion from in front of the posts separated the teams at the final whistle.
There were however, some strong performances throughout the game. None more so than Ben Clarke whose superb defensive efforts ensured a deserved top defence award. Gavin Bennion picked up the top attacker award for his two tries, three conversions and some strong go-forward play. Other try scorers were Ryan Farnan and Luke Boden. The team player award was quite rightly awarded jointly to the five players who were loaned to the opposition and thus ensured a game was played at all. These generous team-spirited players were Tom Corroboy, Adam Ewing, Nigel Hankey, Luke Boden and Tim Mitchell . Back to top
05/02/2006 v Chorley Panthers ('away')
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 12Chorley Panthers U12 - 20
The venue was switched to Victoria Park due to pitch congestion at Chorley. A lack of concentration at vital points during the match and a series of relatively unforced errors cost the Unicorns the game. If the team had stuck to the game plan they worked so hard in training to achieve the disappointment in the result would have been easier to bear. Having said that the Panthers were a very well-drilled outfit who did play with method and organisation and were worthy opponents who deserved their victory.
A Latchford player who was at centre of all things positive was Luke Boden who was tireless in defence making an outstanding 17 tackles and with clever distribution at stand off earned himself the Player of the Match award. Luke Mellis at left centre also made an outstanding contribution to Latchford's defensive effort chasing from marker and securing the channel on his wing earned him the Best Defence award. The Unicorns' big number 8, Billy Martin, starting as substitute due to a slight ankle injury, made a real impact when he did come on. Billy scored two tries and was awarded Best Attack award.
Gavin Bennion converted both of Latchford's tries. Back to top
12/02/2006 v Culcheth Eagles (home) NWC Cup quarter-final
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 38Culcheth Eagles U12 - 6
This was a North West Counties cup game played in great spirit and good nature by both teams in atrocious weather conditions. Raining, Cold, muddy with an almost waterlogged pitch, the lads loved it !!
The scoreline belies the fact that Culcheth, with each encounter, continue to improve their game and the Unicorns had to work hard in all departments to achieve the scoreline. The weather surprisingly played little part in the match with Latchford using their big pack to make ground and dominate the centre of the pitch and then using this advantage to let in the backs, who won the game around the Culcheth Flanks.
With an almost flawless Team effort ALL game awards went deservedly to the whole team. Special mention should go to the 'kit men' for the week Sara and Ian Sampson who will probably wish they had shares in Persil
Try Scorers:- Luke Boden 2, Gavin Bennion, Alex Kirkby, Luke Mellis, George Lofthouse, Paul Coleman, Luke Davis.
Conversions:- Gavin Bennion 4, Luke Davis 1. Back to top
19/02/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (away)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 14Latchford Albion Giants U12 - 20
This was an excellent and competitive match from both Latchford U12 teams. The Giants started well scoring from their own half using good footwork and pace, they quickly opened up an 8 point advantage. The Unicorns stuck to their task well, cut out unforced errors and the strength of the pack started to dominate. Good work from the industrious Tom Corroboy sent Ben Clarke in at the corner. Shaun Rigby, controlling the middle of the park, sold a dummy and, with excellent footwork, went in under the sticks. Gavin Bennion converted.
The Giants scored twice early on in the second half, but the Unicorns rallied and with Gavin Bennion forcing his way over after good work from the pack, an enthralling finish was set up. The Giants held out against some late pressure from the Unicorns. Notable performances for the Unicorns came from Gavin Bennion, Joe Cooper and Luke Mellis. Player of the Match was awarded Tom Corroboy, the Defence award went to Tim Mitchell, Attack award winner was Ryan Farnan. Try scorers were Shaun Rigby, Ben Clarke, Gavin Bennion Back to top
26/02/2006 v Woolston Rovers (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns Under 12 - 14Woolston Rovers Under 12 - 22
Two evenly matched teams played out a hard, physical game with neither side giving any quarter to the other. The score could have easily been reversed had mistakes in defence by the Latchford side been avoided. However, the home side are improving game by game and were easily a match for the visiting side who have recently dropped down to group B in the fixture listings.
The drive and go-forward effort by the whole of the Latchford side led to the top attack award being shared by them all. Tim Mitchell's hard work in defence earned him the top defence award and Gavin Bennion's hat-trick of tries and one conversion, along with his powerful running that kept the visitors constantly on the back foot, ensured he collected the team player award. Back to top
19/03/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (home) NWC Cup semi final
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 8Latchford Albion Giants U12 - 30
When the draw was made for this North West Counties Development Cup semi-final both camps were given an extra incentive to proceed not only to the Final but also it gave additional spice to the tie playing their fellow club mates.
The Giants were quick to take advantage of some slack defence down the Unicorns left flank and quickly raced into a 12 to nothing lead. To the Unicorns credit they rallied and were rewarded with an excellent score in the corner by Player of the Match, Luke Mellis. Unfortunately the slack defence on the Unicorns' left allowed the Giants to register more points and at half time the score was 4-18 in the visitors' favour.
The second half started in similar fashion with the Unicorns conceding yet another try which ultimately game themselves a mountain to climb. They didn't give up though and managed a further score again down the wing, this time the scorer being Luke Davies. As tiredness set in the defensive line again became fragmented allowing the Giants to eventually finish with a 30 to 8 victory. There were, however, some positive performances from Lewis Mellis who collected the top defence award and Gavin Bennion who tried in vain to drive the Unicorns forward and finishing with the top attack trophy Back to top
26/03/2006 v Culcheth Eagles (away)
Culcheth Eagles U12s - 0Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - '30'
After the disappointment of last weeks semi-final defeat at the hands of the Latchford Giants, the Unicorns regained their form with a comprehensive victory over the Eagles, who battled hard throughout with commendable spirit. Despite having several players in unaccustomed positions, the Unicorns settled quickly with Tom Corroboy running from dummy half from 25 metres to open the scoring. An accurate chip kick by scrum half 'Fred' Melia found Gavin Bennion who collected with some skill to score under pressure. With the Latchford forwards, led by strong running captain Billy Martin, starting to dominate the Eagles' pack, space was created for George Lofthouse to wrong foot several players on an angled run to the line. A fine pass from centre Gavin Bennion then put George Lofthouse in at right hand corner for his second. After a determined run down the left flank by fullback Shaun Rigby, Luke Mellis did well to touch down despite hard work from the Culcheth cover defence.
In the second half, the Unicorns, without looking back, kept the pressure on the Eagles. Playing a more expansive game than recently, some exciting rugby resulted in excellent scores. After retrieving an Eagles? kick, a 75 metre move started by Shaun Rigby, linking through several pairs of hands was finished with a good try by the corner flag by Tom Corroboy. The Eagles maintained their enthusiasm, and applied strong pressure on the Unicorns' line for several sets of six, but determined defence succeeded in repelling the onslaught, with Tom Brady, Joe Cooper and Tim Mitchell featuring strongly in defence. With the Eagles' side being stretched with excellent team rugby, the Unicorns finished the game strongly with a long range try from Shaun Rigby, good work from Gavin Bennion for his second, and a further score from Luke Mellis.
The Best Attack, Best Defence and Team Player trophies were award to the whole team for an outstanding team effort with every player contributing to fine all-round display from a revitalised Unicorns outfit. Scorers for the Unicorns were Tom Corroboy (2), Gavin Bennion (2), Luke Mellis (2), George Lofthouse (2) and Shaun Rigby. Gavin Bennion kicked 3 conversions. Back to top
02/04/2006 v Latchford Albion Giants (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 4Latchford Albion Giants U12 - 24
For the fourth time this season the two Latchford U12s met each other. This encounter proved to be another tough derby match played in very heavy and wet conditions which ultimately suited the expansive play of the Giants. The Unicorns lack of defensive organisation was punished in the first half with 20 unanswered points being scored against them. This season has shown that in any game 5 minutes of lack of concentration, especially when on the back foot against a well drilled team, will result in points being scored. This lesson needs to be learned and quickly as next season the games are played in competitive Leagues.
The second half saw a vastly improved defensive effort from the Unicorns but any sustained go-forward opportunity was continually thrown away. The one offensive highlight from this half was the try scored by Tom Corroboy from a simple set of plays that the lads unfortunately did not reproduce again. Though quite comprehensively beaten in the end some small comfort can be taken from drawing the second half. Pick of the pack was Paul Coleman, a Prop Forward, who was one of the few to not give up. In defence Tom Brady, our little Scum Half, shone to continue a season that has simply got better and better. The Team Player was Tim Mitchell, a Second Rower, who showed great determination in defensive and fought hard to make yards. Back to top
09/04/2006 v Leyland Warriors (away)
Leyland Warriors U12 - 4Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 12
After a number of lacklustre performances recently, the Unicorns finally put on a performance that was simply something else. The master plan was to play simple but effective rugby, which they duly did but only after conceding a first minute try. This minor setback was soon forgotten and side pressed forward determined to make this another perfect day. With Luke Mellis playing at fullback for only the second time, the home side found that if they managed to break through the tough Albion defence they had no answer for his covering tackles. This boy is certainly built for speed and uses it to his advantage both in defence and attack. Strong go-forward by the Albion's two try scorers, Gavin Bennion and Luke Boden, gave Latchford a 12-4 half time lead, both scores converted well by Bennion.
The Latchford pack was a constant thorn in the warriors' side, with the two props, Billy Martin and Joe Cooper, sapping the defenders energy allowing the back line to play free flowing rugby. The second period was dominated by the defensive efforts of both sides. On another day the Albion may have tired but this day they pressed forward in search of more points. However, the home side, assisted by some handling errors, kept them at bay. In the end Leyland had to bite the bullet and left the field gutted and broken by a side that played with their hearts on their sleeves and some excellent fast and loose rugby
The Top Attack award was presented to Shaun Rigby who excelled in the number 9 shirt for his distribution. Top Defence was won by Elliott Sampson who tackled fearlessly all morning and the Team Player award was picked up by Nigel Hankey who worked tirelessly in all areas of the park. Back to top
23/04/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 20Mayfield Mustangs U12 - 26
Latchford started very slowly showing no feeling of enthusiasm for defensive duties. This caused problems for the home team who failed to gain any decent field position early in the game. With some rotten tackling, Mayfield were allowed to run strongly a cooked up some excellent rugby to take a deserved early 10 point lead. However, the Unicorns offered no submission and gathered some momentum to earn good field position. After a drive to the posts a quick play the ball and good hands out to the right wing gave Luke Davis space to score in the corner.
The Unicorns rectified their lacklustre defensive efforts from the first half and created early pressure on the Mayfield line. The Unicorns second try was an excellent individual try from winger Luke Davis, backing his pace against the Mayfield cover defence, he left several bodies in his wake before cutting inside at precisely the right time to score close to the posts. Latchford's right hand side again ran rampant, causing anarchy in the Mayfield defence. This time thanks to a typical Ryan Farnan strong run, breaking several tackles with evasive footwork and a viscous sidestep to level the scores at 14 a piece. Having fought back strongly, the Unicorns relaxed and some pretty vacant defensive work allowed Mayfield to regain control and build up a 26-14 lead. The Unicorns final score was an individual effort with Luke Mellis taking the ball at full back and running the length of the field to score.
However, it was too little too late for the Unicorns who have to realise that despite the sunny weather the game is not a holiday in the sun. Trophies were awarded to Tom Brady for his continued improvement in defence and another strong show took the player of the match award. Luke Davis for two very well taken tries received the top attacker award. Elliott Sampson received top defence for some strong hits in defence Back to top
30/04/2006 v Widnes Moorfield (away)
Widnes Moorfield U12 - 26Latchford Albion Unicorns U12 - 30
After a long hard season Latchford travelled the short distance to Widnes Moorfield for their final game. Upon arrival it was revealed that Moorfield could only field 10 players so from an initial game plan involving 16 of the Albion side, players and positions were shuffled to accommodate.The sudden change did not affect the way the side performed and they quickly moved into a 4 point lead following an excellent flowing move passing through 4 sets of hands before being touched down in the corner by Luke Mellis. A new half back partnership between scrum half Lewis Melia and standoff Gavin Bennion worked well and the pair started to dictate the pattern of the game . Following good work by the forwards a last tackle cross field kick was superbly taken by Ben Clarke who scored easily, this was followed up by Gavin Bennion who touched down a short time later giving the visitors a 14 points to 10 half time lead.
The home side started the stronger in the second half and made good use of the sloped pitch to score 10 unanswered points. However, the Albion rallied again and some smart play by Joe Cooper and Shaun Rigby who grabbed a try each gave the lads a 10 point lead going into the last 5 minuets. Moorfield kept the pressure on by getting a futher converted score with moments to play but it was left to captain for the day Lewis Melia to seal the win with a short range effort in the dying seconds. This was made all the more enjoyable as Lewis was playing his final game for the club before emigrating to Australia with his family in the summer. Gavin Bennion converted three of the six tries scored and the playing awards were quite rightly shared by the whole side whose performance warranted nothing less. Back to top