U8 2007-08

23/09/2007 v Chorley Panthers (home)

07/10/2007 v Portico Vine (home)

14/10/2007 v Chorley Panthers (home)

20/10/2007 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (Halliwell Jones Stadium)

28/10/2007 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

04/11/2007 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

11/11/2007 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

18/11/2007 v Wigan St Jude's (away)

25/11/2007 v Shevington Sharks (home)

02/12/2007 v Milnrow (away)

20/01/2008 v Clock Face (away)

27/01/2008 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

03/02/2008 v Rylands Sharks (away)

23/09/2007 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8's - 24
Chorley Panthers U8 - 8

A strong defensive line from the Unicorns set up some early possesion for Liam Wray to cross from a 5m scoot to open the scoring. Again good tackling from Jack Wilson and James Heaton prevented the Panthers from completing their sets of 6. Speed and agility from Mitchell Rutter 20m out clocked his first of three. Strong forward running and good yards made by Katie Mercer and Thomas Worthington made it inevitable for Jacob Proudlove to cross the line for a well deserved try. With Charlie Antelo and Byron Fleming completing one on one tackles the ball was quickly turned over and Nathan Ashbrook used all his speed to chase half the pitch to convert his efforts to points with a sole try. The Panthers soon made good yards and scored in the corner however it had a quick reply from a good run by Connor Leyland. This opened up for Jacob Proudlove to bring in five Panthers and off load to Mitchell Rutter to go over for his second just on the stroke of half time.

Quick changes at half time and the Panthers scored an early try with strong running from first reciever. The only answer for this in the second half was a good scoot from Mitchell Rutter to complete his hat-trick. All players from both sides enjoyed the mornings rugby and a good feed at the Imperial Hotel after. We are all looking forward to our next fixture.
Coaches award went Byron Fleming. 1st Half top tackler Jacob Proudlove. 2nd Half top tackler Connor Leyland. Player of the Match was Mitchell Rutter Back to top

07/10/2007 v Portico Vine (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 12
Portico Vine U8 - 28

After a brief warm up the players went into the match a bit shocked at the shouting coming from the Portico players. An early try from Byron Fleming after a powerfull straight run seemed to wake the Portico players up and 3 tries went unanswered from Portico.
The rallying defence seemed to be slow from the Unicorns however it was actually the speed at the play of the ball from Portico that caught us off guard. With some strong forward running from Tommy Hughes and good distribution from Tommi Barnes it started to become a game for the big lads. Thomas Worthington and Nathan Ashbrook started to break through gaps as the Portico players started to tire. Good defensive work from Jack Wilson and Connor Leyland made the opening for Mitchell Rutter to offload to Jacob Proudlove to crash through the defence to score a great power try. This was quickly answered by Portico from the start with a good run at first receiver to find the gap and score just before half time.

The second half was more of a tight game with neither team wanting to concede a try. Good defence from both sides made it hard work with the sets. Eventually Portico scored twice but it was short lived when quick hands from Liam Wray and Charlie Antelo allowed James Heaton to side step through and make some good yards. A final burst from Jacob Proudlove as he went over for his second try. The last try went to a well worked fast play of the ball from Portico to finish the match. A good effort by the team who enjoyed the game and are looking forward to next weeks fixture.

Coaches award Tommy-Lee Hughes
Firts half Top tackler Jack Wilson
Second half Top tackler Mitchell Rutter
Man of the Match Jacob Proudlove Back to top

14/10/2007 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 28
Chorley Panthers U8 - 20

Following a hard training week the team came out on Sunday with a brilliant attitude. All fired up the match started with Chorleys set of 6 being converted into a try. Although good tackling from James Heaton and Tommi Barnes couldnt stop the try from being scored.
The answer to this was a flurry of scores from Nathan Ashbrook and Mitchell rutter who scored four tries in the game. Again the Unicorns defensive line prevented Chorley from scoring and Katie Mercer made a try saving tackle 5 yards from the Unicorns line. Liam Wray and Tommy Lee Hughes finally forcing the player into touch. Some good hard running from the Unicorns allowed Connor Leylands fast feet to dart over in the corner.
Eventually Chorley crossed for a well deserved try. With the last set of 6 before half time it was down to strong running from Byron Fleming that opened up the gap for Jacob Proudlove to cross over using all his force.

The start of the second half showed more quality rugby league with good offloads by Jacob proudlove and Thomas Worthington. Good tackling from Charlie Antelo created the hand over which produced the best try of the match a good run from Jacob Proudlove brought Chorley to the right side of the pitch this created a huge gap on the left and a good offload to Mitchell Rutter finished off the move with a try in the left corner. Another enjoyable encounter with Chorley Panthers and again a good hotdog and chips at the Imperial. Smiles all around from both teams and parents which makes it all worth while. A good week of training finished off by a brilliant game of Rugby, well done team. Coaches award Thomas Worthington. 1st half top tackler Connor Leyland. 2nd half top tackler Nathan Ashbrook. Man of the Match Mitchell Rutter. Back to top

20/10/2007 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (Halliwell Jones Stadium)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 8
Burtonwood Bulldogs U8 - 0

A wonderfull experience at the Halliwell Jones for all concerned when two development sides locked horns at the half time interval of the All Golds match. Latchford started strong by defending their line with Good tackles from Connor Leyland, Jacob Proudlove and Nathan Ashbrook. Our first set of six made some good yards down the pitch in front of 7000 people nobody shyed away as the ball distribution of Katie Mercer made it easy for the strong running of Liam Wray and James Heaton. With still no score it looked like the defensive lines of both sides would not crumble and again good defensive work from Tommy Lee Hughes and Charlie Antelo stopped any forward drives from Burtonwood.
The Unicorns made some good yards and finally a gap opened up and Mitchell Rutter took full advantage and ran 20 yards to touch down in the far left corner.

Burtonwood never let their heads go down and followed up with some good strong running but again the Unicorns defensive line prevented any score with Byron Fleming standing strong down the middle of the pitch. With the final whistle looming it was left to a soul run from our youngest player who had his sights set on one thing only and that was to power over the try line and that is exactly what happened as Thomas Worthington scored the final try in the final play. This topped off the nights entertainment as everyone went off smiling to the crowd cheering for more. With great thanks to the organisers for a great night from players, parents and most of all coaches.

Coaches Award James Heaton.
Top Tackler first half Mitchell Rutter.
Top tackler second half Charlie Antelo.
Parents award Byron Fleming.
Man of the match Liam Wray. Back to top

28/10/2007 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

No match report submitted Back to top

04/11/2007 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Ince Rose Bridge U8 - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 24

What a match to watch and play. The opening score coming from a good set of running from Nathan Ashbrook and Jacob Proudlove to make the smallest of gaps in the defending line for Mitchell Rutter to power over for the first try of the game. Some less than usual defensive work from the Unicorns allowed Ince to push through to score their first. Unicorns soon settled down and began to play some good rugby. Strong forward running from Jack Wilson and Charlie Antelo made good yards into the Ince half but Ince answered back with some of the same. A very even stalement until Connor Leyland sprinted down the line hugging touch to crash over to take the lead. Ince soon had the bit between their teeth and scored from the restart. Again from the restart Tommi Barnes distribution to the Unicorns got us into the Ince half. Good side stepping from James Heaton and Thomas Worthington allowed Jacob Proudlove to force his way over the line.
The Unicorns defense holding back the strong direct running from Ince team eventually gave in and a try was looming. A good tackle by Liam Wray and Nathan Ashbrook was not enough and quick play saw Ince go in front in the last set.

The second half Unicorns came out strong and worked their sets well to make good ground. Holding their defensive lines it made it hard for Ince to break through. Again a stalemate, until quick thinking from Nathan Ashbrook who passed inside to TommyLee Hughes and the try of the game. A dummy inside pass opened the space outside, a 10 yard sprint and a clinical finish from the Unicorns WWF man Tommy Lee. It became a cat and mouse game after that and Ince matched the Unicorns tries. Nathan Ashbrook and Jack Wilson putting well deserved points on the board after good straight running from Byron Fleming. But last years under 7s experience started to show for Ince who just scored enough in the first half to take the game. A well mannered and entertaining game for all. Delight on everyones faces, no winners and definately no losers apart from the Ince coach who happened to fall over with joy as all the crowd looked on ( you fell over ). Youve been framed have been informed?

Coaches award Jack Wilson.
Parents award Byron Fleming.
First half top tackler Liam Wray.
Second half top tackler Mitchell Rutter.
Man of the match Connor Leyland. Back to top

11/11/2007 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorn U8 - 28
Oldham St Anne's U8 - 8

Conditions were good and the Unicorns were all raring to go. A quick team talk in the changing room and a minutes silence started the proceedings. Oldham won the toss and elected to try the Unicorns defensive line. Some good running from 1st reciever made some well deserved yards, but powerful tackling from Liam Wray and Mitchell Rutter kept Oldham out. Latchford worked their way up the pitch, strong runs form Byron Fleming, Katie Mercer and Tommy Lee Hughes made a gap for Thomas Worthington to go over when he shrugged an Oldham half tackle to gain his feet and stumble over the try line. Oldham pushed forward however an early mistake and the ball was dived on by Mitchell Rutter. Again a good set of 6 and the Oldham defence started to tire and Tommylee Hughes powered over for a well deserevd try. Oldham started the game with some good moves and eventually crossed the line for a good try.

From the restart the power of the Unicorns Tommi Barnes and some good foot work from James Heaton allowed a gap for Jacob Proudlove to thrust over the line for a try, on the stroke of half time. The start of the second half came more good line defence by the Unicorns. Good tackling from Connor Leyland , Nathan Ashbrook and Liam Wray. Then came a well drilled move from the Unicorns, quick play by Nathan Ashbrook to Liam Wray and an inside pass to Connor Leyland running on the angle to take on the Oldham defensive line to crash over for the try of the game. Oldhams answer was some good forward running and a scoot from 1 yard that the Unicorns could not stop. With the bit between their teeth good yards by Tommylee Hughes and Mitchell Rutter gave the oppurtunity for Jack Wilson to power over the line for his first Latcford try. Oldham started to tire and James Heaton picked up the ball and darted inside but switched and went over in the far corner (yes Jimbo a try). Bewildered by the speed of the game the Unicorns didnt give Oldham the chance to settle and some early turnovers happened. This gave the acting half Katie Mercer the chance to dictate the pace of the game. Tommi Barnes made his way up the field, Byron Fleming, Thomas Worthington made good yards and with only yards to go quick thinking Nathan Ashbrook scooted over to finish the game.Two good developing sides totally enjoyed the game. Parents and coaching staff all agreed that it was a cracking game of Rugby league. The team work and defensive lines were excellent, all down to the players contribution in training, well done.

Parents award Nathan Ashbrook.
First half top tackler Liam Wray.
Second half top tackler Connor Leyland.
Coaches award Mitchell Rutter.
Man of the match Jacob Proudlove. Back to top

18/11/2007 v Wigan St Jude's (away)

No match report submitted Back to top

25/11/2007 v Shevington Sharks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 20
Shevington Sharks U8 - 8

A fantastic evenly matched game. Unicorns getting the better of the Sharks early on with a well worked soul effort by Mitchell Rutter, who with great speed used the width of the pitch to sprint over for the first score. The Sharks started the restart by working their way up the pitch, good defence by Nathan Ashbrook and Jack Wilson made sure that they only made a few yards. A good break by the Sharks left "now fullback" Connor Leyland to smash the attacker into touch causing a turnover. On the turnover steady ground made by Liam Wray, Jacob Proudlove and TommyLee opened the gap for a well drilled move by Connor Leyland to score a team try. At the restart Sharks saw an unusual opening and took full advantage. Good tackling by Byron Fleming and Tommi Barnes could not prevent the Sharks scoring in the corner. With the team work the Unicorns soon answered the Sharks by working their way up the pitch with strong running from Katie Mercer and Thomas Worthington. With 4 tackles gone a quick pass from acting half Nathan Ashbrook enabled Mitchell Rutter to glide over the line for his second try. This was the finish of a first half of solid defending and strong attacking play by both teams.

In the second half it was more of the same good defences and strong straight running. The Unicorns slowly but surely gaining the upper hand, it was certain that a try would be scored and with the try of the match going to Byron Fleming for a great angled run and two sound hand offs he scored in the corner. The Sharks had some good yards and were soon camped in the Unicorns half of the pitch. Quick thinking from dummy half and a scoot caught the Unicorns defence napping for the first time. A well deserved try was scored. The Sharks kept up the pressure but were unable to penetrate the Unicorns defensive line with solid tackling by Nathan Ashbrook, Mitchell Rutter and Connor Leyland. Eventually the tired Sharks gave in and some good handling skills from Thomas Worthington, Jacob Proudlove and Katie Mercer left Mitchell Rutter the room to crash over from 20 metres to complete his hat trick. The game ending with a very respectable score line, however the match winning came from the Unicorns defensive and team work. Good training sessions and motivation made the game a winner.
Well done to both teams. Enjoyed by all parents, coaches but most of all players.

First Half top tackler Connor Leyland.
Second half top tackler Nathan Ashbrook.
Parents Award Tommi Barnes.
Coaches Award Jack Wilson.
Man of the Match Mitchell Rutter Back to top

02/12/2007 v Milnrow (away)

No match report submitted Back to top

20/01/2008 v Clock Face (away)

Clock Face U8 - 20

 

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 24

 

 

Following long discussions and pitch inspections the match began. Both teams were equalled out in defence and attack both scoring one after the other. Katie Mercer, holding her own on the wing, was doing some good individual tackling. Some good full back defence from Connor Leyland prevented a certain score from Clockface. However, just on half time the Unicorns broke the dead lock and pushed forward to make the score line Clockface 8 Unicorns 12. Tries came from Byron Fleming, Mitchell Rutter and Nathan Ashbrook.

 

 

The start of the second half and Clockface turned up the pace, but the Unicorns defence held strong. Clockface scored to level the match and then defended well to keep the Unicorns out. With the clock ticking the sets of 6 became more important and good yards were made on the now heavy pitch from Thomas Worthington and Tommy Lee Hughes with Liam Wray nearly forcing himself over the line. The Unicorns scored but it was quickly cancelled out by a Clockface score. With 5 minutes left the Unicorns pulled away and only had to play the last set out without a turnover to win the match. Each player took the ball in securely and Tommi Barnes took the last big tackle to snatch the victory. Tries came from Nathan Ashbrook, Connor leyland and try of the match from in his own half a powerful sprint to the line from Jack Wilson. A great entertaining well mannered game from both sides prevented the weather from keeping the crowd wet and miserable. Well done lads and girls.

 

 

Man of the Match Nathan Ashbrook.

 

Parents award Connor leyland.

 

1st half top tackler Jack Wilson.

 

2nd half top tackler Mitchell Rutter.

 

Coaches award Liam Wray.

 

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27/01/2008 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U8 - 12

 

Wigan St Jude's U8 - 28

 

 

It was always going to be a defensive game for Latchford. A well drilled Wigan side came out full force with some great set peices. Latchford held on with some good tackling from Mitchell Rutter and James Heaton but a good move from 5 yards saw the first Wigan try. Powerful running from Byron Fleming and Jack Wilson worked their way into Wigan territory. Quick ball play and fast feet from Katie Mercer saw an awesome pass from Thomas Worthington to Connor Leyland but the try line was just too far away. Wigan pushed hard but good defence from Liam Wray and Jacob Proudlove again could not stop the speed and determination of this Wigan side who scored their second. Latchford never gave up and eventually Tommi Barnes made a break and quickly played the ball for Nathan Ashbrook to scoot over. Wigan had the last play and scored in the corner from 2 yards out. Half time score of Unicorns 4 St. Judes 12

 

 

The second half saw more of the same. Wigan scored first but then some good offloads and fast thinking from Mitchell Rutter saw a try for Connor Leyland. Wigan pushed hard but did not break the Unicorns defensive line and gave the oppurtunity for Nathan Ashbrook to score the try of the game, from his own line noticed a lack of concentration from Wigan and went the full length untouched to score a good individual try.

 

With scoreline at Unicorns 12 St. Judes 16 it looked like Latchford could clinch the match. The hard tackling saw the players tire slightly and Wigan scored 3 tries before the match was finally over. A much improved performance from the Unicorns who played hard and fair, all still enjoying the games and training sessions.

 

 

Man of the Match Liam Wray.

 

Parents award Jacob Proudlove.

 

1st half top tackler James Heaton.

 

2nd half top tackler Connor Leyland.

 

Coaches award Thomas Worthington

 

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03/02/2008 v Rylands Sharks (away)

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