Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 20
Langworthy Reds U13 - 26

Due to the previous week having a blank fixture, this was Giants' introduction to Under 13s rugby. BARLA administrative delays with registration and sickness in the camp meant that only 12 registered players were available from a potential squad of 20. Many aspects of their play showed both how far this side has developed and the potential in the team. However the loss became inevitable when their reduced numbers were compounded by spells in the sin-bin for indiscipline. Despite focus in training and the referee's pre-match warning, some players will only take lessons on the Respect campaign when taught the hard way.

An early unconverted score from Langworthy following a penalty for a high tackle signalled ominously that Giants' defence would need to improve quickly. That was achieved and the Giants managed to gradually dictate more of field position before the excellent Lewis Appleton stepped and sprinted through Langworthy's defence for a try that Cholomondley happily converted.

A Latchford mistake gifted Langworthy a scrum 10m out and although the Giants successfully repelled drives at their line, the Reds moved the ball out wide for an unchallenged score against the depleted flank defence. Giants' kick-off back to the Reds was chased strongly with possession turned over and a series of strong dummy half runs culminated in Brennan's inspired last-tackle dash and dive at the line for an unconverted try.

Shortly afterwards a promising Giants attack broke down and the referee heard a Giants player expressing his disappointment in unacceptable language resulting in a sin bin. This resulted in more hard work for Latchford who found driving from their own half heavy going before Lewis again ghosted from markers at the play the ball and then outran a pacy Langworthy defence to score. Hickman's kick from out wide was agonisingly close to converting the try before half-time.

The return to 12 players just after half time was short-lived respite for Latchford when a Giants player found the need for round abuse of the opposition player regarding his tackle technique. His opinion met with some agreement from the home crowd, but his means of expressing it justified 10 minutes on the sidelines.

The Reds had clearly decided at half time to ensure that if Latchford were to take the spoils, they would be hard-earned. Langworthy ran bristling with increased vigour at the depleted and tiring side, who eventually conceded 3 more tries, one of which was converted. That settled the match, although to their credit Latchford continued to press with excellent rugby, resulting in a well-earned try for Forde following one of a number of excellent Giants' raids in the Langworthy half. Cholomondley's conversion was excellently struck from wide out. Back to top

23/09/2007 v Ashton Bears (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 14
Ashton Bears U13 - 26

A number of 'no-shows' reduced Latchford's substitutes bench to a single place but a strong looking line-up set out against the Bears including 5 making their debut for the team. For the first quarter both teams showed both commitment in direct running and occasional expansive play but each found the opposition defence up to the task. However, a lapse on the right hand side eventually left the Bears with a run in for a try which was unconverted. The Giant's attack continually threatened but a further lapse in defence allowed another Bears? unconverted try which threatened to start the match slipping away from Latchford. The Giants redoubled efforts and forced some errors from the Ashton side before excellent team work allowed Shaw, whose rampaging runs down the right had already threatened, to finish off in style. Hickman, again handed the wide out kicking duty, deserved more than the applause he received for his narrow conversion miss. The even exchanges continued to half time and talk at the break focused on maintaining team work and support both in attack and defence.

Smart work from dummy half early in the second period gave the Giants some good yardage and the sliding defence ensured no easy yards were given to the Bears. Forde was leading the running on the left with Dobson showing up brightly on his debut. Shaw again set off for a lengthy rampage to the right and when the ball was ripped one-on-one on the line was smart enough to regather and touch down in front of the referee in the right hand corner. Hickman?s conversion effort scraped just short of adding to the score.
Encouraged by drawing level, Giants pressed further going forward although occasional gaps and ineffective tackles were becoming evident as fatigue set in. Attacking shape became distorted and Latchford found themselves caught in possession and then with a bizarre option for kicker on consecutive last tackles. The Bears' strongest players sensed where holes may appear and the Giants conceded a score under the posts resulting in a 6 point gap opening. Shortly afterwards the feat was repeated and time for Latchford to pull back was becoming limited. The opposition too were tiring however and one of Forde?s excellent long breaks had good support from Darbyshire who revelled in the space on the outside and rounded the defence to score under the sticks. Cholomondley obliged with the kick and at 14-20 down, Giants looked to make a score to bring things even. Penalties from a tired Latchford defence allowed Ashton to march down the pitch and restore their 12 point lead close to the whistle. Although Latchford pressed to the last, they could not register another score. This was a game greatly enjoyed by spectators with the visitors going home relieved to take the points. Withington and Hackett too had strong first games with all players demonstrating commitment and the team showing excellent promise from good work in training. Back to top

30/09/2007 v Leigh East (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 0
Leigh East U13 - 26

The Giants were impatient for the start of this match after a slightly late show from the visitors. However, from the kick off it became clear only the Latchford bodies had been dragged to the pitch. Technique, smartness and a good slice of honesty had been left having a Sunday morning lie in. A Leigh East break down the Giants' right flank met with little true resistance and within a minute the home team were 4 points down with the conversion missed. Although their kicker preferred his opportunities close to the sticks, the visitors liked what they saw and immediately tried again with the same result. There was no clever linking play or moves from the training field catching out the Giants, just honest direct running at defenders who went far too high when they made an effort. Eight points down within 5 minutes, the Giants began to wake up and play some rugby. At last beginning to force the visitors to complete sets with a kick rather than a try, Latchford in turn spent time in the opposition half. Appleton was unfortunate not to gain a score from good work close to the whitewash and for a time the Leigh line was under siege. However options taken were too often far too wrong. As half time loomed, the Giants again slapped the backs of the Leigh East runners rather than tackling their legs and the interval score was 0-12.

The second half began brightly and there were moments to savour. Brennan was unlucky to drop his own side's clever restart from Cholmondley after running and leaping to collect. Shaw repeatedly barnstormed down the right and was unfortunate to brush touch on one occasion. After occasional good work however there were poor options taken. Players appeared in bizarre positions and produced ill-matched confrontations with a visiting defence who held good structure and organisation. By contrast the Giants were too often static and worked individually. The Leigh defensive effort on their own line twice resulted in spilled ball from Latchford which the visitors collected to charge downfield and eventually score, with a further converted try adding to these. This was a lesson for Latchford in team defensive effort, technique and discipline. Leigh East based their game on getting those fundamentals correct and it paid great dividends. For the Giants it could go down as a bad day at the office. But this was more a reminder to each player that they are not self employed but part of a team which depends for its strength on everyone playing their correct part together with honest effort. Back to top

14/10/2007 v Haydock Warriors (home)

Latchford Giants U13 - 24
Haydock Warriors U13 -24

The Giants at last picked up a league point for their hard work in this entertaining but sometimes frustrating match. With an attack not short on flair and pace, the Giants? efforts on the training park had been focused sharply on defence and this first start in two weeks was a test they were keen to encounter.

From the outset there were some of the best defensive sets seen from this team, with a good line holding firm and some keen movement up from the mark to the visitors? attack. Hickman, Worthington, Davies, Appleton and Thorpe were prominent in stemming Warriors? incursions towards the Latchford line.

Early in the first half the eye-catching Appleton launched a stepping foray at Haydock and unleashed the galloping Darbyshire in support who rounded the opposition on the right flank with an outstanding turn of pace to plant the ball between the uprights. Hickman obliged with the extras.

Although gaps had begun to appear in the armour from the Giants' bright defensive start, the home team looked as though they were enjoying proving the previous outing?s lapse had been out of character and held firm. However with two regular half-backs short, the Giants appeared bemused when defending from scrums and so it proved when Haydock's number 6 used fast feet and his guile straight from the set piece to step through gaps and score close to the posts, although the conversion was missed.

A good chase and defending from the restart turned possession to the home team. Appleton's fleet feet had been causing Haydock problems from the start and this time he made his own gap to plant the ball down to the left of the sticks with Hickman unfazed by a slightly more difficult shot on goal.

The visitors regrouped for the kick return to Latchford but made the mistake of aiming direct at full back Darbyshire. He made the return with interest and swept past the right flank to plant another try between the posts for Hickman to happily oblige with the additional two points.

A half-time score of 18-4 reflected a strong Latchford performance. However the second half began poorly for them with weak attempts at tackling Haydock's direct runs to their left. Slightly disrupted by an enforced substitution due to injury, the Giants let in 2 more tries in quick succession to see the scores levelled. Fortunately the visitors too began to run out of energy and something of a 'knock-on-athon' relieved pressure for each team. However another spill from Latchford close to their line led to a crash over for Haydock and the conversion took the visitors clear by 6 points.

Although clearly running out of steam, the Giants regrouped for further attacks with Brennan and Shaw rampaging and Price dodging and stepping. There was an air of the inevitable as Appleton again launched a dodging run, cut back in to draw the defence and fed the supporting Darbyshire to register his hat trick with electrifying acceleration. Hickman again obliged and the scores were tied.

Reflecting on the game, a healthy lead had been lost as tiredness set in but some exciting rugby had been played and the first half in particular showed that there is a defensive beast lurking within the Giants team to support their undoubted attacking flair. It needs more exposure to daylight in matches from confidence gained in work on the training ground. Back to top

21/10/2007 v Higginshaw (home) Lancs Cup

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 0
Higginshaw U13 - 52

This was a disappointing result from an outing for the Giants' brave dozen. A Lancashire Cup round against opposition from a higher division only beaten once this season so far looked a demanding task. Unavailability due to holidays, other commitments and personal circumstances left the team short by one man with no substitutes. 15-strong Higginshaw were generally a step faster and a fend off stronger than the depleted home team who will look back on some of this encounter and know when they were honest and when they let themselves down.

Rocked from the outset by quick scoring from Higginshaw, the Giants' boat took some settling before something like an even keel was found. However some objectives set at half-time were met. Tackle sets were completed rather than possession squandered to the opposition; the visitors had to work for tries rather than having admirers stand by watching; and Appleton and Hickman in particular were unfortunate not to register a score in a bout of sustained pressure on the visitors? line close to the end. However this proved a long bridge too far for this team to progress in the competition at this stage. The chance to test yourself against opposition outside your own division does not come often and it is a shame that more of the squad were not able to benefit from the challenge. Those who were there have learned and developed from the experience and will be the richer for it Back to top

28/10/2007 v Crosfields Cobras (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 16
Crosfields Cobras U13 - 46

The early morning rain had cleared before kick off leaving a damp and greasy pitch surface on which both teams coped admirably. From the kick off Crosfields set out their intent to run the ball in hard at the Giants. Unfortunately the home team seemed to set out intent to tackle very inconsistently and belie the work undertaken in training. An easy first try for the visitors set the tone for some highly lacklustre defence from the Latchford outfit and they found themselves 0-16 down before as many minutes had passed. This was the cue for the Giants to start some belief in themselves and following good defence eventually securing some possession, the effervescent Appleton arced in for a try wide on the left with Hickman converting. For a short time the match became more even as Crosfields were rocked by vigorous Latchford defence and had to work hard to stop determined running. This was brief respite however with Crosfields again crossing through some poor tackling before half-time leaving a large task ahead of the Giants team.

The half time talk focused on the need for sensible play and cool heads to get back to basics. Regrettably that proved beyond the home team at first as some 'catch up' style rugby in its own 20m zone inevitably resulted in handover of possession cheaply and another Crosfields score. Again the home team decided to show some glimpses of the form they can achieve, with strong defence resulting in a knock-on and scrum on half way. Appleton fed the scrum and raced into a gap with Crosfields defenders left in his wake as he sped under the posts. Hickman added the extras. More good Latchford play developed an attacking position on the right and Shaw took on the Cobras' defence to pounce with Hickman agonisingly close but missing the conversion. From here however it was a steep descent downhill for the Giants as tries were leaked from distance and close-range, resulting in the 30 points final margin. This was a disappointing performance and result from the Giants but there was enough promise in patches of the game to build further confidence upon. Back to top

04/11/2007 v Portico Vine (away)

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 0
Portico Vine U13 - 20

As the fog that had enveloped St Helens cleared sufficiently for both set of posts to loom eerily from the mists, the travelling support was left wondering if Team Jekyll or Team Hyde had turned up from Warrington. From the kick off however it was clear that the Latchford squad of 16 had brought focus and determination to their game. Hard tackling and good marker defence rattled the home team from the outset resulting in Portico making mistakes and conceding penalties in frustration. The Giants' performance in defence and attack was far removed from the lacklustre of the previous week with Hickman and Forde prominent in the forwards early on and Appleton and Price showing up smartly in the backs. The pitch was smaller than many which meant both teams' defences had to be up their mettle to prevent tries, although it was clear early on that the home team could play the narrow field to restrict the Giants? potent speed out wide. After 15 minutes Portico registered a score on the flank rather against the run of play. Further Giants pressure resulted in excellent position and when the hard working Withington was adjudged to be held up over the line, the Giants were unfortunate not to capitalise. A further Portico score wide out gave a 0-8 half-time score.

The second half revealed a similar pattern with some excellent Giants defence and vigorous running from the visitors with a breakaway try for the home team. Giants? forays saw Appleton adjudged to be agonisingly short of a score and one Latchford 'try' disallowed as the referee had blown for the home team's knock on behind their own line as Millington pounced on the loose ball. Despite a brave and committed Giants display, two late tries from the home team through a very tired defence gave the scoreline a flattering look for the well organised Portico side. Nonetheless, there was much for Latchford to take from this game, not least the applause from the parents in appreciation of a greatly improved effort. All the tries had to be scored on the flanks as the central defence held firm and each Latchford player could count positives as compared to the week before. Above all this was a strong team performance showing the right direction is being travelled. Back to top

18/11/2007 v Langworthy Reds (away)

Langworthy Reds U13 - 34
Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 6

Reaction to adversity is a good measure of team spirit. The Giants could be excused for thinking fate was against them from an early stage. A range of injuries, sickness and unavailability saw only 12 players leave for Salford. By kick off the number of players was reduced to 11 by further illness. Taking on 17 Reds on a real quagmire of a pitch, the Giants stuck to their task, almost as closely as their feet stuck in the mud, and ended the game with smiles on their faces. The hunger of the Giants was apparent from receiving the kick off and a combination of hard running together with brave handling in the conditions gave the visitors all the run of the first quarter. It was no more than the team 2 men down deserved when early on hard driving from Hickman laid the ball to Shaw who rampaged through the middle and scored under the sticks. Hickman caught his breath to add the extras. Shaw received a knock to the ankle in scoring and this left the Giants down to 10 men for most of the first half. The Reds were shaken, rattled and rolled by the short handed visitors' early defensive work and it took them some time to work an overlap to eventually see the Giants turn up short of numbers and concede a try. The Giants refused to acknowledge any disadvantage and threw themselves hard at the home team in defence and attack. Dobson at scrum half was busy throughout and made a nuisance of himself to the Salford side with Darbyshire, Kane and Brennan running well from the backs. A bizarre feature of the game was a 'hat-trick' that never was for the impressive Davies. Twice in the first half he drove hard on the blind side left and twice was adjudged to be in touch as he grounded the ball. The Giants were unfortunate when a good defensive set ended in a kick on the last from the Reds. Brennan's 'safety first' hack dead in goal refused to cross the line and the ball sat up in the morass for a flop-over try to Langworthy.

In the second half the Giants were restored to 11, with some walking wounded, whilst the Reds continued to reinforce from their substitute?s bench. The home team set out to clamp the tiring visitors in their own half and wait for mistakes. As fatigue set in, the reduced numbers and attempts by the Giants to play 'catch up' led to more opportunities for Langworthy to exploit the opening gaps. Although scores were registered by the Reds, good defence on a number of occasions forced errors from the home team who were forced into knock ons over the line when opportunity knocked. The match's comedy moment came as Giants full back Darbyshire successfully chased a would be scorer over the dead ball line before he grounded for a try, resulting in the Giants receiving the ball for a restart on their own 20 metre line. Never-say-die Giants continued to play some enterprising rugby attempting to register further scores. Grimshaw showed smartness behind the play-the-ball with darting and distribution and Forde ran well out wide. Before the end there was time for Davies to crash the ball over the try line and hit the corner flag. Once again he received no benefit of doubt and completed his trio of near misses. The final result reflected the numeric superiority of the home team more than any deficiency in the visitors' play and the Giants staggered off with heads held high. The player voted cleanest, a difficult call in the circumstances, was dragged through the mud as they looked towards a firmer pitch and more equal numbers next time out. Back to top

02/12/2007 v Leigh East (away)

Leigh East U13 52
Latchford Giants U13 16

Injury, illness and some 'no-shows' meant the Giants hit the road with just a bare 13 players. The brave Dobson tried to start the game and had a run before twisting his knee and retiring to rest it with his laryngitis. When the Giants played Leigh at Victoria Park, the home team had been 'nilled'. One aim for the reduced contingent on the new 'plastic pitch' was to ensure they registered a score on this occasion. The first quarter was a close run affair with both teams' defences looking strong. A clever kick from the Easts, showing knowledge of how the ball behaves on the non-grass surface, caught out the Giants on the left. Fast moving fullback Brennan appeared to stretch to ground the ball before Leigh's winger. The referee ruled a spill had occurred and the touchdown was allowed. The visitors know by now not to become embroiled in debates about decisions and focused on their game. From the kick off a good chase ensured gains in territory remained hard fought. Hackett stopped anything of any size that came near him. The home team?s vigorous defence over-stepped the mark and the Giants moved closer to the Leigh line with penalties. Grimshaw's clever darting run from a free kick resulted in him being held just short and Hickman forced the ball down direct from the play-the-ball before converting his own try. Another try for Leigh on the left following good handling threatened to rock the Giants. However Davies and Forde were supporting Hickman well with drives and the stepping runs of Price and debutant Murphy opened gaps for the visitors. However it was Shaw who eventually broke through the middle and strode away for a fine try with Hickman adding the extras. Sustained Leigh pressure put their speedy centre out wide and with first tackles missed on the touchline, the chase was to no avail. Shaw's injury from the pursuit led to him leaving the field, reducing the Giants? numbers. Whilst the Giants were down to 12 men another two Leigh converted tries gave a half time score of 30-12.

Just after half time Dobson's injury struck and Shaw was only able to return for a short time. The visitors had too much work to do against two extra men, particularly when fresh legs were brought on. However it was far from one way traffic. The hard working Grimshaw launched attacks with Kane's strong running shown to good effect and Wright helping out in the forwards. Forde at last got a result he deserved when he continued a burst to score on the right. Hickman was unlucky with the conversion. The last 10 minutes resulted in something of a procession of tries for the home team. The two man advantage and a couple of refereeing decisions stacked against a tired Giants' team. However this will not detract from a good overall performance with many positives. A few more players are needed in the squad to have the privilege of playing with those out presently turning out on the pitch. The match was on an artificial surface but played with genuine commitment by the Giants in a further display of their improvement. Back to top

06/01/2008 v Folly Lane (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 10
Folly Lane U13 - 26

By Saturday evening, outbreaks of illness had reduced the potential squad to only 14 and it was no great surprise that 4 more cases of illness were reported on the Sunday morning, resulting in the Giants having to concede the league fixture with only 10 players available half an hour before kick off. The sporting visitors agreed to play a friendly and so Sunday morning action was guaranteed. With guests from Folly Lane in their team, the Giants received the ball from kick off and made some good yards before completing with a kick. Powerful running from the visitors' forwards saw the Giants going far too high in tackles and letting in a soft try which was unconverted. Hickman's kick off was followed well by Shaw and Kane and the pressure resulted in the ball coming back to Latchford. An intriguing quarter developed as both sides wrestled without a score. Forde, Murphy and Shaw ran strongly out wide for the Giants. Following a scrum, however, Folly Lane ran in another unconverted try. The lapse in defence that allowed that score was compounded when the visitor's powerful centre retrieved the kick off and ran through the home side's weak efforts to score again immediately. A better follow up to the next kick off ensured Folly Lane had to work hard to move down the field and good defensive pressure eventually gained a handover to Latchford 10m from their own line. Yards proved hard to find but Grimshaw's chip was touched by an opponent's hand and Kane retrieved it well. Unfortunately respect for possession was not shown and the Giants coughed up the ball and a converted try resulted for Folly Lane, giving a half time score of 0-18.

Latchford resolved to build on the better parts of their work in the first half and to improve their defence. Wright, among a number of the Giants team reporting less than fully well, came on for the second half and his strong efforts in the tackle, often with Kane and Thorpe, stiffened the Giants' line. A more consistent defensive effort saw the Giants receiving more possession and clever work by Dobson took the home side deep into Folly Lane territory on a number of occasions. The match remained quite even although an unfortunate spillage near the Giants line gave a scrum to Folly Lane who eventually worked the ball left for a score in the corner which went unconverted. A clever short kick off from Hickman saw Brennan bravely dive for possession and Shaw?s booming run took the Giants to within 10 metres of the line. Grimshaw's clever dart drew the defence left before he set the ball moving out right with Dobson and smart hands took it to full back Darbyshire who had only to take two steps to score. Hickman?s kick had great accuracy but fell short. Enthused by their score, the Giants redoubled efforts and good defence again ensured they had possession to use. In a flowing move across the line the ball was worked through 7 or 8 pairs of hands to set Darbyshire into space, this time overlapping on the left on the halfway line. Once in his stride, no one was going to get between him and the line and he left Hickman a straightforward conversion. Further good work by the Giants saw them come agonisingly close with Shaw, Hickman and Dobson but the final score was an unconverted try for Folly Lane. There were some very strong aspects to the Giants' play and they were grateful to their opponents for assisting in having a game. This was a positive start to the Giants' development in 2008 and showed clearly that, although the squad was depleted by winter vomiting virus, their appetite for rugby remains undiminished. Back to top

13/01/2008 v Crosfields Cobras (away)

Crosfield Cobras U13 - 40

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 4

Due to poor weather and ground conditions, this match was postponed, then transferred to Victoria Park, then postponed, before finally landing at Mary Ann Meadows, Westbrook. This pattern of ‘off/on/off/on’ was unfortunately the way the Latchford defence operated throughout the game. Despite resolving to apply pressure from the start, the technique and some of the effort in the Latchford chase and tackle was lamentable at the outset. This resulted in two quick tries for the home team, albeit that the first involved an outrageous forward pass to the winger. As has been the case too often this season, a 10 points deficit proved the spur for Latchford to begin to show that they too can play the game. A longer Hickman kick-off and a strong chase brought a knock-on behind their line from the Cobras and at last the Giants had some possession. Some good movement of the ball asked questions the Crosfields outfit could answer but the game held even for some minutes before further lackadaisical Giants tackling allowed a romp through and another converted try. This sorry rhythm began to repeat through the game as the Giants completed sets in possession but then failed frequently to make full sets of defensive tackles. Mistakes were forced in some good defensive work, notably from Dobson, Kane, Wright and Thorpe. However when the Cobras retained the ball for a full set, it generally resulted in a score. The impressive Dobson led the most potent attacking moves, with Hickman and Davies driving the ball well from the forwards assisted by Shaw’s rampages at centre. Great credit must go to all the team members for continuing effort in the game right to the end. The Crosfields 17 was drawn from a squad which has almost reached the registrations limit set by the league whilst the Giants fielded 13 players for the first time in 4 matches and had no substitutes. As fatigue was clearly draining the visitors, a succession of penalties for enthusiastic defence from Crosfields gave the Giants possession close to the Cobras line. Hickman drove hard and the effervescent Dobson drew the defence brilliantly before delivering the ball for Shaw to dive bravely in the corner and register a try. Hickman’s kick into the teeth of the gale and rain failed to make the posts. The Giants have some work to do on the training field to improve defensive technique, but with 2 players due to rejoin the thin squad next week the persistence shown and ability with the ball will start to reap more rewards during games

27/01/2008 v Portico Vine (away)

Portico Vine U13 - 34

Latchford Giants U13 - 6

The Giants had drawn Portico in the NWC Cup and unfortunately had to travel with just a dozen players to take on the St Helens side’s squad of 17. The appointed referee was apparently rumoured to have been sighted in the general vicinity but did not arrive. A card-holding volunteer was selected to allow the game to take place. A number of this season’s match reports state that the Giants team performed extremely well in circumstances and that much good work was seen in defeat by the faithful spectators. Just because it is becoming something of a cliché does not mean it is not true. In the first quarter the Giants held their own against the Portico 13 before a dubious pass allowed the home side to power over near the line and then convert the try. There was little dubious about the second score however at the Portico team pulled the Giants defence right before moving the ball simply out along the line left and take advantage of the overlap. Stronger defence from the Giants gave them an opportunity to move the ball around with Dobson, Thorpe and Grimshaw working hard distributing in the middle and Hickman showing especially well in the forward drives. However the numerical advantage on the narrow pitch made spaces at a premium and good defence from Portico kept the visitors at bay. Wright was leading the way in tackles for the Giants with some hits that shook the ground and Kane again showed his continuing great improvement. However there were two more tries from the home team as the half moved towards its close, the second again from an outrageously forward pass. Staring down a 22 point margin and with seconds left in the half, Hickman wisely elected to take a shot at goal from a penalty and open the Latchford account immediately before the break.

In the second half, more towering tackles from the Giants took their toll on the Portico team as they brought on fresh legs to work harder at exploiting their extra man. The returning Murphy halted some drives with copybook cover tackling and the extra power of Millington back in the pack was a bonus. However it was Forde’s spectacularly strong running in the second period that rocked the home team. Following another hard drive from Hickman, Forde was launched at the line from around 40 metres and powered through a number of flailing tacklers before scoring out on the right. Twelve men Latchford worked hard to keep Portico out in the second period but succumbed when they just failed to keep their line safe from a lunge on the last tackle of a set. Unfortunately, the kick-off following the score gave the ball to Portico’s speedster who evaded the first two tackles and out-ran all the cover to score wide left. There was to be no surrender however and this was the last time the Giant’s line was breached. Following further excellent approach work, Darbyshire was unlucky when, after beating other would-be tacklers from within his own half, his kick over the full-back bounced unkindly and ran dead in goal before he could reach it. The Giants retired to the changing rooms with heads high again and with hopes that very soon they will be taking teams on with a larger squad of available players who have had the benefit of training together.

10/02/2008 v Haydock Warriors (away)

Haydock Warriors U13s 26

Latchford Albion Giants U13s 34

Latchford travelled to near neighbours Haydock short-staffed due to sickness, injuries and holidays and just scraped the minimum quota of 11 required to allow a valid fixture. The home team fielded 13 although had no substitutes, so the Giants knew the size of their task. Due to limitations on access for retrieving the ball from goal kicks, one end was designated for ‘six point tries’ and Latchford received the ball from kick-off facing those goals. From the start, Latchford kept to their game plan of moving the ball through hands wherever possible to seek to rely on their pace and fitness. Dobson marshalled the team superbly and Hickman’s non-stop forward driving continued throughout the match. However it was Price and Kane showing up well on the outside in the early stages who delivered good ball to Darbyshire whose electric pace once the space had been made secured two early tries. The Warriors’ larger pack was happy to take the ball through the middle to the visitors and this suited Latchford who refused to take a backward step. Wright was again a colossus in defence and the excellent tackling effort throughout was also exemplified by Murphy relishing his opportunity for greater involvement. Good movement of the ball across the park saw Darbyshire stride in for a further try and the Giants were in the rare position of being 3 tries to the good before the opposition had scored. As half-time approached however, tiring efforts in defence allowed a try to the Warriors out on the left. A ball-spill then gave the Warriors a scrum on the Latchford 20 metre line and eventually resulted in a further unconverted try for a turn-around at 8-18.

The home side had been on the end of stiff words from their coach at the interval and set off in the second half to dominate up front and exploit the ball on the outside. Brave Latchford defence kept Haydock out until an overlap developed on the right for a try. Tiring, the Giants missed their tackles from the kick-off and despite Darbyshire’s brave chase another try resulted. Behind for the first time, Latchford refused to buckle and after winning a scrum set up a good position with drives from Moorfield and the impressive Davies. Great hands sent Darbyshire off to score wide on the left with Hickman unable to convert. An unfortunate lack of organisation then led the Giants to give away a penalty retrieving the kick-off 10 metres from their posts. The Warriors used their advantage to register the ‘six-pointer’ and reclaim the lead. Yet again however the Giants forced their way back into the game and great movement opened up some room for Darbyshire to show clean heels on the right this time and score under the posts for a converted try. The 11 man team was wilting, but Brennan showed great composure to reclaim the ball and take sensible yards from the kick-off. Defending their lead desperately, the Giants pressurised Haydock into errors and Forde took a smart interception in his own half to gallop through and score beneath the posts. The final whistle sounded with Latchford again pressing the Haydock line and looking the most likely to score again. This was a fantastic effort by the Giants being two men down on a larger team. Great commitment, high fitness and good skill levels brought the well-deserved victory

24/02/2008 v Leigh East (home)

Latchford Giants U-13s 12

Leigh East U-13s 20

With a blank date in the fixture list, the Giants took on Leigh East in a friendly at their first time out on the Lousher’s Lane pitch. Injuries affected availability, notably Wright’s broken foot and Thorpe’s heel blow picked up at training the day before. Together with some sickness, communication problems about the late arrangements and the League’s seeming interminable delays in issuing registration cards only 9 players were available. The sporting visitors volunteered two players from their squad of 14 for an 11 vs 11 contest. Early exchanges were about even with Pryce and Dobson at half-back marshalling the Giants well and Moorfield and the ever-busy Hickman leading the forward drives. In a lapse in otherwise generally sound defence, a gap was created for a Leigh East try which was unconverted. Good ball movement from the Giants launched a number of forays along the fringes with Shaw and Brennan looking keen and Forde, revelling at centre, marauding menancingly. It was Forde who burst clear with a well-balanced run to plant the ball down the right-hand side and even the score, Hickman’s goal attempt falling short. Further excellent defence kept Leigh East at bay with their volunteer players showing well for the Giants in an even tussle. However great approach work from the Giants led to Forde being held 5m from the visitor’s line and Pryce’s quick feet almost resulted in a score. Hickman’s strong lunge direct from dummy half brought him the reward his tireless driving deserved although he was again unfortunate not to convert. The sides turned around at 8-4 in a gripping contest.

The second half began again in similar vein to the opening half as both sides defences appeared even to the challenge. Davies’ strong running for the Giants attack proved a handful for Leigh East and twice Brennan showed defensive courage and control in falling on the loose ball from kicks towards the Giants’ line. On a few occasions the Giants over-elaborated in approach work but early in the second period Grimshaw straightened up the line with smart footwork and gave the platform for Forde to run again. Another excellent balanced run from Forde saw him take the line on before beating the cover and turning the full-back inside-out to score out on the right. Hickman was desperately unlucky to see the kick just scrape below the bar. With a 12-4 lead, the Giants had defensive work to perform and Leigh began pounding their line. The Giants produced a couple of errors as new combinations worked together and they tried to keep the ball alive at the wrong end of the field. Squandering possession was going to cost the home side and good hands from Easts saw a try out wide on their left and then a converted effort beneath the posts to take the lead at 12-14. The Giants began to fade a little in defence and saw a late Easts try from truly excellent handling was planted beneath the posts to extend the lead to the final score of 12-20. Latchford were unfortunate not to get better reward from a neat Dobson chip chased down by Shaw and were threatening the Leigh line again as the final whistle sounded. This was a great run-out for Latchford and opportunities were taken to experiment and further develop positional sense and roles.

02/03/2008 v Westhoughton Lions (home)

Latchford Albion Giants U13s 20

Westhoughton Lions U13s 24

Unfortunate absence of players through holidays and injuries meant Latchford Giants could not field more than 10 players, forcing the league fixture to be conceded. However the Lions agreed to travel for a friendly and loaned two players to the Giants in each half to make a 12-a-side contest. On a bright but very blustery day, the ground conditions in the middle of the field were very heavy and from receiving Latchford’s kick off, the big pack of Lions ran hard at the Giants defence. Honours were kept even however for the first quarter with Hickman’s hard endeavours showing up well and Forde’s threat out wide prominent for the home team. However a quick pass from a scrum allowed the visitor’s giant centre to trample initial would-be tacklers before setting off for a scoring run out wide right. Good ball movement shortly after saw the visitors suck the Latchford defence into the centre of the field allowing the cover to be easily out-manoeuvred on their left. The Giants withstood further pressure with Shaw, Brennan and Murphy making excellent cover tackles. Both wingers fielded kicks from the ground and in the air with great courage and skill. 8-0 down was a poor reflection on the Latchford effort and great hands saw hard-working Darbyshire at last launched into some space and despite a very close chase he held off the cover defence to score wide on the home team’s right, with Hickman not able to convert. Great driving from the kick-off took Latchford back into the Lions’ half and then good pressure resulted in further possession for the home side. Hickman’s drive at the line eventually produced the try the approach play had deserved. The teams turned around at 8-8.

From the kick-off in the second half, the Giants were rocked by determined running from the visitors and found life difficult moving forward. A try from a barrelling run by the Lions’ prop forward was converted and their huge centre again received the ball from a scrum to romp home out wide. Grimshaw’s excellent prompting in the unaccustomed position of scrum-half and Kane’s and Moorfield’s tackling in midfield helped steady the team. Determined chases of Hickman’s astute kicks gradually won the Giants better territory. Taking an inside ball on the left, Forde began another stepping run to the right through defenders and he cut neatly through the cover to plant the ball out wide for an excellent try. Hickman’s conversion from out on the right was a gem in the conditions. Poor handling as the team tired cost the Giants possession in their own half and Westhoughton crossed for a converted try after some spirited Latchford defence on their line. The Giants remained under the cosh but far from fazed. Brennan leapt well in front of his posts to claim a ‘bomb’ and was driven back behind his own line. Hickman’s clever drop-out found touch and from the scrum the home team launched another foray. Early ball to Shaw saw the rampaging centre stride away wide and arc back to plant the ball between the uprights for a ‘six-pointer’. A loss by 4 points was a highly creditable performance by the Giants and the team was grateful for the visitors for the loan of players and travelling to make the match.

16/03/2008 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U13s 44

Latchford Albion Giants U13s 16

Just failing to make a full team, it was a doughty dozen that set off for the league encounter with the Bears on a pitch a short distance from ‘Bear Park’ which meant a shuttle run with cars by the parents and coaches. Rain had held off although a cold and strong wind blew up the slope from the potato field to the north and rattled the window frames of the burnt-out car adorning the pitchside. From the outset it appeared that this was not to be a day to remember for the Giants. The big and powerful Ashton side also had good handling skills and knew how to create the overlap and make the numerical advantage count. However some very inconsistent defence from the Giants meant that some of the tries conceded were simply down to poor completion and closure of the tackles and on occasion complete failure to tackle. Working in the first half with the wind, the Bears were soon demonstrating both strong running and sensible ball movement against short-handed opposition. A couple of small errors made in handling by the Giants were keenly punished by Ashton and as half-time approached 5 tries and 4 conversions gave an ominous 28-0 score line. Starved of possession for much of the half, the Giants at last shot into life as the interval approached. Good kicking into the gale from Hickman with a strong chase from Grimshaw, Brennan and Murphy brought possession. Hard direct running from Davies and Hickman took the Giants very close to the line. Whipping the ball out to the right, effervescent Dobson found Shaw whose arcing runs had already threatened the home team. He sliced through for the try with Hickman converting for the close of the half at 28-6.

At half-time, the need to improve defence was stressed. Some good work from Moorfield, Thorpe and Bradley making an assured debut kept the home team at bay. However a try as the loose-forward ran without a serious challenge from the base of the scrum close to half-way showed that the Giants need to focus further on how they meet up and stop the opposition. With the wind behind them, however, the Giants made the second-half a more even contest. Introducing direct running and some good angles of attack startled the home side into conceding penalties as they slowed down the play-the-ball. Even down to 11 players for a ten minute period due to injury, the Giants refused to buckle and forayed into the Bears half. Using possession well, Price again launched Shaw who stormed in on the right with Hickman failing to convert a difficult shot. Again the Bears responded and crossed twice with one conversion. However the Giants pressed hard forcing a goal-line drop-out and then a penalty which Grimshaw took smartly to advance on the Ashton line. The last word went to Dobson, back on the field after injury, whose clever chip kick fell in-goal. The full-back shot out with the ball and thought he had defused the danger. However Dobson cheekily stole the ball one-on-one and sped back over the line for the try whilst the opposition wondered what was happening. Hickman’s kick rode the wind to fly between the posts for the final score of 44-16. The Giants probably always had too much to do short-handed against a big and well-organised side but worked hard throughout and showed frustrating glimpses of just how well they can play.

30/03/2008 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U13 - 36

Latchford Albion Giants U13 - 0

This would always be a tough ask for the Giants as Folly Lane needed to secure these points to clinch the Division title and ensure they were not relying on anyone else slipping up. The Division leaders have an uncompromising and well-drilled defence allied to an enterprising attacking unit. On an absolute quagmire of a pitch they ran the ball hard at the Giants who probably showed too much respect at the outset and did not engage fully in their tackles until the home team had built a lead of three or four scores. As the interval approached and with the game already some way from recovery, Latchford woke up and began working the ball much more smartly and causing some real obstacles to the home team in defence. Half-time was called as the Folly Lane full-back dropped Dobson’s kick behind the line following great approach work from Hickman, Forde and Shaw. It was a shame Latchford did not get the opportunity to run the drop-out back.

In the second half the Giants worked well for long periods and although further scores came to the home team, they were on the last tackle and had some fortune favouring their brave play. The Giants came close to a score on a number of occasions but the home side showed their champion credentials to keep their line intact. There were very bright Giants debuts for Watkins, who barnstormed the ball through and tackled well, and Thomas whose hard work and ‘big hit’ particularly lifted the Giants’ spirits. The third debutant Rourke’s defence and running was exemplary and on a different day with other opposition in the league would have brought greater rewards. With 14 available for this fixture and with 3 regular players soon returning from holiday, the Giants should have a strong squad for their remaining two league fixtures and to continue their development Back to top

13/04/2008 v Portico Vine (home)

Latchford Giants U13 - 18

Portico Vine U13 - 22

With Victoria Park more suited to navy exercises than Rugby League, this fixture was switched to the drier ground of Loushers Lane where 14 Giants were available for the playing squad. Portico Vine, fielding a squad of 16, had already beaten the Giants well twice this season on their own turf but it was clear from the outset that this was not going to be a third surrender. From the kick-off the Giants tackled and ran with menace. Dobson was organising well behind great work down the middle from Hickman, Rourke, Davies and Thomas, with additional threat shown from Forde’s stepping runs and Price’s darting from dummy half. It was a quick ball from Grimshaw that fed Forde for a direct run from within his own half cutting through the visitors’ defence for the first try beneath the sticks. Hickman obliged with the conversion. Soon Hickman crossed the whitewash himself, barging well from dummy-half after more great approach work from Rourke and Forde. At 10-0 the Giants possibly thought a pattern had been established but could not relax. Portico roared back twice down the left flank to claw the game back to 10-8, Shaw being injured in trying to catch the winger scoring the second. Once again however the Giants secured possession and then launched Forde at the line to skittle defenders and score his second. A third Portico try on the left through some poor attempts at tackles brought the half to a close with Latchford holding the lead.

The second half was still more closely contested. There were episodes of determined defence and some excellent handling. Chesterton had a solid debut on the left wing and although given few opportunities to run had a sound defensive game. Once again Forde showed a huge threat and managed to off-load from one of his rampages to the supporting Darbyshire who sped through and dived low at the line to register his score. However, the game was to be lost following two kicks. The Giants’ defence had started to tire and the visitor’s stand-off found room to launch a high kick on the last tackle. The ball was allowed to bounce and landed sweetly for the attacking team to plant it down for a try and cut the lead to just two points to the Giants. As full-time approached, a series of missed tackles allowed the stand-off to almost repeat the feat but Darbyshire tackled him as he kicked and Latchford retrieved the ball on their line. With a fit of panic however the ball was spilled by the home team and Portico had a scrum 10m out. A barrelling run through the Giants’ tired defence allowed a try under the sticks which was converted. A last foray by Latchford could not produce a score and the visitors claimed their narrow victory. The players’ disappointment at the end of the game showed both the effort they had put in and the belief they now share in their abilities. They know this was a match that could have been won but should be very proud of their efforts and heartened by the great promise they showed in a tense and entertaining contest.

20/04/2008 v Haydock Warriors (away) friendly

LATCHFORD GIANTS U13 - 46

HAYDOCK WARRIORS U13 - 24

On a mild grey morning when their last league opposition were unavailable, the Giants were pleased to welcome Haydock Warriors for a friendly fixture. These two teams have struggled particularly for numbers in their squads and also for form during the season and the Warriors had provided all Latchford’s league points in the division. The home team started brightly with a good chase from the kick-off restricting Haydock’s progress. A trademark stepping run from Forde operating at right centre brought an early try converted by Rourke. More strong defence turned the ball over with a kick to the Giants and Forde repeated his routine moving across the line before straightening up to score and take the score to 10-0. More excellent work in defence, notably by Hickman, Rourke, Dobson and Price kept the Giants’ line intact and Shaw cut in from the right wing to score an excellent unconverted try. The Giants were enjoying their lead but soon realised that there are no easy games of Rugby League. A mistake on their own 30m line gave a scrum to Haydock whose fast number 6 ran gratefully through the middle of the Giants cover to score under the posts and convert. Shortly after the Giants again showed little appetite for tackling. Only a supreme last-ditch effort on the visitors’ huge second row by the diminutive Dobson halted his attempted score but the Giants failed to hold out for the complete set and another converted try resulted. The Giants re-established some of their earlier lead when the impressive Rourke deservedly scored after another excellent run barrelling the opposition before him on the way to the line. Hickman converted to ‘add the two’ and take the half-time score to 20-12.

The Warriors had been stung into decisive action by their half-time talk and opened the scoring with a converted try as once again the Giants followed some good work with indifferent defence in the middle of the field. Soon after however Shaw, moving over on to the left, set off on an arcing run to out-sprint and fend off defenders to register another score. He was followed quickly by Forde completing a hat-trick and moving the scoreboard further from the visitors. There was a reminder that there was still a game in progress however when Haydock again scored, this time out wide left. A number of excellent hits from the Giants, including Wright putting in an awesome tackle protecting his own line, gave another attacking platform. Shaw completed his own hat-trick with a mazy run interrupted by occasional ‘stand-and-fend’ manoeuvres before scoring with Rourke converting. There was room for more defensive improvement as the Warriors’ stand-off again ran in a try but the final word went to the Giants in the shape of the aggressive runs of Forde who completed a nap-hand of five tries in the game with Hickman converting one of his last pair. This was an impressive performance by the Giants and much that had been worked on in training could be seen on the pitch. The players selected Rourke’s eye-catching all-round performance in defence and attack as deserving the man-of-the-match award.