Leyland Warriors U14 - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 4

Latchford battled all the way in this hard fought contest, but ultimately with no reward. Leyland started the stronger and used the hill to their advantage in the opening skirmishes. After controlling the early exchanges, Leyland quickly moved the ball to their left flank, found Latchford short of cover and squeezed in for a well taken try in the corner. Leyland failed to convert. The quick score galvanised Latchford into action and the score remained at 4-0 for the rest of the first half. Latchford's excellent defence was epitomised by the strong work of the centres, Ryan Farnan and Tim Mitchell.

Turning round at half time, Latchford made the error of the kick off just going out on the full. From the resulting penalty, the Leyland left centre, who ran strongly and troubled Latchford throughout, cut inside brushing off some poor Latchford defence to score under the black dot giving an easy conversion. Latchford gathered themselves and were lead forward by Gavin Bennion who was outstanding throughout the game. Gav's strong running was rewarded with a well taken solo try which was too far out to be converted. Josh Moss, playing his first game in the Latchford colours and his first match at fullback made some excellent kick returns which gained Latchford many metres. His covering and reading of the game was faultless. Latchford continued to press with hooker Shaun Rigby probing from dummy half. His delightfully weighted kick to Ben Clarke tested the Leyland defence which was just able to scramble to defuse the kick. In the closing minutes, Latchford continued to press the Leyland defence which, to their credit, held firm and as ever the winner takes it all.. The name of the game is, of course, scoring tries!

Mention must be given to Scott Chambers who, in his first competitive match for the team, gave a faultless display. Despite being pushed hard by Gav Bennion and Ryan Farnan, the coaches? man of the match award was unanimously given to Josh Moss for his all round excellent performance and tireless effort. Back to top

16/09/2007 v Orrell St James (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 36
Orrell St James U14 - 4

After an unlucky away defeat in the Albions first game of the season last week, Latchford opened their home account with a superb performance. The dominance was evident form the first to the final minute with the powerful Latchford pack creating a platform for the backs to make smart use of the ball. This dominance was converted into points as loose forward Gavin Bennion broke the visitor's defensive line to power 40 yards and score the first of his three tries. Bennion added a second with Josh Moss running in a third to leave the home side 16 points to zero at half time.

The second half continued much the same as the first, however the visitors never dropped their heads and pressed the Latchford defence on numerous occasions with no reward. From a scrum on the visitors 20 metre line the next try was well sculpted and straight from the training field. Albion stacked the line to the right hand side with Orrell failing to honour the threat, a three-man overlap was created and winger Scott Chambers scored easily in the corner. Bennion finished his hat-trick of scores soon afterwards with a strong solo effort. Orrell did manage to register points after a sustained period of pressure on the Latchford line. Not to be outdone though as Orrell pressed again, a superb interception on the defenders line resulted in centre Tim Mitchell running a full 95 metres to score under the posts. The work rate of hooker Tom Corroboy was second to none throughout the game and he was a constant thorn in the visitors side, his reward
came late on in the match as the forwards had set the platform with Albion 5 metres out, in an opportune moment he superbly collected the ball at dummy half and scored an excellent try in the left hand corner,a just reward for his hard work throughout the game
Four of the seven tries were converted by Bennion who picked up the Man of the Match award for his tireless work rate and scoring efforts.

All in all a promising result from a side who were only able to field 13 players due to player availability and reduced numbers at the start of this year. Back to top

23/09/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U13 - 8
Latchford Albion Unicorns U13 - 30

The long trek up to Saddleworth was made all the more worth it by a solid team performance in difficult conditions and on a heavy pitch. Taking advantage of the fact that this was the home sides first game of the season , the Albion started strongly putting pressure on Saddleworth from the off. This pressure was converted into points when some excellent handling ended with Ben Clarke scoring in the corner. Defensively Latchford were much improved than in the previous two games and the home side found it impossible to breach the line. Paul Coleman added a second score soon afterwards with Shaun Rigby and Ben Clarke getting his second try of the day also getting in on the act.

Starting the second half 20 points to nil up latchford became a little complacent and allowed Saddleworth more attacking ball which ultimately resulted in a conceded try. Growing with confidence the home side rallied and scored again soon afterwards making the score 20-8 with 20 minuets left to play. They also reverted to trying to use strong arm tactics and a number of scuffles broke out which needed the referee to be a lot firmer than he was. Latchford refused to be drawn into this style of intimidation and hit back in the best way possible with Gavin Bennion driving the ball over the try line to score. This score settled the nerves and with seconds remaining fullback Josh Moss found space to score the final points of the game only to be hacked down behind the sticks after the ball was touched down, this infringement resulted in a Saddleworth player quite rightly being yellow carded. Ben Clarke was awarded the Man of the Match award for his strong all round game and 2 scores , and Luke Wood made an excellent debut for the side successfully converting 3 of the tries. Back to top

30/09/2007 v Leigh East (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 16
Leigh East U14 - 20

Latchford went into this game full of confidence after two consecutive wins. They did, however, start very slowly against a strong well disciplined side, and were punished for early mistakes as the visitors ran in 3 first half tries to take a 14-0 half time lead.

The half time team talk seemed to do the trick as the Albion came out all guns blazing and put pressure on East's try line, this resulted in Gavin Bennion scoring a well taken try with Luke Wood converting. The score further boosted the home sides confidence and scored a second shortly afterwards when Nigel hankey scooted from close range, again Wood converted bringing the scores to 14-12 in the visitors' favour. A lapse in concentration saw the visitor?s winger break 2 tackles and sprint 30 Yards to keep the gap at 8 points and even though there was a suspicion of a foot in touch the score was awarded. Latchford again fought back with Tim Mitchell finishing of a well sculpted move to score in the corner, Bennion unfortunately could not convert the try. The final minutes saw Latchford push for the win and only a last ditch effort from the away sides full back stopped a winning score for the Albion.

The slow start and always playing catch up ultimately cost them the game but with the prospect pf 2 more meetings with Leigh East this season the coaching team are confident that a win next time round is on the cards. Back to top

07/10/2007 v Moss Bank Buldogs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 6
Mossbank Bulldogs U14 - 44

Latchford fell to their heaviest defeat in over two years in this NWC's first round cup tie to a side a division lower. This was due mainly to the lack of available players as the side could only field ten against a full strength visiting team. The effort was always there to see but the numerical advantage always made it difficult for the team to make progress. The visitors quickly raced into a 28 point lead making good use of the extra space and numbers. Not to be outdone though the Albion kept battling away and were rewarded when Ben Clarke picked up a lose ball and powered over to score from 30 metres out. Luke Wood converted to make the half time score 28 points to 6.

The second half started with Latchford in control and valiantly pressed forward looking for more points. They were still pushing when they unfortunately lost a player due to injury. Starting with 10 against 13 was bad enough but with only 9 they just couldn?t deal with the extra 4 players on the opposition side. As a result a further 14 points were conceded in the last 10 minutes which didn't reflect on the pattern of play in the second half. The final score was 44 points to 6 in the visitors favour. Tim Mitchell was awarded the Man of the Man award and the whole side were commended for their effort and commitment throughout the game. With players due back next week a more promising forecast is promised once league games recommence. Back to top

14/10/2007 v Crosfield Vipers (away)

Crosfields Vipers U14 - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 16

For the second successive game Latchford were only able to field 10 men in this league game at Crosfields. This was due to illness, injury and the inability of the postal system and BARLA to get their act together, with players on the sideline unable to play as registration cards have yet to arrive. The Albion made a mockery of the numbers difference and were always in the hunt for the win. Only uncharacteristic mistakes from certain players allowing the home side to put pressure on the Latchford line. Crosfields scored first after creating an overlap on the left hand side but Latchford hit back almost immediately with Tim Mitchell finishing off a superb passing move to score in the corner. A couple of controversial refereeing decisions gave Crosfields opportunities which they duly took and raced into an 18-4 half time lead.

The second half was all the Albions with constant pressure being placed on the home side?s line. This was converted into points as Tim Mitchell scored 2 more tries to complete a hat-trick and Gavin Bennion finishing off a move after collecting his own chip kick and driving over.Unfortunatley none of the Albion tries were converted which ultimately cost them at least a point. At 18-16 there was only going to be one winner as Latchford were dominating in all areas , however another mistake made whilst going forward allowed a home player to race and score sealing the game right at the end. Tim Mitchell pick up his 3rd consecutive Man of the Match award for his 3 tries and work rate but the hold team can be commended for their performance Back to top

21/10/2007 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U14 -12
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 6

The Albion started this game with 13 for first time in a number of weeks but the injury jinx struck early on losing a player. The 12 men battled valiantly on and caused numerous problems for the home side. Ashton took the lead with a well taken try and this was duly converted giving them a 6 point advantage. This was to be the only score in the first half with both sides pressing and looking for gaps in the respective defensive lines.

The second half started strongly for Latchford who put constant pressure on the home side's line, the reward for all the hard work was when Gavin Bennion scored under the sticks after a slick move, Luke Wood converted this score ensuring a grandstand finish with the scores tied at 6 points each. One downside to the game was the constant use of foul play by an Ashton side who seemed more concerned with provoking a reaction to these tactics than winning the game, this mindset resulted in making the game a bad tempered affair with the referee continually missing or ignoring these incidents. The end result was a yellow card each for both sides and a red card for one of the home team's players after punching a Latchford forward. A draw would have been a fair result but the home side managed to score right at the end of time sealing the win. This Latchford side has been unlucky on a number of occasions this season losing 4 games by 6 points or less and with hard work on the training field and a bit of luck they can reverse this trend. Back to top

04/11/2007 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panthers U14 - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 23

With two new players making their debuts this week Latchford were in a confident frame of mind as they travelled to Chorley. The home side started strongly with the Albion defending resolutely for the first 10 minuits.Once this pressure had been absorbed they started to play some excellent attacking rugby with only frustrating mistakes stopping points being scored. The breakthrough finally came when Gavin Bennion sidestepped the home defence to score under the sticks. Luke Wood duly converted the try to give the Latchford side a 6 point lead at the halfway point.

The second half as has been the pattern this year proved to be all the Albions with Man of the Match Paul Coleman leading the way with some dynamic forward runs.Latchford's kick and chase was excellent with the home back 3 under constant pressure from both deep and high kicks, a number of these kicks resulted in excellent field position which the Albion took full control of, the pressure finally got to much for Chorley as they conceded further points as Gavin Bennion scored another 2 efforts with Luke Wood again converting both. At 18-0 Albion were cruising and to rub salt in the wounds of the home side Bennion knocked over a 20 metre drop goal midway through the half. Following the restart from the points scored , an error gave Chorley an opportunity to get points and despite a valiant defensive effort they did get their just reward with a converted try with 5 minutes to play. Determined to have the last word however Ben Clarke latched on to yet another deep kick to drive and score the final try of the game under the sticks. All in all a good performance with promise of more to come in the near future. Back to top

11/11/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 14 - 34
Saddleworth Rangers U 14 - 0

Latchford took their second consecutive win in a game they dominated from start to finish. Only incomplete sets in the first 4 attacking plays stopped early points being scored. Once settled, however, the team produced some fluent attacking rugby with Dan Harbidge starting the route with a well taken try. Further scores were added by Paul Coleman and a cheeky interception try from Tim Mitchell. Two of these scores were converted, one by Luke Wood and the second from Gavin Bennion. Half time was called with the Albion 16 points to nil ahead.

The second half continued in the same way with Latchford pushing for more points, the defensive effort from the side however was exceptional with the visitors given no opportunities to get points on the board, but to their credit they did try their hardest to stretch Lachford with no joy. The pressure finally got too much for Saddleworth and more scores duly arrived with Ryan Farnan and Billy Martin driving over the whitewash to further extend the lead. Not to be outdone Latchfords right wing Scott Chambers scored 2 well taken tries after excellent team work and ball handling skills on show. Luke Wood converted just one of these scores to make the final score of 34 points to nil. Overall an excellent team performance with 3 players scoring for the first time this season and the outstanding defensive effort of all involved Back to top

25/11/2007 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 18
Chorley Panthers U14 - 22

A below par performance which ultimately led to a home defeat against a side who were comfortably beaten in the reverse fixture only 3 weeks ago. Latchford looked liked a team of individuals which led to the inevitable mistakes all over the park. However even with these mistakes the Albion did take a half time lead of 8-4 with scores from Luke Wood and Gavin Bennion.

The second period started badly as a weak right side defence failed to stop the visitors scoring 2 quick tries in the corner. This did however spur Latchford into their best spell of the game and they managed to level the scores at 18 all with a second try from Bennion and one from Ryan Farnan. Another mistake from the restart gave the momentum to Chorley who managed a match winning score in the corner. Although there were some strong individual efforts the lack of team work was the key with the game there to be won. Hopefully the side will learn from this game and work harder in the future. Back to top

02/12/2007 v Crosfields Vipers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 10
Crosfields Vipers U14 - 4

In very heavy conditions Latchford produced a much improved performance in this local derby. After the disappointment of recent weeks the Albion showed a far better team structure and this showed in their smart ball movement, creating a number of chances early on in the half. The pack created a platform allowing the halves to dictate the pace of the game which ultimately led to a smartly taken try on the last tackle. The visitors were expecting a kick the Albion worked the ball through hands and Tim Mitchell powered over for the score. Conditions contributed to a number of mistakes on both sides but the Latchford defence was superb throughout the game limiting the visitors to sporadic breaks that were halted by excellent covering tackles.

A half time score of 4 points to nil was a fair reflection of the game at that time and Albion continued in the same vane throughout the second half , with constant pressure of the Vipers line. The second Latchford score however came from a moment of excellent individual play when Ryan Farnan broke through the defence centre field and sprinted 50 meters to score under the posts, this score was converted by Luke Wood. The visitors did manage to register a consolation try close to the end of the game but Albion held of to rightly take the points. Luke Boden playing in the hooker role for the first time took the Man of the Match award for his all round contribution Back to top

06/01/2008 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U 14 - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U 14 - 14

Due to adverse weather conditions before Christmas this game turned out to be the first match played for six weeks and the Albion started slowly conceding a try early on that was converted by the home side. Gradually they started to play some structured rugby against a much improved Saddleworth team who had taken only one point all season. The effort and commitment was eventually rewarded when Joe Cooper scooted over from close in to make the scores 6-4 at half time in favour of the home side.

Defensively Albion soaked up a lot of pressure and were a match for everything Saddleworth could throw at them. The tide slowly turned with Latchford pushing forward to score tries from Scott Chambers and Gavin Bennion, neither of which could be converted. The home side were still in the game up to the final minute when Albion were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Luke Wood stepped up and slotted the ball between the sticks to secure the win. A gutsy if not attractive win setting the side up nicely for the trip to Drighlington in next weeks National Cup tie Back to top

13/01/2008 v Drighlington (away) National Cup

Drighlington U14's - 46

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 10

Latchford travelled to Bradford in this National Cup 1^st Round tie against Drighlington.The game was played in cold conditions on an extremely heavy pitch but the home side settled into the game far quicker and started to rack up the points before the Albion had woken up.Latchford did create opportunities in the 1^st half but failed to score due to handling errors close to the line, this was compounded by playing the 1^st half up the slope and into the wind which seemed to sap the players energy. Half time score was 26 points to nil with the domination there for all to see by a very well organised and well drilled side.

The second half did fair better for Latchford who finally managed to put some pressure on the Drighlington line and the hard work was rewarded as Paul Coleman and Jack Swindells who was making his debut for the side both scoring tries with Luke Wood knocking over the conversion for one of them. Drighlington did however continue to register points and the final score of 46 – 10 was a true reflection of how the game was played. All in all a tough test for the lads who on the whole gave a good account of themselves.

20/01/2008 v Leigh East (away)

Leigh East U14 - 58

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 6

A below par performance by an Albion side who started the game with only 12 players when winger Scott Chambers suffered a freak injury in the warm up. Subsequent hospital treatment revealed a spiral fracture to the right leg which puts him out of action for the rest of the season. One of the reasons a game is called off at youth level following a serious injury is because yound minds can often fail to focus on the remainder of the match having witnessed their team mate suffer. This game was not cancelled and Latchford now found themselves a player down through no fault of their own. There were some strong individual performances but the team effort was lacking. Latchfords sole try was scored by Gavin Bennion in the second half with Luke Wood knocking over the conversion. A game to forget for many reasons with our main concerns being the recovery of Scott .

27/01/2008 v Crosfield Cobras (away)

This game was abandoned after five minutes' play following a serious injury to Luke Wood (double break of the left leg). A tragedy in its own right but coming a week after Scott Chambers broke his leg at Leigh East is devastating for the team as a whole as well as both players. All at Latchford Albion Unicorns wish both Scott and Luke speed recoveries.

24/02/2008 v Ashton Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 14’s – 16

Ashton Bears U 14’s - 38

This was Albion ’s first game since the end of January with injuries and lack of players stopping matches being played. Latchford started strongly causing confusion amongst the current Division 3 leaders and were unlucky not to register points early on. Ashton however made better use of the ball and due to some ineffective tackling managed to score 2 quick tries enabling them to race into a 10 point lead. To Albion ’s credit they never let their heads drop and created a chance for centre Ben Clarke to score down the left hand side, this score was all the sweeter for Ben who’d just returned to the game after a 2 month break. Gavin Bennion knocked the conversion over to make the score 10-6. Lapses in concentration allowed the visitors to score more points and Latchford gave themselves a mountain to climb in the second half with a score of 20 points to 6.

The game in the second period went a similar way to the first with Ashton frequently breaching the Albion’s line and scoring points.Not to be outdone Latchford did play some good rugby and registered 2 more scores from Billy Martin and Gavin Bennion with Bennion converting one. The final score of 38-16 was a true reflection of the possession Ashton had but the Latchford players did work hard and can hold their heads up high for the effort they put in.

16/03/2008 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 – 12

Leyland Warriors U14 - 24

Latchford’s season continued to be a tester with only 10 available players taking to the field against a full strength visiting side. They did however make a mockery of the 3 player deficit and took the game to Leyland causing numerous problems and threatening to score on a number of occasions early on. The equilibrium was only broken after wing Josh Moss had sprinted 40 yards to make a try saving tackle , the referee in his wisdom decided that Moss failed to release the player and sin-binned him for the offence leaving 9 players on the field. Leyland took full advantage of field position to score with what could only be described as a 5 yard forward pass to the astonishment of both players and coaching staff. This score spurred Albion into action and from the kick-off they gained possession and set siege to the visitor’s line. With every player giving his all Paul Coleman forced his way over and Gavin Bennion converted giving the 9 men a well deserved lead. Leyland did however manage to score again late on in the half and the teams went into the half time break 6 points to 10 in the visitors favour.

The second half started in similar vein to the first with Leyland struggling to contain a confident Latchford 10.They did however make good use of the extra numbers in drawing first blood in the second half with a converted score. Latchford came back strong with some excellent yards being gained by a rampant Paul Coleman who set the platform for Gavin Bennion to power over from short range to score a try which he managed to convert closing the gap to 12 – 16 with only minutes left to play. The physical effort endured by the Latchford side started to take it’s toll near to the end and Leyland were able to score twice more making the final score of 12 – 24 an unfair reflection on a game that Latchford deserved more out of. Overall a superb effort with all ten players giving 120% and is a sign of good things to come for the end of this season and the start of the next when numbers will be bolstered by the return of injured players and new signings alike.

The 10 who played all deserve a mention and are as follows:

Josh Moss, Tim Mitchell , Ryan Farnan, Luke Boden, Shaun Rigby, Tom Corroboy, Paul Coleman, Nigel Hankey, Gavin Bennion and Dan Harbidge Back to top

30/03/2008 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 -12

Leyland Warriors U14 -18

The Albion took on Leyland for the second consecutive match on a very heavy pitch. They paid the price for a very slow start allowing the visitors to score 2 well taken tries both of which were converted.

Starting the second half 12 – 0 down they again went to sleep allowing a further score for Leyland which put them in a commanding 18 nil position. The pattern of the game wasn’t helped by a referee who failed to allow the game to flow and who constantly penalised both sides throughout the whole game. Latchford took until the final 20 minutes to finally wake up and apply some pressure on the Leyland line, this pressure was converted into 3 scores of their own from Shaun Rigby who scooted cleverly in from 10 yards out, Tim Mitchell who finished of a passing move in the left hand corner and a similar score for Tom Corroboy in the opposite corner. Unfortunately none of these tries were converted which ultimately cost the side the chance of a point as Leyland were successful with their kicks. A mention must go to Max Walker who was playing his first game of the season after recently signing, his strength in both attack and defence was plain to see and considering he’d not played league for some time he fitted in nicely and will be a huge benefit to the side.

09/04/2008 v Ashton Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 – 14

Ashton Bears U14 - 38

Ashton came into this game needing a win to secure a possible play off place for the divisional title.The Albion weren’t prepared to let them have it their own way though and started brightly completing the first set and pushing for the Ashton line. However, a mistake whilst defending allowed the visitors to draw first blood. To Latchford’s credit they proceeded straight up the park from the kick-off and replied almost immediately with Gavin Bennion scoring following some good forward work. A series of mistakes in defence followed which Ashton took full advantage of to score more points, and a half time score of 24 points to 4 gave the home side a mountain to climb.

The second half was much better where Latchford were concerned as they constantly pushed and probed at the Ashton Line , this pressure was converted into back to back scores from Paul Coleman powering over for try and Shaun Rigby who smartly scooted from close range as the defence concentrated on the bigger Latchford forwards. Throughout the second half there were a number of errors which the visitors capitalised on scoring points of their own. The final score of 14 – 38 puts Ashton into a play-off for the Divisional title this Sunday but a second half score of 10 – 14 in the visitors’ favour showed a vast improvement in the Latchford performance. With two games left to play this season against opposition in and around us in the league we have a real chance of finishing the season on a high. Back to top

15/04/2008 v Crosfields Vipers (away)

Crosfields Vipers U14 – 24

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 32

This game was switched to Tuesday as both sides’ pitches were flooded at the weekend resulting in the game being played at Loushers Lane in Latchford. Having won only once in 2008 Latchford were determined to be positive from the start and scored early on when Max Walker burst through the tackle and touched down. This score was converted by Gavin Bennion. From the restart however the Albion failed to deal with the ball effectively and gave possession to the visitors who readily accepted it and scored almost immediately, the score again being converted. Further mistakes allowed Crosfields to pressure the Latchford line and they went ahead after some poor defensive work on the Albion ’s left hand side. The offensive effort was second to none and more scores soon came from Tim Mitchell and Shaun Rigby with both scores being converted by Bennion.

A half time score of 18 -10 gave the impetus to Latchford but a poor start to the second half again gave Crosfields field position which they duly accepted and scored again in the corner. Two more scores from Josh Moss and Billy Martin put the Albion in control and at 28 – 14 they were coasting. The visitors did however fight back to make it 28 -20 with 5 minutes to go but a final try from Max Walker sealed the win and the side took their foot of the gas allowing Crosfields to have the final say in the match. Overall an excellent offensive display but the defensive element will need some work before the side’s final game of the season against Chorley on May the 4^th. Back to top