Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 18
Widnes Moorfield U13 - 0

Widnes Moorfield were unable to register their squad in time to enable them to fulfil this fixture and were forced to concede, giving the Unicorns their first league points of the season Back to top

10/09/2006 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U13 - 4
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16

After the disappointment of the previous week's postponed game the Albion got their season off to a flying start with a hard fought victory. Early pressure by the home team gave them a 4 point lead but the Latchford side responded superbly and were rewarded with an individual try from Shaun Rigby which was converted by Gavin Bennion.

Turning around 6-4 ahead the Albion never looked back scoring two more tries from Tom Corroboy and a second from Rigby. Gavin Bennion added a further conversion. This was made possible by sterling forward play by the Latchford pack. The game finished 16 points to 4 in favour of the Albion with Shaun Rigby and prop Paul Coleman sharing the man of the match award. Back to top

17/09/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 22
Mayfield Mustangs U13 - 10

Latchford have continued in the winning way with another strong performance against a well-drilled visiting side. The Albion started slowly conceding an early try but rallied and never let their heads drop scoring 3 times before the break, 2 of which were converted well.

The second half was a tight affair with defences being on top. Both sides did register scores but the Albion converted their chance with Mayfield failing with the kick. A strong performance from fullback Luke Mellis earned him the man of the match award.

Try scores were Luke Mellis, Billy Martin, Ryan Farnan and Gavin Bennion who also kicked three goals. The team now have a week off before meeting local rivals Culcheth Eagles on 1st October. Back to top

01/10/2006 v Culcheth Eagles (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 48
Culcheth Eagles U13 -14

The Albion continued with their unbeaten start to the season with a convincing home win against local rivals Culcheth. Early pressure resulted in 2 tries from Paul Coleman and Elliott Sampson, the visitors however rallied and hit back with 2 quick scores levelling the game at 10-10. Latchford then took the game by the scruff of the neck and the power of the pack mixed with the pace of the backs ensured further scores by Luke Mellis (2) and Gavin Bennion, 3 of which were converted by Bennion.

Turning round at 26-10 the Unicorns started the second half as the first with tries from Ryan Farnan, Tom Corroboy, Steven Hay and a superb full length kick return from his own 10 metre line from Luke Mellis who completed his hat trick of tries. Bennion converted 3 of these scores.

Tom Corroboy was awarded the Man of the Match award for his tireless work in both defence and attack. Overall an excellent display and with confidence growing every game the next match can?t come around quick enough Back to top

08/10/2006 v Weaverham Wolves (away)

Weaverham Wolves U 13 - 2
Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 28

The hard work on the training field is now paying dividends as the Albion registered their 5th straight win in this NWC Div 3 encounter. Defensively the Latchford team were superb in both their organisation and application only conceding one first half penalty throughout the whole game. To keep a side try less in any fixture is a feat unto itself with the home side having a number of opportunities to score, only to be thwarted by a superb back 3 of Luke Mellis, George Lofthouse and Luke Davies.

Building on this defensive display Latchford scored 6 very well sculptured tries varying from use of the ball passing through many sets of hands to some fine individual efforts.

Try scores were Luke Mellis (2), Gavin Bennion (1), Joe Cooper (1), Ben Clarke (1) and George Lofthouse (1). Gavin Bennion managed to convert just 2 of these scores. Back to top

15/10/2006 v Crosfield Vipers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 24
Crossfields Vipers U13 - 10

Both sides entered this local derby unbeaten and in the top two positions in Division 3 of the NWCs league.

The Albion took control early on and scored two well-taken tries from Shaun Rigby and Paul Coleman, one of which was converted by Gavin Bennion. A feature of this season has been the Latchford defence and this match was no exception, however the visitors did capitalise on a mistake at a scrum allowing them to register a try which was well converted.

Turning around 10-6 in front Latchford continued to pressure the visitors' line and with a little more composure would have certainly stretched their lead. A string of penalties conceded however gave the impetuous back to Crossfields who levelled the scores at 10-10 early in the half. The Albion then knuckled down and took the game by the scruff of the neck scoring a succession of tries from Luke Mellis, Luke Boden and a second from Paul Coleman. Bennion managed to convert one of these scores.

The final score of 24-10 reflected the hard work and teamwork currently being expressed by the Albion which has now given them six victories from six starts and they quite rightly sit proud on top of the division. Back to top

22/10/2006 v Crosfield Cobras (away)

Crosfields Cobras U13 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 82

Both sides in this local derby were unable to put out full teams, Latchford only having 12 available players and Crosfields only 10. This did not, however, stop the Albion comprehensively defeating the home team who, to their credit, never gave up the fight.

A dazzling display of hard hitting rugby saw the Albion score 16 unanswered tries. A half time score of 30 points to nil proved to be just the start of the route as the second period proved more fruitful with a further 52 points being added before the final whistle. The display also gave the opportunity for some players to experience different playing positions and to express themselves more freely than is usually possible.

Three players registered hat tricks in the game , these being Luke Jones, Nathan Fernyhough and George Lofthouse, other tries were scored by Billy Martin, Ryan Farnan, Joe Cooper, Tim Mitchell, Paul Coleman and Tom Corroboy who scored twice. Nine of these scores were converted, 2 by Luke Jones and 7 from Gavin Bennion. The only blemish on the performance was the sin binning of full back Ben Clarke who was unlucky to receive a yellow card late in the second half for a perceived high tackle. All in all an excellent display of attacking rugby , with the defence once again holding firm which was just a pleasing to the coaching team as the points scored Back to top

29/10/2006 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 38

Latchford came into this away fixture against Saddleworth with a hundred percent record in league games this season, and they left with the same. From the kick off some unenforced errors allowed the visitors to press the Albion line but one feature of this season has been the superb defensive displays and today was no exception, after absorbing the early pressure Latchford started to play some exciting fast flowing rugby . This pressure was converted into points as tries from Gavin Bennion, George Lofthouse and Luke Mellis put the visitors firmly in control.

Going in at half time 14-0 up allowed some reorganisation in key areas, this resulted in 5 second half tries from Billy Martin, Shaun Rigby, Paul Coleman and further scores for George Lofthouse and Gavin Bennion, Bennion managed to convert 3 of the scores. Frustrated by the lack of attacking ball , the home side gave a number of penalties away putting themselves under more pressure and lost a player to a sin binning 8 minutes from time meaning they had to finish the match a player short. The Albion refused to retaliate to this type of play and Captain Luke Boden who was also awarded Man of the Match ensured the lads kept their minds on the game with excellent leadership and directional skills. The effort and spirit in the squad is second to none at the moment and confidence is building after each victory. Back to top

05/11/2006 v Widnes Moorfield (away)

Widnes Moorfield U13 - 8
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 32

Albion went into this match full of confidence but were made to work hard for every point from a fast skilful home side who due to registration issues were playing their first fixture this season. A mistake from the kick off gave Moorfield the advantage and excellent use of the ball and dummy runners saw them score in the left hand corner with only minutes on the clock. Spurned on by this excellent start the home side pressed forward putting the Albion under vast amounts of pressure with only mistakes letting Latchford breath. Slowly but surely the visitors fought their way back into the game and would have levelled the scores only for the ball to be knocked on over the score line. Latchford did however manage to score two first half tries from Luke Jones and Elliott Sampson neither of which could be converted.

Turning round at half time 8-4 in front Latchford took control of the game with games under their belt match fitness started to take control and some slick ball handling and powerful forward play laid the base for five further second half scores, try scores in this half were Luke Mellis (2), George Lofthouse (2) and Gavin Bennion (1), two of which were converted well by Bennion. Late in the game the Albion took their foot of the gas and allowed the home side to register a further unconverted try. Both sides can be praised for the manner the game was played with excellent skill levels and sportsmanship all over the park. Ryan Farnan in his first game at the Loose Forward position rightly took the Man of the Match award for his tireless go forward and hard hitting defence. Back to top

12/11/2006 v Ashton Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 30
Ashton Bears U 13 - 4

Albion played the Bears 3 times last year, losing 2 and drawing 1. Having already registered a close win against them in the first game of this season the home side were determined to ensure their winning run continued. The result showed that the side has improved greatly since last season and are confident to continue doing well.
The visitors started strongly putting pressure on the Albion's line; this was dealt with well by the combined defensive efforts of the 13 on the field. Some smart play from the backs combined with hard work from the pack allowed the home side to score 3 first half tries , the scores being Luke Jones , Elliott Sampson and Paul Coleman , two of which were converted by Gavin Bennion .

Starting the second half 14-0 ahead the Albion continued to press but mistakes in their own half allowed the Bears to press for their own points and ultimately scoring an unconverted try in the left hand corner . Latchford however refused to be breached again and some resolute and determined defending ensured no more points were conceded.
Further scores from Luke Mellis, Tom Corroboy and Gavin Bennion sealed the win with one further score being converted by Bennion. Man of the Match Tom Corroboy was a constant thorn in the Bears side with his superb tackling and seemingly endless amounts of energy. The final score of 30-4 was a true reflection of the dominance in today's game and bodes well for further fixtures. Back to top

19/11/2006 v Mayfield Mustangs (away)

Mayfield Mustangs U13 - 18
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 34

Latchford started this away fixture brightly with a first minute score under the posts from Luke Mellis. However, this didn't calm the visitor's nerves who constantly made mistake after mistake allowing Mayfield to press the Albion line. Defensively the lads worked hard but seemed to be working individually rather than as a team unit that had served them so well throughout the season so far. A further score from Luke Mellis and tries from Paul Coleman and Ryan Farnan stretched the lead again but credit to Mayfield who battled hard and scored two well taken scores themselves.

Turning round at halftime 20 points to 10 up, the Albion did manage to show some of the form from earlier games and quickly raced into a 34-10 lead with scores from Luke Mellis who completed his hat-trick, Tom Corroboy and Joe Cooper. The side then seemed to lose concentration and allowed the home side yet again back into the game leaking two further scores. Gavin Bennion managed three conversions from the tries scored and Nigel Hankey was awarded the Man of the Match award for his role at prop, his strong running was a constant thorn in the home team's side and his efforts in defence were exceptional. Overall the team performance was below par when compared to earlier games this year but the character of the side to be able to grind out a win when not playing well was there for all to see. Back to top

07/01/2007 v Crosfield Cobras (away)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 38
Crossfields Cobras U13 - 8

The Albion came into this first fixture of 2007 after a lengthy layoff due to Christmas and postponed matches. Although looking a little stale the effort and enthusiasm shown all year was quick to surface. Quick ball movement along the right hand side enabled George Lofthouse to score in the corner early on. This was followed up by scores from Gavin Bennion and Luke Mellis one of which was converted by Bennion. The visitors however did rally well and registered a try of their own just before the half time whistle.

Turning around 14 points to 4 ahead and with the wind at their backs the home side continued to press and scored quick tries from Luke Mellis who registered his second score , 2 from Ryan Farnan , 1 from Elliott Sampson and a final try from Gavin Bennion who managed to convert 2 further scores . The Cobras still worked hard and their efforts were rewarded with a second unconverted score. Man of the Match Tom Corroboy worked relentlessly around the ruck area and spurned the team forward. With only 3 league fixtures remaining the side are confident they can continue to play well and finish high in the league. Back to top

28/01/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 42
Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 0

The confidence and spirit continues to be high after this 14th straight win in the NWC?s Division 3 encounter. The visitors who suffered a 38 to nil defeat in the return fixture and came into this game full of confidence after winning their last run out. This confidence was soon to be shattered by a thoroughly professional performance by an Albion side who have made winning a habit. First half scores by George Lofthouse (2) , Gavin Bennion and Luke Mellis with a full pitch return (not for the first time this season) ensured that the game was well and truly won by half time with a 26 to nil turnaround.

The second half continued in the same vein with further scores from Lofthouse who completed his hat-trick, a second from Luke Mellis , Ryan Farnan and a pair from Man of the match Shaun Rigby. The visitors' limited opportunities were dealt with superbly by a side that has only leaked 78 points all season. Gavin Bennion converted 3 of the scores in difficult windy conditions and as stated early the Man of the Match was quite rightly awarded to Shaun Rigby for his tireless work in the number 9 position and his pair of scores. The Unicorns' next fixture will be a tough test of their resolve as they travel to Wigan St Pats in the North West Counties Cup, a side 3 divisions higher. Back to top

04/02/2007 v Wigan St Patrick's (away) NWC Cup

Wigan St Patricks U13 - 34
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 4

Albion fell to their first defeat of the season at the hands of Premier Division Wigan St Pats in this NWC 1st Round Cup Match. The effort and spirit displayed by the lads was however second to none with a smart game plan causing the home side numerous problems. The main difference between the sides was speed of play and Latchford conceding a number of penalties at the ruck area which put them under long spells of continuous pressure.

The forwards led by some superb barnstorming runs from prop Paul Coleman worked tirelessly and only the lack of support play in crucial areas stopped points being scored. Some defensive lapses did cost dearly with the home side registering 4 tries in an entertaining first half. Not to be outdone though the Albion scored their only points from hooker Shaun Rigby who scooted to score from close to the try line.

Turning around 18-4 down at half time Latchford continued to press forward and were unlucky on a number of occasions not to score more points. Again penalties conceded and lapses in concentration cost dearly with St Pats scoring 16 more points before the final whistle. Even though the score line suggests the game was one sided this was far from the case and the visitors can be proud of the effort and commitment shown by each and every player on the park Back to top

18/02/2007 v Crosfield Vipers (away)

Crosfields Vipers U13 - 14
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 4

This Latchford side fell to their first league defeat of the season at the hands of second placed Vipers. The Albion started well on a very heavy pitch soaking up pressure applied by the home side and working the ball well in difficult conditions. This ultimately led to Luke Mellis scoring a well taken try carrying the ball almost 2 thirds of the length of the field. The home side's persistence did, however, pay off and they also registered a score for themselves ensuring a half time turn around of 4 points each.

The Vipers then started the second half much more sprightly and managed to score two breakaway tries, one of which was converted well. The difference between the sides appeared to be the ability to defend the flanks with the home team winning the battle. Ryan Farnan was chosen as the Man of the Match for his efforts all over the park but the result went the way of the Vipers with 14 points to 4 final score. The Albion can still wrap up the Division 3 title by winning their final game against Weaverham but they will not be taken lightly and the effort will reap the rewards. Back to top

25/02/2007 v Weaverham Wolves (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 36
Weaverham Wolves U13 - 0

Latchford clinched the NWC's Division Three title in emphatic style with a confident and clinical performance. After last week's defeat there was never any danger of complacency slipping into the game as they drove forward with style restricting the visitors to sporadic forays into the Albion half. Paul Coleman got the score card moving early on with a typical forwards try crashing over from short range , this score was well converted by Gavin Bennion. George Lofthouse and Luke Mellis also got onto the scoring bandwagon with fine individual efforts giving the visitors a mountain to climb at the end of the first half.

Turning around 14 to nil ahead the Albion totally dominated in the forward area with props and second rows seemingly breaking tackles at will. Not to be outdone though the back line also played some clever attacking rugby and the pressure was converted into points with scores from Ben Clarke, Ryan Farnan, Gavin Bennion and a further score each from Mellis and Lofthouse with Bennion managing one further conversion. The final score of 36 points to nil was a true reflection of the dominance by the home side. All 15 played their part in what has been a magnificent season finishing with only 1 defeat out of 16 and this can only bode well for the move up to the under 14s come September. Back to top

04/03/2007 v Golborne Parkside (away)

Golbourne Parkside U13 - 30
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 0

Now the regular season has finished the Albion took the opportunity to take on a side two Divisions above and travelled to Parkside for this friendly fixture.

The home side started by far the stronger and seemed to be able to score at will with Latchfords defensive performance leaving something to be desired. A half time deficit of 20 points to nil left the Albion a mountain to climb but the second half effort was much improved once the visitors got some attacking ball , it was only due to some resolute defensive work by the home side that kept the Albion from scoring some well deserved points.

The final score of 30 points to nil was a true reflection of how the game progressed and the experience gained from playing teams at a higher level can only improve the overall standards within the squad. Back to top

18/03/2007 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U13 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 10

Latchford travelled to Ashton for this Div 3 Plate encounter in bitterly cold and windy conditions. The form of the side since the New Year has been inconsistent and even though the Div 3 title was secured this was the 3rd defeat in the last 4 games having been unbeaten in the first half of the season. The lads did start brightly with Gavin Bennion scoring early on but failed to build on this lead allowing the home side to score 3 times before the half time break. The inability to complete sets was a major factor with at some times looking like a side of 13 individuals rather than a Divisional Champion team.

Starting the second half 12-4 down they was a brief spell where pressure was converted into a score from Paul Coleman which was well converted by Bennion but mistakes and a extraordinary number of penalties conceded always meant the Albion were under constant pressure. The home side dealt with the harsh conditions far better and the final score of 20-10 gave the home side a well deserved victory. Back to top

15/04/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U 13 - 4
Latchford Albion Unicorns U 13 - 44

Yet another away fixture in the Plate competition but unlike the last game's defeat Latchford were dominant in all aspects of the match and the result was never in any doubt. Although starting the game with only 12 players the missing man was never an issue as a combination of hard yards gained by the pack and smart use of centres and wings resulted in 5 first half tries. These were scored by Paul Coleman, Luke Mellis, Gavin Bennion, George Lofthouse and Tim Mitchell with Bennion successfully converting 2 scores.

Turning around at 24 points to nil the home team to their credit did rally briefly and through some defensive lapses by the Albion managed to register their own score. This however spurred the visitors on who showed their dominance and ran in 4 more scores before the final whistle , the scorers being Gavin Bennion with his second , Billy Martin , Luke Mellis with his second score and Ryan Farnan finishing things off nicely . Two of these scores were converted, 1 by Ryan Farnan and 1 by George Lofthouse. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch with some of the best rugby played all season on show Back to top