Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 4
Leigh East U9 - 20

Player of the match Harry Reardon ran in Latchford's only try in this their first game of the season. Aaron O'Dea was the top tackler, Peter Moorcroft took the parents' award and Dominic O'Brien marked his debut appearance for the club by picking up the coaches' award.

Unfortunately, due to an absence of qualified coaches Latchford are unable to rectify this defeat for a fortnight as the game at Haresfinch has had to be cancelled. Back to top

08/10/2006 v Folly Lane (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 24
Folly Lane U9 - 16

Latchford claimed their first win of the season against a very defensive Folly Lane side. However, Latchford didn?t have it all their own way as Folly lane scored some very good tries. Latchford scored through Harry Reardon (2), Peter Moorcroft (2), James Hull and Reece Brunt. Reece was also top tackler and Peter received the parents' award. Corey Sherlock was player-of-the-match and the Coaches' Award went to Scott Knightly Back to top

15/10/2006 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panthers U8s - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8s - 24

Latchford won the closely fought contest by an excellent 16 player team performance. Top tackler Reece Brunt & player-of-the-match James Hull were instrumental in both defence and attack. Reece also picked up the parents' award while Conner Johnson was the coaches' award winner. There were six different try scorers, namely Conner Johnson, Aaron O?Dea, Reece Brunt, Harry Reardon, Peter Moorcroft and Elliot Jolley. Back to top

22/10/2006 v Ince Rose Bridge (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 32
Ince Rose Bridge U9 - 16

Latchford produced their best performance for a long time with every player working as a team. Tries came from Aaron O'Dea (two), Corrie Sherlock (two), Harry Reardon (two), Reece Brunt and Peter Moorcroft Back to top

29/10/2006 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 8
Blackbrook Royals U9 - 12

The Under 9's narrowly failed to overcome a big St Helens side after a superb effort from all the players. Tries were touched down by Corrie Sherlock and Reece Brunt. Back to top

05/11/2006 v Oldham St Anne's (away)

Oldham St Annes U9 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 24

This was another thriller from start to finish. St Annes took an early lead but the Unicorns fought back to level the scores through a superb try from Corey Sherlock. Both sides were playing some great rugby and it was a magnificent tackle from Peter Moorcroft that kept the score all square at the interval.

A good talk from Head Coach Dave Appleby during the break seemed to have worked wonders as the Latchford side came out determined to win the game. Two quick tries from the 'Ghost' Harry Reardon and a beauty from the strong running Connor Johnson seemed to have sealed the win, but the well drilled Oldham side hit back to lead with 5 minutes to play. A superb tackle by Reece Brunt kept the game all square and it wasn't until the dying moments of the game that produced a fantastic passage of play with the ball passing through no less than six pairs of hands before Corey Sherlock shot through a gap fifteen yards from the Oldham line to scorch in over the whitewash and a terrific victory was sealed. Man of the Match went to the always improving Peter Moorcroft, Top Tackler award to Christian Savage, Coaches Award to Lawrence Hull and Parents Award to Reece Brunt. Back to top

12/11/2006 v Pilkington Recs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 4
Pilkington Recs U9 - 16

An early try from Pilkingtons, who, due to traffic problems in the town had delayed the kick off by some 20 minutes, seemed to ignite more life into the Unicorns and with two clear cut chances going begging the score remained 0-4 at the half time whistle.

With some terrific runs by Reece Brunt and Corey Sherlock, Latchford had the chance to score on two or three occasions, but dropped the ball when a try seemed certain. The St Helens side scored three more tries to seel the game, but the fighting Unicorns never gave up and with Top Tackler Callum Wray in fine form and another strong performance from the always improving Peter Moorcroft, the Unicorns will surely bounce back from this defeat. Back to top

19/11/2006 v Rylands Sharks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 32
Rylands Sharks U9 - 28

They can't get any more exciting than this, can they? A thriller from start to finish. Two quality local teams giving their all in a terrific game of rugby. As in previous games between these two fine sides it was always going to go to the final whistle. Rylands took an early lead with some great attacking rugby, but as seen before the Unicorns came back strongly with some flowing rugby which led to Peter Moorcroft crossing the line, this lad impresses more and more with every game and must already be in the running for player of the year. A superb pass by the quick thinking Aaron O'Dea sent in Harry Reardon at the corner, but Rylands came storming back to equalise with some clever play. With the clock ticking down to half time a sensational burst down the middle from the strong running Reece Brunt brought the Unicorns within fifteen yards of the line and quick play-the-ball and a swift passing movement enabled the reliable Connor Johnson to cross the line for a halftime lead of 12-8.

The second half was a treat for the large derby day crowd, which had arrived to cheer their heroes on and once again the Sharks came fighting back to level the scores. A bit of sheer magic from Harry Reardon who side stepped and dummied his way over in the corner and with Reece Brunt blasting his way over with guts and determination, Latchford seemed to have full control. However, the Sharks are quality and as we know from previous meetings they don't and won't surrender and with five minutes left they got to within a score of the Latchford side. As the final whistle sounded it was a relieved and delighted Unicorns who took the spoils, but both teams rightly deserved the applause which greeted them as they left the field.

Try scorers were Harry Reardon (3) Connor Johnson (1) Peter Moorcroft (2) Reece Brunt (2)
Awards were Connor Johnson (man of the match) James Hull (coaches award)
Aaron O'Dea (top tackler) & Harry Reardon (parents award).

Latchford Unicorns (b) 12 v Rylands Sharks (b) 8
in what was an evenly matched contest from start to finish this game was decided by a lengfh of the field burst from Peter Moorcroft, after tries from Harry Reardon & Connor Johnson had equalled the Sharks early dominace, good performances from Dominic Judson & Callum Wray in attack & Scott Kinsley & Blake Symmonds in defence ensured a great day for the Unicorns alround. Back to top

28/01/2007 v Rylands Sharks (away)

Rylands Sharks U9 - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 16

In a superb game of rugby from both sides it was the Unicorns who took an early lead with some neat passing enabling Connor Johnson to cross from from close range, but the next set of six saw the well drilled Sharks go over after a delightful passing movement across the pitch. It was going to be another tough one and it was with both sides coming close, Peter Mooorcroft for the Unicorns, a pillar of strength, he repelled numerous Shark attacks but, after extreme pressure from the Gorsey Laners, they were rewarded with an excellent touchdown after some fine movement. It wasn't long before they scored again as they seemed to be coasting to victory, but the Latchford lads never give up and it was man of the match Dominic O'Brien who, after the ball had moved through four pair of hands, showed great footwork and pace to cross in at the corner.
Half time score Sharks 16-8 Unicorns

A blunder by the Unicorns defence early into the second half allowed the alert Sharks to pounce on the loose ball from which their big strong running forward scored. An interception by Rylands when it looked certain that Latchford would score with eight minutes left saw them thundering towards the Unicorns line when Calum Wray one of this seasons new signings brought the player down with a superb tackle (if only we had a video), but more pressure couldn't prevent a further score. With the clock ticking down it was left to one of the strongest running forwards in this age group Reece Brunt to power over and the fleet footed Dominic Judson to complete the scoring for Latchford, but yet again the Sharks had the final say to a very entertaining game.

A well deserved ovation from both sets of fans for both sets of Players was warmly received on this performance the Unicorns can take away a lot of confidence for their forthcoming fixtures. Dominic O'Brien (Mr Cool) was player of the match, Dominic Judson (the artful dodger) won the Parents award. Reece Brunt (Raging Bull) gained the coaches award while Aaron O'Dea ('no nonsense') was top tackler. Back to top

18/02/2007 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (away)

Wigan St Cuthbert's U9 - 36
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 16

In what has become a very stop/start second half of the season due to cancellations of matches Latchford visited a very good Wigan outfit. The wriing was on the wall as St Cuthberts scored after only the second tackle of the match to open the scoring and crossed the whitewash a further four times further before Half Time with Connor Johnson replying for the Unicorns. Half time 20-4

After a drilling from Head coach Dave Appleby about the lack of Defence & Discipline things got rapidly worse as Cuthberts scored a further three more tries before Lawrence Hull pulled one back to make the scores 32-8 with five minutes to play. The Wigan team displayed their superb handling and crossed again before Latchford received the sympathy vote with two late tries from Reece Brunt who gave the scoreline some respectability.

No individual Trophies were given out in case the players dropped them, but there was some good strong running from Christian Savage who came on as a sub and Reece Brunt tackled his heart out. These were the only positives on what was really a dissapointing performance. A vast improvement is needed if the Unicorns are to rediscover their fine displays of early season promise. Back to top

25/02/2007 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 24
Leyland Warriors U9 - 12

In a game played in atrocious conditions with thick mud making every yard of ground gained a mighty effort, it was the Unicorns who came out on top.There was nothing pretty about the way the victory was achieved just great tackling & shear guts.

At Half Time it looked as though it was going to be a very close game as Latchford led by 8pts to 4, but as the second half progressed the Unicorns started to get on top with Corey Sherlock & Reece Brunt making valuable yards with each run against a very good defence who's effort was outstanding. It was indeed a great effort from bothsides & for the home team outstanding performances came from mom Corey Sherlock who scored a well deserved hat trick. top tackler Reece Brunt who also scored. Parents award went to Blake Symonds for a strong first half Coaches Award to Dominic O'Brien who scored & is improving with each game & Lawrence Hull also crossed the whitewash.

Both teams received a great ovation from both sets of parents for which was a very energy sapping pitch,a satisfactory performance from the Unicorns whose season has been up & down was pleasing for the coaches as they had put some real effot into the weeks training Back to top

04/03/2007 v Hindley (away)

Hindley U9 - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 20

It is always amazing how nine year olds can perform with such enthusiasm & sheer guts in conditions such as they faced today. Like last week at Victoria Park this was another quagmire pitch with thick mud & never ending rain lashing down throughout. Cold & energy sapping, but a match full of commitment & heroism. No quarter given, none taken. A thriller from the start. Hindley took an early lead with their speedy winger finding the firmer ground out wide & touching down in the corner,but as we have seen week after week the Unicorns hit back in style when Peter Moorcroft out paced the covering defence to draw the scores level. The Unicorns then took to the front when Raging Bull Reece Brunt blasted his way over from a neat flick pass from Aaron O'Dea, but to Hindley's credit they scored again to level the scores at half time.

The second half started brightly for the Unicorns as Corey Sherlock found the smallest of gaps to score under the posts. As the Coaches interchanging began to take effect it was the outstanding Reece Brunt who again went over to double the scores. However, Hindley's never-say-die attitude paid off with another fine try to crawl them back into contention. With Latchford sensing victory Aaron O'Dea sent out an outragous dummy & shot in from 15 yards to secure the win, but yet again Hindley showed their pride with a try on the hooter.

A great game from both teams & congratulated by both sets of Parents & the Referee for the spirit in which it was played. Player of the match was Reece Brunt, Parents Award to Corey Sherlock, Top Tackler was Aaron O'Dea & Coaches Award was deserved by Lawrence Hull. Back to top

11/03/2007 v Golborne Parkside (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - '46'
Golborne Parkside U9 - 16

Every player did what was asked of them as the rampant Unicorns ran out convincing winners in what became a one sided match. After the muddy pitches of the last two games, it was the firmer conditions which allowed the Latchford lads to show their pace, and combined with some neat touches and strong tackling enabled them to play some of their best rugby for a number of weeks.

Dominic Judson, the smallest player on the field, put in some terrific tackles and great breaks, this lad has the heart of a lion and when he hits form, he?s very hard to stop. Aaron O?Dea (Mr cool) put in a lot of work and scored 2 well taken tries to delight the large crowd with his Henry Fa?afili celebrations. Peter Moorcroft improves week in week out and with his long stride scored 2 great tries, one coming from deep in his own half.

Man of the match went to Harry Reardon, who came back to form with a bang scoring 3 long distance tries and showing his old sparkle which had been lacking for a number of weeks. Christian Savage would run through a brick wall if you asked him and he got on the score sheet twice by powering through the Golborne defence. Raging bull Reece Brunt was, as he always is, among the thick of everything and his tackling was once again outstanding. Corey Sherlock always gives his all and once again made the opposition look like snails as he thundered through to score a fantastic try in the second half. Dominic O?Brien has that silky skill and superb balance rarely seen in such young players and linked well with Harry Reardon before side stepping his way over in the corner. Connor Johnson had another super game and with every run gained valuable yardage.

It was an excellent team effort and on this performance the Unicorns won?t be a walk over for any team they play.

Man of the match - Harry Reardon
Parents award - Corey Sherlock
Top tackler - Dominic Judson
Coaches award - James Hull Back to top

25/03/2007 v Crosfield Cobras (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 28
Crosfield Cobras U9 - 24

In what was described by all as possibly the best local derby for years only one try seperated both teams at full time.Played infront of a large crowd & in good spirit Latcford hit the lead through a subline give & go try scored by Reece Brunt only for this new sterner Crosfields side to level on 7 mins. Correy Sherlock then scored two well taken tries after strong link play sandwiched between a further Crosfield try.The ever dartful Harry Reardon then tiptoed his way over to increase the lead to 16-8 only for Crosfields never say die attitude to hit back again. Dominic Judson only on the pitch for a few minutes as a sub danced his way around the defence to add a further try,to which the visiting side replied on the stroke of half time to leave the score line 20-16 at the interval.

In the second half the large pitch seemed to be telling it's toll on the tiring Unicorns team as Crosfields exspanive game gave them the initiative with two excellent tries to put them in front for the first & only time. With 10 mins to play & the new formed triangle of Aaron O'Dea,Dominic O'Brien & Harry Reardon creating width & space for the strong runners,it was a piece of unbelievable strength,determination & ability from Reece Brunt who seemed dead on his feet to burst the Crosfields line & with hand off after hand off raced 50 meters to level the scores,the run in itself took the last bit of his energy as he left the field to a standing ovation. Both sides eager as ever to throw the ball about (what a pity no Super League team was there watching) enabled the game to ebb & throw from end to end & with 2 mins on the clock Lawrence Hull powered his way over from 40 mtrs to earn what we all thought was the match winning try,however this game with Crosfield having the final set spun the ball from player to player & back again all the way upto Latchfords line & with the try line at their mercy the scrambled defence held firm as Harry Reardon pulled off the try saving tackle for a final score of 28-24 to Latchford.

Player of the match was Reece Brunt, Top Tackler Harry Reardon, Coaches Award Lawrence Hull, with all players being outstanding the Coach gave the parents award to the entire team who therefore other than mentioned were Blake Symonds, Calum Wray, Christian Savage, Connor Johnson, James Hull, Peter Moorcroft & Mathew Wray on his debut. Back to top

01/04/2007 v Langworthy Reds (away)

Langworthy Reds U9 - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 20

In what was a massive show of confidence by the coaching team to enable the players to take to the field without them,Latchford showed great quality & skill to overcome a bigger Langworthy set in front of another large crowd at Salford. The Unicorns' usual slow start gave The Reds three drives & a try in the first set of tackles to open the scoring but, as ever, the lads soon hit back through fast hands as Reece Brunt stormed over to level the scores. Strong running by Scott Kinsley took Latchford up field & a quickfire runaround & sidestep enabled Aaron O'Dea from a Dominic O'Brien offload to dive in next to the posts to put the Unicorns infront.Fine cover tackling as ever from Harry Reardon at fullback couldn't prevent The Reds from equilising 8:8. As the Langworthy defence tired & The Unicorns swift passing movements started to stick Correy Sherlock burst through after superb support play & then the ever improving Peter Moorcroft showed what a clean pair of heals that he's got as he stormed in at the corner to leave the Unicorns 16:8 at ht.

The second half started as the first as Langworthy's big runners burst through from five yards to bring them to within a score. As Latchford spurned numerous chances by either running dead or being tackled into touch on the first tackle The Reds began to take encouragement from this & after poor tackling Langworthy strolled under the posts to level the scores. The game then ebbed & flowed as both teams tightened their defences up, but with the clock ticking Mathew Wray playing only his second match ploughed up field to Langworthy's 15 meter line & then a quick play the ball gave Reece Brunt the space to charge across field to dive in at the corner as the final whistle sounded to win the game .Both teams deserved a big round of applause from the non paying speccies at the end, as this was another tough encounter with no ground given without a struggle.
awards were hard to pick out again as this was another fine team effort but went to,
player of the match Harry Reardon,Parents Mathew Wray,Top Tackler Correy Sherlock & Connor Johnson was deservedly given the Coaches Award. Back to top

15/04/2007 v Leigh Miners Rangers (away)

Leigh Miners Rangers U9 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 32

Summer in Leigh & the unicorns showed what a classy team they are with the sun on their backs. Peter Moorcroft set the tone of the match with two text book tackles against a much bigger squad showed them that the unicorns meant business. Latchford playing down the slope in the first half opened the scoring after neat passing along the line ended when Correy Sherlock stormed in, but strong running from the home side levelled the scores after 7 mins. The next try would have been try of the season if the cameras were present as Harry Reardon on top form again received the ball near his own line darted, sidestepped, jinked & ran the defence ragged then popped up the perfect pass to the supporting Dominic Judson who crossed under the posts which was greeted by raptuous cheers from all sides. The unicorns with Reece Brunt moving to 1st reciever began to take control of the midfield & with players eager to support sent in Harry Reardon & Correy Sherlock to score & only for a last ditch tackle on speedster Calum Wray the half time score could have been wider than 16-8.

The second period began with the Rangers bringing on some even bigger players to run down the hill & were rewarded with a fine try of their own after 5 mins. Both teams swapped 2 scores each including a hat trick try from Harry Reardon to put the scores at 20-16. With the large following starting to look tense & nervous & a Leigh comback looking likely, it was the Unicorns who started to show character & determination well above this age group (with no coaching team on the pitch to support) & with a new found self belief began to throw the ball about & dictate play in dynamic fashion. Free of any shackles & without a drop ball of any kind the team then gelled, Aaron O'Dea stepped from dummy half & fired a pass onto the ever energetic Correy Sherlock to burst through the line to score & then to ease any further doubts, Aaron fired a bullet pass to Connor Johnson to cap off a superb 2nd half of Rugby League Football. This was a wonderful performance by the team & it showed as they left the field to a rousing ovation having won 32-20. On this viewing the future is looking very promising. Top tackler Peter Moorcroft, M.O.M. Reece Brunt, Coaches Award Correy Sherlock Back to top

22/04/2007 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U9 -20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 20

Another excellent game with both sides showing some tremendous defensive play on a short pitch,it was always going to be the best defence which would come out on top & as the score suggests these to teams gave a fine show of defensive Rugby. After a shaky start the Unicorns were first to get over the whitewash with a well taken touchdown by Aaron O'Dea,but in the next set the well drilled Swinton side equilised & it was always going to be a close encounter.With the home side taking the lead after 12 mins,ut the Unicorns struck back after a quaryter of an hour when Harry Reardon ran in from 20 meteresto make the score 8-8 at HT.

After 5 mins of the restart Correy Sherlock burst through the middle to score a fine individual try & as Reece Brunt can open up the best of defences. Dave Appleby brought on a few subs who all equiped themselfs well, but the Swinton side hit back with a fine try over on the right of the field where the defensive line had broken & it was a nail biting last quarter with both sides showing tremendous defence & with each side scoring again a draw was a fitting result. Back to top

29/04/2007 v Portico Vine (away)

Portico Vine U9 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 44

Another slow start from the Unicorns defensive department enabled Portico to race into a 2 try lead without any bother on Sunday which was played out in warm Sunshine & a good spirit.However it didn't take long for The Uniorns to take complete control of this contest as they produced a try fest of 11 tries with Portico replying with 5 of their own to give a final score of 44-20 on Sunday. The two teams seemed almost even at the half way mark with the Unicorns leading 5-3 but composer & fresh legs mean't the score was only going to get wider as the heat & energy took it's toll on the St Helens out fit with the Unicorns scoring 6 tries to 2 playing up the hill in the second period.

Lawrence Hull capped of a superb game in attack & defence scoring a hatrick & recieve the Coaches award ,Correy Sherlock who will run stong all day scored 4 tries & recieved M.O.M. There were tries also scored by Reece Brunt,Harry Reardon who recieved top tackler,Connor Johnson who supported well for his try & Aaron O'Dea who scored & set up a try from dummy half. This was a decent team performance in parts, but the Unicorns will surely be tested further in weeks to come .Parents award went to James Hull & a mention should go to Christian Savage who run strong & tackled hard all game Back to top