Pilkington Recs Cougars U13 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 5

The first game of the new season in the Under 13's Premiership Division and the Unicorns put in an immense team effort. From 1 to 17 each contributed throughout the game with their own different strengths and some of the players found new inner strengths that they haven't displayed in previous season, but they all had one thing in common today they all worked there butts off in defence. Jake Eccleston and Joe Krawiecki made their unicorns debut today, with both putting in a outstanding first displays for the team showing the other players their pace, power and strengths and how they will contribute throughout the season. Meanwhiledanny Reid was celebrating his 100th game in Latchford colours

Callum Wright led the way with a colossal 29 tackles throughout the game with Jake Slydell, Andre Savelio reached double figures as well. Chris Ashbrook and Alex Robertson on the wings were hitting anything that moved in their direction so that the unicorns line was solid throughout thus giving Mickey Wharton at fullback a quiet afternoon in defence. Mickey returned kicks with ease from Pilks.

During the attacking play Declan Patton and Liam Sullivan directed of the route of the motoring forwards left and right but always forward, again the prop and second row partnerships work tirelessly going forward, David Lea's jumps caused a lot of problems, also Josh Wall was a constant treat on the left with his weaving runs. Mattie Wilkinson and James Williams gave a great service from the play the ball area allowing the unicorns runners to attack at pace. The unselfish work from Danny Reid and Jake Morgn off the ball help contribut to this victory.

The game was 0-0 at half time and with some outstanding solo work from Andre Savelio braking tackles, he put Callum Wright in for the first score only to have it pulled back for a forward pass. With only 10 mins to go Chris Hunt put over a drop goal to give the Unicorns a 1-0 lead. The Unicorns were given a boost from this score running the ball up the field with power and pace. Declan Patton started to take the ball to the line this time dummying and going over the white wash for a well dissevered try. THis was his 100th point for the club in only his 22nd outing. Some solid defence kept pilks from moving out of there half until the final whistle. This was a first for the unicorns as a 1st win in a league set up and 1st victory over the Pilks Cougars.

Team:
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

16/09/2007 v Pilkington Recs Pumas (away)

Pilkington Recs Pumas U13 - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 20

Another excellent team performance especially as for 10 minutes the Unicorns were down to 12 players due to a sin binning in the second half when the score was 10-8 against. Again Wright topped the tackle count and again Slydell, Savelio and Patton pushed him all the way contributing to the unicorns defence effort. Centre and Wing partners of Lea & Ashbrook and Wall & Hunt were stretched across the park but a solid affiliation to team work held strong throughout the game pushing the speed men from Pilks down the middle off the paddock were the forwards were on duty tackling any opposition player that moved.

Patton, Sullivan and Hunt direct the traffic on the field sending play left and right. Some excellent running from the unicorns pack of forwards of (Savelio, Wright, Slydell, Eccleston, Reid,) created excellent field position on the Pilks line and Hooker Wilknson only had one this in his mined the 'Cunningham special' over he went for the first try.
Pilks scored next and excellent kick restart was collect by Lea who took the ball forward, some more good runs to the right gave the unicorns a great line for passing along in which they did and Wall went over in the corner. Pilks reply with some great work around the rook area and converted to take a 10-8 half time lead.

The second half got under way only 2 minutes into it Latchford were reduced to 12 men for a late challenge on the Pilks kicker. This gave Pilks the upper hand in attack but some outstanding scrambling defence from Hunt, Lea and Patton kept them from crossing the whitewash .The unicorns return to full strength and at the next scrum, the ball was passed to Wall who broke through the defence only to be caught just before the line .Again the Unicorns solid defence held strong forces errors from Pilks. The next scrum Wall again broke free, but this time he scored the try, Wilkinson converted. Some changes in personnel in the pack had Wright moved to Loose Forward and on the very next scrum in the Unicorns own 20 he picked up from the base of the scrum and ran through 2 tiring defenders, and then the length off the field to score under the post Patton converted. For the last 5 mins every player tackled when required stopping Pilks attacking players in there tracks. This was another first as it the first time the Unicorns have gained a victory over Pilks Pumas.

Tries: Wilkinson, Wall 2, Wright
Goals: Wilkinson, Patton

Team:
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

23/09/2007 v Rylands Sharks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 6
Rylands Sharks U13 - 22

This local derby game was won by the team that was up for it more, that had more composure and a bigger aspiration for the victory. But unfortunately for Latchford it was Rylands today. That is not to say Latchford rolled over to have the bellies tickled, it was Rylands who came out of the blocks all guns blazing, scoring three great unanswered tries before the Unicorns got their hands the ball. The Unicorns heads were down at this stage as things never came off for them, the last touch, ball going to ground, pass not just right and some times even the wrong option. Latchford had to do set after set of tackles during the half which drained the energy levels to zero not leaving them much for their attack during the game.

Callum Wright was again a man possessed in defence tackling anything that moved to a point of exhaustion racking up a colossal 30 tackles, one short of his own record for this team set last season. Jake Slydell, Andre Savelio, Josh Wall and David Lea also put in an immense amount of tackles. Ryland ask question all around the park off the Latchford desire to work in defence with the back line making 60 plus tackles. Declan Patton's time on the ball was cut down to minimum, which disrupted the usual fluent attacking style from the unicorns. Half time 0-18

During the second half Latchford got the ball a bit more ,so they start to move the ball around left and right. Gaps started to appear in the solid defensive line and on one occasion Josh Wall strolled through out wide and ran inwards to score under the sticks. Patton converted. On attack Callum Wright was always a threat to Rylands but on a day when you come out of the arm wrestle second best, with things not being carried out to the pre-match talk, Latchford were always having to force things in this game to catch up. The team will regroup during training next week and push on from this hard lesson learnt in Rugby given to them today.

Try: Josh Wall
Goal: Declan Patton

Team: Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

30/09/2007 v Orrell St James (away)

Orrell St James U13 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 20

Two games are never the same in Rugby League as this week the Unicorns began straight from the kick off and with Jake Slydell setting the tone for the rest of the Unicorn's defenders with one of the best hits/tackles from Unicorns this season. Jake then put in a blockbuster with Andre Savelio on the very next set of six that shook the ground around. From then on the Orrell runners always had a glance to see who was about to smash them on the unicorns defensive line. Tackle machine Callum Wright was a menace, putting in yet another enormous amount of tackles around the marker area and also in open play, making every tackle felt by the opposition, they were hard, strong and even around the legs. Chris Hunt and Liam Sullivan pushed the troops around the pitch controlling the direction off the attackers today.

During the attack the Unicorns stuck to the game plan they had work on during training, the first half saw some solid hard running from all the players who had the ball in hand, and with Mikey Wharton at full back catching every kick that was put his way, Orrell couldn't break through the unicorns line. Mikey also glided up the field with some easy today, gaining himself the opposition MOM. The wing/centre partnership again worked solidly together again not allowing the opposition any room to move. On one of Wright's penetrating runs he scattered a few defenders to score an excellent solo try. Josh Wall converted. After the restart the unicorns drove the ball in well for 5 and put in a great kick, the chase was even better forcing an error of Orrell At the scum the Unicorns were awarded a penalty so Matty Wilkinson stepped up to convert making the Half Time score 8-0.

The call from the team was to keep it simple in attack but to pick the speed of the defensive line as they were defending up the slope during the second half. Danny Reid replaced James Williams as he had to go for Water Polo trials (!) and, during his stint, he was everywhere on the field running the ball in, tackling, and running decoys. Joe Krawiecki came on to take the ball straight and hard and he did just that. During this half up the slope the Unicorns fitness levels shone through as they never stopped moving in and out on defence and on attack they work for each other backing up each other on one occasion Slydell took the ball in dummied his inside man to score another try and notch up a personal tally of 400 points in his Latchford career. Wall converted and also got his name on the try scorers' sheet by touching down out wide and then converted it from the touchline to give him a personal tally of ten points during the game. This was a great response from the Unicorns today as they were down in the dumps from the poor performance the week before, they need to keep the intensity going into next week as they play the team that beaten them in the semi final of the cup last year. Congratulations to Jack Morgan and Alex Robertson who were both playing in their 100th game for the club.

Team: Chris Ashbrook, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki, Back to top

07/10/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (Home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 14
Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 20

This was a game of two halves with Saddleworth having control of the first and the Unicorns the second and if it had gone on any longer the Unicorns may have snatched the points. During the first half the Unicorns' last pass wasn't there, some wrong decisions were made but it always the Unicorns seem to be on the game. Saddleworth stole some easy tries with some unusually poor defence on the right and with a one on one steal. The Defensive shape was there, hard hitting tackles was there, but the fluent passing game wasn't so the unicorns went in a half time 14-0 down.

The Squad was rotated around with fresh half back partnership the passes seem to be completed and the forwards started to make valuable yards up the middle allowing the backs to run a mock out wide, Josh Wall was a total pain for Saddleworth asking questions on every attacking run he took forward, Andre Savelio,Callum Wright and Jake Slydell start also questioning the Saddleworth's defensive commitments. Declan Patton conducted the side around the park but started to run at the line dumming and going he was reward with a great solo try, had the come back started was the talk in the middle by the unicorns. Saddleworth score another try. Some more great work from Jake Eccleston laid a platform for Patton to put David Lea through a gap only to be stopped on the line, a top kick through was adjudge to have be knock on by Wright who protested he had scored a great try. Wall on another one of his outstanding runs unfortunately spilled the ball over the line, it seem not to be the unicorns day , until Slydell broke through a tiring defence to out stretch and score. From the kick off the ball bobbled and bounce Lea picked up the ball and ran it back to the try line outpacing and defenders from Saddlewoth Patton converted. This was an excellent game and thanks to Andy Wood stepping forward to ref as the game couldn't have commenced with out this. Team morale and superior fitness levels were on show again today against a top opposition and keeping this up throughout the season will develop the team to greater heights during the season.

Tries: Jake Slydel, Declan Patton, David Lea

Goals: Declan Patton

Team: Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

14/10/2007 v Wigan St Jude's (Away)

Wigan St Jude's U13 - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 32

An outstanding work ethic was on show today from the unicorns as everyone work for the Team Latchford, everyone work with and for their inside and outside team mate, but most of all they work as one solid defensive unit forcing error after error from St Jude's not letting the Home team cross the whitewash, this giving Latchford a bigger percentage of time on the Ball, allowing them to put thing into play that they had worked on in training during the week. Defensively the full team was immense today with big hits all round the field 6 players getting into double figures on the tackle count. As the unicorns had a lot of ball procession today, they worked the ball well left to right and with the speed of passing very good today most of the players got their hands on the ball. Well taken Tries from Callum Wright and Alex Robertson and 1one conversion from Declan Patton gave the unicorns a 10-0 lead.

All the talk at half time was good from the Unicorns with speed of defensive line, and completion was the call for the second half. A great go forward laid a platform for the unicorns to exploit holes in the Jude's line and the Unicorns took full advantage with four more tries being scored (David Lea, Jack Morgan, Declan Patton, Josh Wall) and 2 conversion. Words today were hard to find to right a report as the unicorns defended tirelessly and workmen like, and in attack they work for each other backing up, taking dummy runs not being selfish on scoring opportunities, working as a team.

Team: Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

21/10/2007 v West Bank Bears (away) Lancashire Cup 1st Round

West Bank Bears U13 - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 24

Latchford's speed around the play-the-ball both in attack and defence was the big difference between the sides, this and some other amazing skills that wouldn't go amiss on a Super league venue. Latchford's full pack of forwards were immense, laying a platform for the half backs to direct the ball left and right for the centres, wingers to run riot down the flanks. Jake Eccleston and Callum Wright used their hard hitting defensive style on the left in tireless fashion repelling the West Bank attack backwards and, when they changed the direction of the attack ,they went straight into the giants of the pack namely Andre Savelio and Jake Slydell who never put a foot wrong all game. Jack Morgan and Matty Wilkinson shared the hooker position throughout the game both giving a good service of ball to the conductors of the team Liam Sullivan and Declan Patton who directed Josh Wall, David Lea, Chrissie Hunt and Alex Robertson around the field. Sullivan had his best game of the season so far doing some zip, zip runs at an uneven defending line creating gaps through the middle and was unlucky not to score on a few occasions. The strong interchanges of Joe Krawiecki, James Williams and Danny Reid never altered the tough attacking and defending style of the unicorns, as they all contributed.

This game saw the Unicorns register the most hit ups this season and, for the season, the team has now clocked up over 1,000 tackles. Callum Wright topped the tackle count as he has done all season. Mikey Wharton became the tenth squad member to score a try. Josh Wall notched up his sixth in seven games and Wright his fifth with two in this game, while Jake Eccleston scored his first try in a latchford shirt. There was a goal apiece for Chris Hunt and Dec Patton. Next round draw has given the Unicorns another away trip, this time back to fellow premier side Pilkington Recs Cougars.

Team: Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, Micheal Wharton, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

04/11/2007 v Pilkington Recs Cougars (away) Lancs Cup 2nd Round

Pilkington Recs Cougars U13 - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 42

The tempo of this game was set immediately from the kick off when the unicorns forced an error from the attack of Pilks, took the ball and then scored on the third drive. The immense speed of the defending line movement in and out, combined with the hard tackling style from the unicorns put fear into Pilks attackers straight away during this fixture, this allowed the half backs to take control and push the rampaging unicorns around the paddock, The speed around the play the ball area, the hard driving runs, the inter passing along the line ,the partners working for each other and some pin point kicking they were all on show.

The only lapse in concentration during the whole game was from restart which the unicorns just weren?t switched on at this point and Pilks took full advantage in scoring, but the unicorns? response to this was outstanding with a great kick off, another error from Pilks, a scrum and a rampaging run to the line to score. The Unicorns never took the foot off the gas pedal continuing with this fast hard approach to defence and during attack well it was just great to watch today. From fullback to the interchangers the full team played their part in this exceptional team display from the under 13s today.

Callum Wright capped off an excellent display scoring his first hat trick of the season with Josh Wall getting a brace, Liam Sullivan, Chris Hunt, Michael Wharton and Jack Morgan all scored tires. Declan Patton converted 3 Goals. Well done Boys on this Lancashire Cup victory knocking out Last Seasons winners

Team
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, Michael Wharton, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

11/11/2007 v West Bank Bears (away)

West Bank Bears U13 - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 8

Frustrated, that's was the way the unicorns felt during and after the game today, that's not to say West Bank didn't allow the unicorns to start playing today. The style of the day came straight from the first kick off with the unicorns making an unforced error, which resulted in West Bank taking the lead. Again the last touch was wrong the pass was being forced so the unicorns could get a hold of this game, until a solo try from Wharton in the corner.

The second half started better as pass were going to hand, yards through the middle being gain but West Banks last ditched tacklers were there to save the day.
Until up stepped Callum on one of them runs were he left carnage behind himself on the way to the line. An outstanding individual try. But in the last minute off the game was the best moves were Bank drew the Unicorns in and the some outstanding passing to score in the corner.

Tries: Micheal Wharton, Callum Wright

Team: Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki, Joe Furnival. Back to top

18/11/2007 v Ince Rose Bridge (away) Lancs Cup Quarter Final

Ince Rose Bridge U13 - 8
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 32

On an extremely cold day both sets of players put on a great show off rugby, but thankfully the Unicorns were on fire today with some outstanding defensive shots and attacking with pin point accuracy player to player. What a difference a week makes. The Unicorns fast speed around the play-the-ball area allowed the half backs to run the show and with forwards getting over the advantage line drive after drive, this allowed the ball for this week to move down the line at ease and with the deep line attack it look the part and sometimes today they finished it off, with great pass/kick options, inter combinations and most off all great collaboration between the players.

The line speed missing from last week was back today with a vengeance and the unicorns muscled up well in defence to stop the much bigger pack off forwards from tacking control ,the centre wingers move the line in and out side to side through out the game, today defensive effort today was the best so far for the season. Well done boys in reaching again the Semi final of the Lancs. Cup, let?s go one better this year! This was Chris Hunts and Callum Wrights 50th appearance for the Unicorns ,roll no more from them both .

Tires: Callum Wright 2, Jake Eccleston , Chris Hunt, David Lea, Josh Wall
Goals: Declan Patton 3, Josh Wall

Team:
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki, Joe Furnival. Back to top

25/11/2007 v Pilkington Recs Cougars (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 26
Pilkington Recs Cougars U13 - 12

A game of two halves with the first being an arm wrestle between the two hard working sets of players determined to out wit the other throughout, and the second half Latchford stepped up a gear both going forward and defending their line and greater fitness levels can to light during this half as they scored three unanswered tries, to complete a treble of wins over Pilks Cougars this season.

This is the first time the unicorns have done this during the 6 seasons of playing rugby against the usually more dominate Pilks side. Again during this game the defensive efforts from all the team was outstanding with some putting in more than others as usual but that's their strength, with tackle after tackle being made as Pilks offloaded very well in and around the rook area, this had to be addressed and soon as problem was addressed ,the Unicorns started to stop the off loads and this resulted in them gaining an upper hand, in controlling the floor and speed of the oppositions play the ball, this enable the Unicorns to concentrate on their attacking game. And how good was this today!

Some outstanding game line running, with no fear ,no stopping, off loading to players when possible ,all this rolled up with a pin point kicking game on show today ,brought about a great desire to work for one another and work ethic from the Unicorns today that they have to take into the rest of the season. Mikey Wharton capped off an outstanding display today in scoring a brace of tries. One coming from an interception by Pilks big second row runners (poss offside) and Mickey did a one on one, to steal the ball, takes in gets tackled, plays the ball and loops round to score in the corner David Lea, Andre Savelio, Jake Slydell and James Williams also scored, with Declan Patton converting a goal. This was a good platform to take into next weeks Semi final game at Saddleworth .

Team:
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio, Jack Morgan, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson,
James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

02/12/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (away) Lancs Cup Semi Final

Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16

An outstanding game of under 13 rugby league in this Lancashire Cup Semi Final tie with the result unfortunately not favouring Latchford. That old nemesis Saddleworth progressed through to a cup final at the expense of Latchford for the second year running. In heavy conditions the handling skills and tackling skills were excellent, both teams running blood to water. The result was taken away from latchford control with some harsh ruling on and around the Saddleworth line during the last 10 minutes. This is not to say these decisions diminished the effort of the Unicorns players who pushed harder and harder until the final whistle but time ran out and the result, like the decisions was against us.

Eccleston put in a colossal amount of tackles today matching Wright tackle for tackle and with Slydell, Lea and Patton (Top Tackler) putting in a tireless effort around the field today stopping the onslaught from Saddleworth . Going forward the unicorns all worked individually hard and combined well putting some great movement along the line, and again the kicks and the chasing group were unreal questioning the commitments of the opposition. Having one try ruled out is alwayshard but three and in a semi final when the home side, well even the home side felt fortunate.Well done for getting this far in a cup competition and congratulations in a top effort today, how proud we are of you all for your efforts during the game, with the result being taken out of your control.

Tries: Callum Wright, Declan Patton, and David Lea
Goals: Declan Patton converting twice

Team:
Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, David Lea, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, Micheal Wharton,
James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki Back to top

06/01/2008 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 18

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 10

Ground hog day as this was the 3^rd meeting between these two great under 13’s teams, the 3^rd defeat for the Unicorns and again the 3^rd time some harsh refereeing decisions went against the Unicorns, but hay we must carry on. Not even the return of Savelio into the Unicorns ranks could gain a victory over Saddleworth; he tried his best scoring twice and unfortunately being ruled out for his hat trick, players luck sluggish after the Christmas break, not firing on all cylinders .the team had to be re-jigged about before the game, with players playing out of position, but putting in a great effort. The consistency in the unicorns play seemed to be missing today probably still on vacation after the Christmas brake. All the players tried hard to gain the upper hand but again the Gods didn’t shine down on the Unicorns and game went away from them. The result will come just keep plugging away .

Tries: Andre Savelio 2

Goals: Declan Patton

Team:

Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Rob ertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki

13/01/2008 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 32

Wigan St Judes U13 - 0

This was a hard fought out result against a much improved St Judes team, who held the Unicorns out for the first 20 minutes. So great work left and right created gaps for the fast powerful Slydell scored out wide, again more great work down the middle resulted in Wright scoring is first of 3 great tries today, capping off an exceptional game for this ever improving player. Patton control the troops around the field putting players through defensive holes throughout the game and put in some astonishing tackles on players twice the size but perhaps not as much heart and desirer ,Sullivan directed the right side off the field around in a much improved display. The forward pack of Savelio, Wilkinson, Krawiecki, Slydell interchanged well Reid, Williams, Eccleston keeping the go forward drive up to full force during the game. Savelio was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after being ruled out for a couple of tires. Putting in some outstanding line running today. The backs all contributed to this game with Hunts last ditch tackle one on one, Ashbrook’s tireless work out wide tackling and not missing today, stand in centre Wharton who never put a foot wrong all game some excellent work going forward and defensively, Wall colossal as always, Rob ertson ever improving throughout and scoring a cheeky interception try at the end.But the opposition picked out Morgan for his industrious work around the play the ball area, pinching valued yards up the paddock and giving his half backs some great ball from the rook area he also snick a great Cunningham like try today. This was a much improved defensive performance today from the unicorns’, to hold any team to nil is a great achievement at any level of Rugby, But still some the players looked a bit tired, still getting over the Xmas break ,but more games and training sessions under the belt will improve the team fitness ,morale even more.

Tries: Callum Wright 3, Alex Rob ertson, Jake Morgan, Jake Slydell

Goals: Declan Patton 4

Team:

Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Rob ertson, Andrea Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki

27/01/2008 v Higginshaw (away) NWC Cup

Higginshaw U13 - 8

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 22

Latchford progression to the next round of the North West counties cup is secured, but they new they had been in a game against a strong running Higginshaw side that never gave up the fight and kept coming harder and harder throughout the game. Latchford were hampered when Patton got an injury which seen him miss all but 5 mins of the first half and Wright play the full Game with a bad knock to the Thigh, the fluent game plan was there today and the team had to reshuffle a few times during the game with p[layers out of position, Savelio and Eccleston were giants going forward making valuable yards up the middle but it was the attacking out wide Wall, Slydell , Robertson and the injured Wright who question the Higginshaw Defenders running hard against their wing /Centre partners. Morgan and Williams interchanged and 9 and 6 whist Patton was off the field and this combination work well during the game. Eccleston open the scoring with a powerful short rang and the Slydell did completely the opposite with a full length solo effort for unicorn’s second try. Higginshaw never gave up the fight running a try before half time 8-4.

The introduction of the patched up Patton allowed a reshuffle of the Unicorns back to a bit normality. The kicking game was back and the unicorns kept Higginshaw pinned back in there own half for much of the second half, Savelio score a great worked try and Patton also got his name on the score sheet with a try and 2 goals ,Wall also converted a try. This was a tough test for the unicorns today and puts them through to the next round; more games will hopefully bring the assured game style the unicorns had during 07

Tries: Jake Eccleston, Jake Slydell, Declan Patton , Andre Savelio,

Goals: Declan Patton 2, Josh Wall

Team:

Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Rob ertson, Jake Slydell, Jack Morgan, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, Micheal Wharton, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki

10/02/2008 v Ince Rose Bridge (away) NWC Cup

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 18

Ince Rose Bridge U13 - 24

This was a great entertaining game of rugby with two halves being totally different .The unicorns taking a 16-6 half time lead and the Ince playing great to take the spoils in the second. The Unicorns were reduced to 12 men for a 10 minute spell in the 1^st half after a retaliation incident and the 5mins into the 2^nd half the player being dismissed for the same thing after the official miss the first offence, harsh but you have to go with the young developing Referees discussion right or wrong, he’s in charge. Latchford look like they were running away with the fixture scoring 3 outstanding fast tries from Wright 2 and Appleton. Ince never had the ball in hands, until the sin bin which seamed to even things up a bit and Ice stole a try on the stroke off half time. Restored to 13 players the unicorns got off to a bad start with Ince strolling in from the restart, due to some slack poor tackling from the unicorns, this set the pattern from the second half and on the next set of six, the Unicorns were reduce again to 12 men and for the remainder of the game this was hard for them to stretch across the field set after set, Ince found holes and gaps and score more trys. final score 18-24.The unicorns dug deep in this game with only staring with 14 players 4 players out injured ,and 2 playing in there first games , it was always going to be a hard uphill battle and when reduced in numbers even harder .To many grabbing at shirts and not bodies on the line but hard when no interchanges available . Well done Unicorns again harsh result but well bounce back again we have two.

Tries: Callum Wright 2, Lewis Appleton

Goals: Declan Patton 3

Team: Declan Patton, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, Andrea Savelio,Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Callum Wright, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki, Lewis Appleton, Joe Furnival, Chris Ashbrook never played through injury

17/02/2008 v Wigan St Patrick's (away)

Wigan St Patrcks Warriors U13 - 17

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 54

Some great passing, line running and unselfish team work were on display today in attack but still poor movement of the defensive line which unfortunately allowing 17 points in. The 2 little generals of Patton and Sullivan control the direction of the attacking forwards runs from Reid, Savelio, Slydell and Krawiecki this all put together with a good fast play the ball controlled by Morgan and Wilkinson was far to much for the regrouping St Pats team to handle. Centre Wall just back from injury capitalise on some poor defending allowing the left side of the field to score a hat trick of tries but he wasn’t on his own in this department as Slydell finished off an all-round outstanding display by scoring a hat trick. During the first half some great combinations between players Wharton, Ashbrook and Hunt, Robertson work very well during their attack .The pack of forwards questioned the defensive efforts of St Pats time after time and on some off these ramping runs up the field players linked in to score; Reid, Morgan and Appleton all crossing the whitewash during this half.

Second half saw much of the same from the Unicorns with Eccleston coming off the bench running the ball in hard scoring try on one of these runs and Patton tagging on one for him-self instead off setting things up .Furnival ,Williams also worked hard in the pack area after coming off the bench at half time. Reid put in his best performance of the season, doing loads of unselfish work on and off the ball, running great lines and defending well when required. Some real attacking positives can be taken from this game from the Unicorns but defensive line and shape needs more work on during training sessions in the fore coming weeks. Well done lads biggest win of the season to date.

Tries: Slydell 3, Wall 3, Patton, Appleton , Reid, Morgan, Eccleston

Goals: Patton 4, Hunt

Team:

24/02/2008 v Pilkington Recs Pumas (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16

Pilkington Recs Pumas U13 - 20

A below average performance from the Unicorns collectively today, allowed a determined Pumas team to take the spoils in the last play of the game. The Unicorns approach and attitude to the game was simply too relaxed which hopefully will the last time this season. Patton was on fire today putting players through gaps and getting through more than his fair share of work, tackling anything that moved. Declan wasn’t on his own with Slydell, Wall and Morgan questioning the Pilks defenders during the game going forward.

Defensively the Unicorns were all at sixes and sevens with players moving off the line at speed and others not bothering, thus leaving gaps for Pilks to exploit, which they did during the second half. Ashbrook put in a colossal amount of tackles as did others during the game. Injuries to key personnel again disrupted the team structure during the second half, with players playing out of position this troubled the team, but the team should be strong enough to cope with this and today they weren’t to Oliver Jack came off the bench to make his Unicorns debut today. Jake Slydell scored his 100^th Latchford try, only the second player of this team to achieve the feat. Josh Wall’s try took his points tally past 100. Andre Savelio scored the other, while Patton kicked two goals

Team:

02/03/2008 v Rylands Sharks (away)

Rylands Sharks U13 - 16

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 15

What a difference a week makes as last week the Unicorns collectively were poor and this week everyone put in a immense performance, in this local Battle Royal at Gorsey Lane, Both teams deserver a massive rap for putting on a great display of under 13’s rugby, in which Warrington Rep Rugby personnel could be proud of as this game showed it’s going to be tuff to turn over this years rep team at t 13’s. There was no difference between the 2 teams today just the paint work on the post,1 conversion hit them and went in and one didn’t and as per the unicorns was the one that didn’t. Wright, Patton, Ashbrook and Slydell put in a gargantuan amount off tackles today with some off them unreal and meaningful. During attack Savelio lead by example driving the pack forward time on time with again Sullivan and Patton directing the route off attack. Morgan scored a Cunningham like try from short range, Wall got over in the corner, and Savelio scored from a quick tap to bull doze over Patton added one conversion and a crafty drop goal. The energy leaves were great from the unicorns today as most were on zero from there commitments the day before for schools.This was again an outstanding game between two determined sides with the result going the wrong way for The Unicorns but not for the Sharks but it shows how close the teams are getting again! Once growth rate kicks in on a level par, it will be beware of the Unicorn and not the Shark!

Team

09/03/2008 v Orrell St James (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 16

Orrell St James U13 - 28

What a Jeckyll and Hyde game for the Unicorns today this was. For the first fifteen minutes the team seemed in control of this game, running hard, tackling hard and scoring two fast unanswered tries from Patton and Sullivan as well as being stopped on a couple of occasions with some last ditch desperate tackling from Orrell defenders to deny Wright and Savelio. Then Mr Hyde popped up in the Unicorns ranks and things never went right throughout the rest of the game. Several players began dropping off tackles and, when they attempted to tackle, it was a poor effort. Passing was sloppy, play-the-balls poor, but all this is not to say the Orrell team didn’t play well because they did and they showed the Unicorns how to keep on pushing hard for the 2 league points. The only spark of anything from the Unicorns in the second half was Eccleston scoring in the last seconds of the game and Ashbrook’s tireless efforts in defence. It was so sad to watch the team’s frustrations during the game at one another and this will have be eradicated from the ranks so as not to appear again throughout the remainder of the season if the team are to develop and grow into a better team. A lesson can be taken from this game about teamwork and desire to work for the team from Orrell's example.

Tries: Patton, Sullivan, Eccleston

Goals: Patton 2

Team

16/03/2008 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 46

Blackbrook Royals U13 - 6

The up and down seasons performances carried on, but it was all up for the Unicorns today as handling skills were excellent and defensive efforts unreal throughout the game. The speed around the play the ball, whether it jumping forward or passing from the floor always kept Blackbrook on a backward footing and with the playing running at gaps ‘Brook struggle to bring under control the Unicorns rampage up the field. Patton directed the attacking lines of run during the game with ease directing Savelio, Slydell, Wright and Krawiecki around the park. Defensive efforts were shared across the team with Ashbrook and Wright putting in soaring efforts right the way through the game. Jake Slydell finished off an excellent all-round game with another hat trick for the Unicorns, Jack Morgan got a brace, Declan Patton, Andre Savelio, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson also crossed the whitewash in this one sided game. This seemed unreal as Blackbrook have always pushed the Unicorns hard in every other encounter and usually ran out victors but not this week. Declan Patton converted 4 goals

Team

30/03/2008 v Wigan St Patrick's Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 38

Wigan St Patrick’s Warriors U13 - 0

A good all-round team performance was on display today from the unicorns continuing their recent good form. To keep the St Pats team to nil was hard today as they never stopped running and trying things, but it was the last touch that was forced were the error came and the Unicorns know about that! The defensive effort in tackling was great today but the line speed wasn’t there. Ashbrook, and Jack were solid down the right side forcing the St Pats attack through the middle were Wright, Savelio and Patton were on hand to stop them dead in there tracks. Wilkinson and Morgan interchanged at the hooker position which bamboozled the opposition as to whether they were passing or scooting with the ball. This allowed Patton and Sullivan to control the attacking options throughout putting some incredible passes together for the attacking runners Wall, Slydell, Wright and Savelio. Some great inter-passing up and down the line inside and out and backing up reaped rewards today for the unicorns as they put on a great show going forward. Positional changes came about at half time with Rob ertson being put into the second row and again he provide with a little push he too can brake defensive lines with easy and out stretch his legs. The Unicorns had too much power and pace today for the regrouping St Pats team today keep rebuilding and well see you next season

Tries: Ashbrook, Hunt, Patton, Slydell, Wall. Wharton, Wright

Goals: Patton 2 ,Wall

Team

06/04/2008 v Blackbrook Royals (away)

Blackbrook Royals U13 - 17

Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 14

The Unicorns took a squad of nineteen to St Helens to visit the home of Blackbrook Royals and all were given game time. Latchford's tries were scored by player-of-the-match Jake Slydell and Callum Wright in the first half with a conversion by Declan Patton giving the Unicorns a 10-4 lead at the break.

At the resumption Latchford increased their lead with a try by Mikey Wharton. Despite the defensive efforts of unsung hero Andre Savelio and regular top tackler Callum Wright the Unicorns were powerless to stop a Blackbrook come back as they conceded twelve points followed by a field goal.

Team:

Chris Ashbrook, Jake Eccleston, Chris Hunt, Joe Krawiecki, Jack Morgan, Declan Patton, Andre Savelio, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Josh Wall, Mikey Wharton, Matty Wilkinson, Callum Wright, David Lea, Danny Reid, Alex Robertson, James Williams, Lewis Appleton, Connor Reardon

13/04/2008 v Ince Rose Bridge (home)

Latchford Unicorns U13 - 20

Ince Rose Bridge U13 - 12

Latchford got off to a poor start in each half of this game. Bridge scored virtually within the first five minutes and then straight from the 2^nd half restart. That was probably the only poor thing today from Latchford today, that and the lack of depth in attack, but you can’t have everything. Defensively the Unicorns pushed up hard and tackled hard but most of all worked hard as a unit tackling the massive pack of Bridge’s forward, who created problems in the first half but tired in the second. This allowed Patton and Sullivan to pick holes in the line to put the Unicorn’s attackers through. There were some outstanding hard, attacking runs from Eccleston, Krawiecki and Reid gaining valuable yards up the field. This combined well with a fast play-the-ball control again by Wilkinson and Morgan allowing Patton to put Wright, Slydell and Wall on some barnstorming runs questioning Bridge time after time. Wright scored from one of these runs in the first half to share the honours 4-4 at half time.

From the restart the Unicorns slipped up allowing Bridge to go in front. In weeks gone by this would have put the Unicorns on a slippery slope but not today as team spirit, pride and some real true grit teamwork came out as the Unicorns stepped up a gear. Patton put Slydell through a hole and Jake finished off under the sticks beating two and wrong-footing the fullback. Fast play-the-balls up the field and with Lea asking questions of the wing centres it seemed he was going to the ground but he released the ball to Wharton who scored. Some more great line passing along the line right to left result in Robertson straightening up the attack to tag on another try. Patton converted twice.

Team:

Chris Ashbrook, Declan Patton, Chris Hunt, Josh Wall, Jack Morgan, Daniel Reid, Alex Robertson, David Lea, Jake Slydell, Liam Sullivan, Michael Wharton, Matthew Wilkinson, James Williams, Jake Eccleston, Joe Krawiecki, Oliver Jack, Connor Reardon, Jake Eccleston Back to top