Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 10
Widnes Moorfield U10 - 20

In what was Latchfords first game of the season playing the new Mod rules, the home side found it difficult to adjust to the markers, the retreat to 10m and the 11 aside formation against a efficient & compact Moorfield team. A slow start from Latchford and some poor defence quickly lead to the Widnes outfit racked up a 14-0 halftime lead.

Things seemed to deteriorate further as the second half progressed as Moorfield stretched ahead to 20pts to nil lead with another converted try. The Unicorns however never gave up and finished the stronger scoring two late tries through Jordan Island and a quick tap penalty from top tackler Corey Sherlock who also converted the goal. Harry Reardon received Latchford's player of the match, Reece Brunt picked up the coaches award. The Unicorns need to improve both their defence and attack skills if they are to be competitive this season. Back to top

30/09/2007 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (away)

Thatto Heath Crusaders U10 - 12
Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 4

In what was a massive improvement in defence than the previous week's debacle the Unicorns came up just short against a well experienced Thatto Heath team. The home side took the lead midway through the first half with a well-worked passing movement after the Unicorns had throwneverything apart from the kichen sink at them in the first quarter. With a new found belief and hitting the runners like they did, Thatto knew they were in for a torrid afternoon and, as the half progressed, it was no surprise that the rampaging Correy Sherlock barged over from close range after sustained pressure from the visiting Unicorns to level the scores at Half Time.

In the second period the Unicorns took the match to the St Helens outfit but, just as they were getting on top, a dropped ball gave possesssion away and Thatto scored to go infront 8-4. If medals were to be given away for bravery and improvement then Connor Johnson would be sporting one. As it was he arguably had his best game for the club and received the Top Tackler award closely followed by an improved Aaron O'Dea who received the Coaches Award for his tackling display. Harry Reardon was brilliant under the high ball and a thorn in their side all game sharing the Playr-of-the-Match award with Peter Moorcroft who moved to the centre of the field and didn't take a wrong call or backward step all game. Sadly such effort was not to be rewarded and Thatto scored late on to count out any Unicorns comeback. On this performance the Coaches hard work on the training paddock seems to be paying off Back to top

07/10/2007 v Orrell St James (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 34
Orrell St James U10 - 28

In what was one of the best games so far this season the Unicorns got off to the perfect start as Peter Moorcroft supported well to stroll in at the corner & converted to lead 6-0. Orrell brought it back straight away with some fine pace on show to level the scores, but just as half time approached Harry Reardon crashed over after a neat offload from Aaron O'Dea to give the Unicorns a 12-6 ht lead.

The second half began with Orrell scoring & both teams now decided that attack was best option if any team was to come out victors.Correy Sherlock strong as ever in attack crashed over after good combining in midfielfd from Harry Reardon & Reece Brunt for a 18-12 scoreline. With Orrell very strong down the flanks replied with three quick tries which seemed to deflate the home sideas they trailed 18-28 with about 5 minutes to play. The Unicorns gained some inner strength & decided to go for it with Reece Brunt showing the lads how it's done rampaged over to give the side an outside chance at 24-28. With Orrell on the front foot a clever kick bhind the tryline was returned by Aaron O'Dea & with the ball spun out wide Peter Moorcroft galloped in from 50 meters with the entire away side in persuit. Unforuanetly the conversion hit the crossbar & tied the scores at 28 all with only injury time to play. Orrell were then forced into handing the ball over after some great defensive effort & as the eager Orrell encroached too quickly a penalty was awarded 20 meters out. The ref looking at his watch to signal the end was caught by surprise as Corey Sherlock's tapped & go broke through a man tackle to win what was an exceptional comeback & to rub salt in held his nerve to convert for a unicorns win 34-28.

All players from both teams received a well deserved round of applause at the end.
Player of the match was Reece Brunt , top tackler Aaron O'Dea, coaches award Peter Moorcroft, Refs award Harry Reardon. Other players to have fine games were Connor Johnson & Jordan Ireland. Back to top

14/10/2007 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U10 - 12
Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 12

Latchford were generous in lending two of their star players to the home side to enable this fixture to proceed. Having won the toss & receiving for their first set of six the Unicorns drove from on their own line & a kicked down field only for Saddleworth's fullback to show some great pace & return the ball with interest to score & convert from 60 meters. This was never going to be the fast free flowing rugby from last week as Latchford showed a reluctance to play expansive football by either bad handling or ill discipline & were quite happy to use their forwards to gain the hard yardage. On the odd occasions they did open up they looked more than capable of scoring & this was evident when Dominic O'Brien weaned & shot in at the corner then converted to level he scores at half-time.

Playing out of their skins for the opposition James Hull (refs award) & Christian Savage (coaches award) both had strong games against their team-mates & were instrumental in Saddleworth having 18 consecutive tackles on Latchford tryline only for the Unicorns scramble defence to hold firm, but just as the visitors were getting a hold on the game the home team raced in from halfway to go infront 12:6 with 3 mins to play & having a player down for a sinbining. Surely history would not repeat itself like last week when Latchford came back from the dead? This team don't know the meaning of defeat & after Peter Moorcroft Latchford main threat from deep scorched down the wing, Harry Reardon (mom) jinxed & stepped from 15 metres to score under the posts. With the parents unable to watch Harry stepped up to convert & level the game to leave the scores locked at 12:12 ft. Correy Sherlock took Top Tackler award but a significant improvement needs to happen of the Unicorns hope to be competitive next week at home to Rylands. Back to top

21/10/2007 v Rylands Sharks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 4
Rylands Sharks U10 - 24

Latchford gave a valiant display in defeat on Sunday after having three late withdrawals on the morning of the game all failing fitness tests. Having the bare squad of eleven without any subs the Unicorns were always going to struggle against a strong Sharks outfit. The home side started well enough & were courageous in defending their line until a one-on-one missed tackle enabled Rylands to cut through & score in the corner for a converted try to lead 6-0. It looked as if the floodgates were about to burst but manful tackling kept making the Sharks spill possession until a further missed tackle put Rylands into a 12-0 half time score.

The second period started with a new found confidence growing through the team; player of the match Reece Brunt wore the Captain's armband & led by example in attack & defence, avidly supported by the ever improving Peter Moorcroft who finished as top tackler. The Unicorns were now starting to become a thorn in the visitor's side. Supported well by the rampaging Jordan Ireland who picked up the Coaches Award, Latchford began to get a firm hold on the game & a comeback looked on the cards, but just as in the first half another mistake gave the initiative back to Rylands which they took with gratitude to score & convert to lead 0-18 with 10 minutes to play. The unicorns were then reduced to nine men following a sinbinning for fighting and one who left early to catch the bus home. The newly formed space seemed to encourage the Albion to score the try of the game after Reece fed Peter the speedster skipped & side-stepped his way all from 50 meters with the entire Rylands team in pursuit to touch down under the posts, but a missed conversion took the score to 4-18. Latchford having gave their all & out on their feet gave a soft try away at the end to give a flattering but scoreline of 4-24. Each team received a well deserved round of applause from both sets of parents & the Unicorns can take some pride into next weeks cruncher against Ince. Back to top

04/11/2007 v Golborne Parkside (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 22
Golborne Parkside U10 - 4

In a game that was played out in dense fog the Unicorns were rewarded with their best win & display of the season so far. Playing against a Parkside team that seemed to improve as the game progressed, Latchford started in fine style in attack & backed by a strong defence opened the scoring after Christian Savage burst through from 5 meters to give the home side the lead. Two minutes later Correy Sherlock scored his first of two after some excellent support play & dove under the posts to stretch the lead to 10-0 with the conversion. The Unicorns were now playing with confidence & the third try summed it up as Corey again weaved his way over to score. With the clock ticking & Harry Reardon dictating play the ball was passed through eight pair of hands from left to right before Reece Brunt who is now showing maturity beyond his years popped the ball up for Peter Moorcroft to dive in at the corner. HT 18-0

Parkside must have had some strong refreshments at the interval as they came out all guns blazing & were rewarded with a fine try of their own as their strong running prop crashed through to score only for his conversion to hit the crossbar.Latchford seemed content to concentrate on defence with Top Tackler Reece who was supported well by (mom) Jordan Island in the heart of most things & with Lawrence Hull making an impact from the bench to receive coaches award erased any further breaches of their own line. The icing on the cake was Peter Mooorcroft for the second week in succession racing away to score from 50 meters to conclude the final score of 22-4. All in all this was another improvement than the previous weeks but need to practice on goal kicks having only converted 1 from 5 attempt & conceding 3 penalties when in possession of the ball. Back to top

11/11/2007 v Clock Face (away)

Clockface U10 - 30
Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 0

In what was a one-sided contest the Unicorns were never at their best against a Clockface team that had not lost for three years & so conceded 8 tries without reply. Poor tackling & a void in attack meant Latchford could only stand & watch, which they did for most of the game as this St Helens team gave them a lesson in passing, tackling & quick play the balls. Jordan Blore making his debut for the club gave his all & a combined effort of Reece Brunt, Peter Moorcroft & Corey Sherlock tried hard but never threatened to break the homesides line until the dying minutes when Dominic Judson unluckily fumbled a kick chase with the line beconing.The Unicorns require a big effort on the training pitch if they are to be competitive next week Back to top

18/11/2007 v Haresfinch (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 0
Haresfinch U10 - 20

Frustration got the better of the Unicorns as they were unable to score again for the second successive week. In what was sometimes a mixture of elementary handling mistakes & unusual reffereeing decisions that the young tean didn't understand they failed to overcome a confident St Helens team. The Unicorns only entered Haresfinch danger area once in the first half but conceded 3 tries, 2 of which was either scored on Latchford's first tackle or conceded whilst in possession. HT 0.14

A frank rallying call by the coach at the break seemed to fire the home side into action & defensively they were at the opposision straight from the kick off with Reece Brunt again recieving the Top Tackler award. Strong running from player of the match Connor Johnson had Harefinch on the back foot but still they couldn't score. Haresfinch finished with a further 2 tries one of which brought the game to an early end as tempers flared.
Both sets of players recieved a well deserved round of applause from the parents & look forward to the reverse fixture. Back to top

02/12/2007 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 20
Leyland Warriors U10 - 0

This was the Unicorns last game before the xmas break & they produced a significant improvement in attack & defence which showed there is enough skill & determination in this team to take forward to better things in the New Year. Latchford were at full strength for the first time this season having the luxury of rotating tired legs with three substitutes & this showed in the scoreline. Latchford started well with the wind on their backs & put the Warriors under pressure from the Kick off as the ball was kicked dead & from the restart Peter Moorcroft came onto a crash ball & stormed his way over the line to give the home side a 6:0 lead having converted his own score. Better things were to follow as Latchford tried to pass the ball out wide at the first opportunity as they began to gain confidence & were rewarded when Reece Brunt not for the first time this year barn stormed his way through a retreating defence to leave the score 12:0 at half time.

The Unicorns then started to rotate players to keep everyone on their toes & after strong running from Corey Sherlock which enabled him to get tackled only inches from the try line Aaron O'Dea popped a ball up from half back for Reece to complete a brace of tries.
This was not all a one-sided game as the Warriors supported by an increasing strong wind gave their all & were camped in Latchford danger zone for most of the half but were unable to bridge the line through excellent defence from Mathew Wray (tt) & Jordan Ireland(mom) & the ever improving Jordan Blore who received (CA) for exceptional hands in attack & retrieving kicks. Just as the Warriors were gaining ascendancy it was down to one piece of Magic that concluded the score which when Harry Reardon received the ball from on his own line & through out an outrageous dummy & like the preverbal Billy Elliot skipped & danced his way along the touchline & having left the chasing pack for dead scooted behind the sticks to leave the large crowd going home in amazement.
final score 20:0 Back to top

03/02/2008 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 4

Blackbrook Royals U10 - 28

In what was a reverse fixture due to a waterlogged pitch at Blackbrook, the Unicorns were having their first run out of the New Year having had their two previous weeks matches postponed due to the inclement weather & for the first period it showed. Up against a very big St Helens outfit & having four players pullout prior to kick off, the Unicorns were always going to find it difficult but applied themselves manfully & tried their hardest. They were rewarded with a fine try just before the final whistle.

The Unicorns decided to kick down the hill in the first half but were vulnerable all afternoon down the flanks as Blackbrook, through fine handling & great support, targeted the wings & were rewarded with four first half tries. Latchford were unfortunate not to have scored themselves after a neat chip to the corner by Harry Reardon was fumbled over the try line by Matthew Wray who pulled his socks up & ran hard all day to make amends. He was given the Coaches award for his strong running.

Turning around at 0-16 the Unicorns took the game to Blackbrook in the second half but could not breach the well oiled defence. Blackbrook on the counter were clinical scorching away for three further scores. Best in defence all afternoon was Peter Moorcroft who never took a back foot step & soldiered on with a painful wrist injury to collect the Top Tackler award. To crown off another courageous effort Reece Brunt deserved the final say in the match as he powered over to complete the scoring & received the best player award. Both sets of parents were impressed with both teams effort which was played in freezing conditions & in the correct spirit of the game

10/02/2008 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 6

Wigan St Judes U10 - 10

Medals are seldom achieved at under 10's ARL but on Sunday both teams showed what guile, skill & commitment can be put into a game of Rugby , to produce one of the most intense matches ever seen at this age group & each & every player should be awarded the Gold for participation. Both teams who never gave a backward step or no Quarter given without ferocious tackling must be nursing bumps & bruises in the gym this morning. Latchford underdogs prior to kick off against a St Judes team who have only lost 3 times in 4 years were penned into their own quarter for all of the first half yet kept their try line intact with some manful tackling no more so than the pocket dynamite Dominic Judson who was Herculean in defence & went on to receive the top tacklers award.

The second period played in deteriorating mudbath looked to be a repeat of the first played with a high intensity until the ever alert Harry Reardon chipped over the baying defence & scorched around the fullback to dive & finish off a pinpoint kick to break the deadlock, which was converted by Corey Sherlock to leave the homeside leading 6.0 & gaining in confidence the more the game progressed. The crowd now at fever pitch with the quality on display began to find their voices & Latchford have defended 3 repeat sets were undone by a St Judes kick of their own on the last tackle, but a missed conversion hitting the bar brought the scores closer at 6.4 with 10 to play. The tension was now starting to show on the pitch as both sets of players let tempers flare & again on the last tackle the home side was undone with a kick through which ricocheted off several players & finally somehow scooped up & pushed over the try line to clinch the game for the wigan side & with the conversion won the game 6-10. For the home side Aaron O'Dea played brilliantly at acting half having one of his best games for the club & receiving the mom award & James Hull contributed in defence & attack to receive the coaches award, but it would be unfair not to mention the rest of the team for producing quality from the kick off. Liam Slydell played well on his debut. The remaining team members were Connor Johnson, George Youds, Lawrence Hull, Jordan Blore , Jordan Ireland , Mathew Wray, Peter Moorcroft & Reece Brunt.

24/02/2008 v Widnes St Marie's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 14

Widnes St Maries U10 - 10

Latchford came from behind to record their first win of the New Year against a well organised Widnes side last Sunday. After a stop start campaign with the recent bad weather the Unicorns were eager to play a game & show what vast improvements have taken place in form since Christmas. Although having the early pressure the Unicorns kept spilling possession & were made to pay from some sloppy defence & conceded a try after 5 minutes. Things rapidly seemed to be going against Latchford as there Fullback was carried from field with a nasty leg injury, but this seemed to galvanise the unit & from the next set neat footwork from Aaron O'Dea at half back found Reece Brunt who again had a strong game sent in the powerful Peter Moorcroft to score & convert the goal to lead 6-4. Latchford now playing with confidence were gaining easy yardage & extended their lead when Liam Syndell(mom) playing his second game for the club barnstormed his way over the line having taken three defenders on his back with him to leave the Unicorns 10.4 up at the interval.

The Unicorns now dominating in the middle of the field & switching attack at every opportunity were rewarded again when Liam crossed for his second try to cap off a wonderful display of fearless running to leave the score at 14.4 with 10 to play. St Maries who never gave up & caused scramble defence all game were rewarded with a try of their own when ill discipline started to creep into Latchford game & brought the scores to 14.10. Strong defence by The Unicorns especially Corry Sherlock (tt) & Jordan Ireland (ca) kept the home sides noses in front to the end but were made to work hard by giving to many penalties away. The final whistle brought a well deserved round of applause from the large gathering of spectators for both sets of players as they had done credit to their respective clubs with the skill level on display.

02/03/2008 v Moss Bank Bulldogs (away)

Moss Bank Bulldogs U10 - 12
Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 40

Latchford came out convincing winners against a spirited but inexperienced Moss bank on Sunday. Playing on a large pitch the Unicorns defence was tested for the opening 10 minutes having to defend their try line for 20 tackles, but once Latchford got their hands on the ball there was no stopping them as Liam Sydell raced 60 meters down field to get caught inches short only for Harry Reardon from the resulting play the ball scooted in at the corner to give the visitors the lead. Things got even better after Moss Bank lost possession deep into Latchford territory for the elusive Corry Sherlock to leave the cover for dead & round the posts to enable an easy conversion for himself. Latchford now in command & having the stronger defence again posted a further score when Corry barnstormed onto a pass from acting half & rounded the tacklers again to score next to the posts, which Dominic Judson also converted. With the clock now ticking to half time Reece Brunt (Top tackler) powered from outside the scrum & handed off some tired pursers to score from 50 meters which again he also converted. HT 0.22

The second period brought a change of personnel as the Unicorns began to rotate their squad & although always on top Moss Bank replied with a try of their own from a clever grubber kick which totally bamboozled the visiting defence to claw the scores back to 6-22. Strong running from (mom) Lawrence Hull leaving the home defence in tatters romped home from half way & repeated the feat again 2 minutes later with both tries converted by Harry Reardon & Aaron O'Dea (ca) which extended the score to 6-36 with 5 to play. Again Moss Bank were showing enthusiasm against a much bigger team and hit back with another try, which came about with some smart play down the flanks. The scores were concluded as Liam Slydell showing determination ran through from 20 meters to power in at the corner which Harry Reardon converted to leave the scores at 12-40. This was another step in the right direction for the Unicorns, but all credit to Moss Bank for their commitment to the cause

09/03/2008 v Westhoughton Lions (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 40

Westhoughton Lions U10 - 0

Latchford found themselves in a no win situation as they aided a depleted Lions team giving them no less than 6 players to complete this fixture on Sunday. The Unicorns however with a terrier like defence were not bridged & scored some fine tries of their own with some scintillating Rugby crossing the line on no fewer than 7 times & converting 6 of them to come out comfortable victors. The writing was on the wall as early as the third minute as Jordan Ireland steam rolled in at the corner & converted to give the Unicorns an early supremacy. Next on the score sheet was Peter Moorcroft who again only scores from long distance left defenders in his trail as he romped in from 50 meters which Reece Brunt again converted. The half was concluded when Dominic O'Brien (ca) after great support play rounded the defence & again converted to leave the scores at 18-0 at half time.

The second period started as per the first when Connor Johnson (mom) who later repeated the feat beat three defenders to cap a fine individual performance which Harry Reardon & Jordan Ireland converted. This seemed to fire up the Lions who showed some class of their own with some intricate passing & only for some last gasp defending could have scored themselves. With the away team tiring Corry Sherlock (refs award) was on hand to finish off a fine move of our own which he also converted & Connor concluded the scoring with his second which Harry Reardon converted A fine defensive performance from Jordan Blore enabled him to collect top tackler award. This was a fine game of Rugby played in the right spirit & was a pleasure to watch for both sets of parents & both teams showed a great desire to play some enterprising open Rugby League

16/03/2008 v Milnrow Cobras (away)

Milnrow Cobras U10 - 10

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 24

Latchford completed a well deserved victory against a much bigger outfit played in blustery conditions on Sunday. Playing with the wind behind their backs the Unicorns cut the home defence to pieces on numerous occasions in the first half only for the final pass or kick came to naught. Reece Brunt again leading from the front broke the deadlock bursting onto an Aaron O'Dea pass from dummy half gave the visitors the lead that they never looked like losing which he also converted. Milnrow quickly hit back with a try of their own from short distance, then Reece on the receiving end of a penalty took a quick tap & stormed through to double his tally to leave the scores at 4-10 at the interval.

The Unicorns began the half moving the ball from one side of the field to another which totally had the home side bamboozled & another fine pass from Aaron found Reece in acres of space to score a well deserved hat trick to stretch the lead even further & collect the mom award. This was not just about ball movement but also courageous tackling as well which was summed up with Matthew Wray who was like a Trojan Horse in defence & received top tackler award & Peter Moorcroft who was all over the pitch with strong running & tenacious defending impressing the coaches which he received as a reward. Milnrow strong down the middle of the park sucked in the Latchford defence & scored a fine try of their own down the wing which they converted to leave the scores perilously close at 10-14. Latchford now under the cosh had to dig deep & keep their line intact which they did for five consecative sets, Jordan Blore saving a certain try all on his own & Dominic Judson upending the biggest player on the pitch seemed to draw confidence from this, which the home team seemed to have theirs ebbing away. This was summed up when deep inside their own territory Corry Sherlock latched onto another fine pass from Referees award winner Harry Reardon who left the home side for dead & went the length of the field to kill off any Cobras comeback. With the final whistle ready to blow the Unicorns again showed how to turn defence into attack as Harry ran clear to score under the posts & convert to conclude a great game of Rugby from both teams. Other players who had strong games were Connor Johnson, Dominic O'Brien & Jordan Ireland. Latchford are now showing that they can perform in defence as well as score tries while the Cobras will be a force on their own against other teams

30/03/2008 v Newton Storm (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 – ‘30’

Newton Storm U10 - 0

Latchford should be rebranded “The Entertainers” after blowing away the Storm on Saturday. Playing on the crest of a wave in confidence the Unicorns were fantastic with ball in hand & came away comfortable winners against a team which didn't know what had hit them from scintillating Football in the 1st half. The writing was on the wall as early as the 1st attack when Corry Sherlock (coaches’ award) broke from deep to stroll in at the corner to open his account & repeated the feat 2 minutes later which Dominic Judson (mom) this time converted from wide out to leave the scores at 10-0. Reece Brunt then continued the good work ethic & after quick hands powered onto a pass to extend the lead further. Latchford now enjoying the rewards of expansive Rugby swept the ball wide for the ever elusive running of Dominic Judson to side-step his way to the line which Harry Reardon then converted. Reece then on the receiving end of a high-ish tackle didn't wait for the referees whistle to blow & galloped through the defence to finish the half off after Harry again converted. 26-0 ht

Strong words of wisdom at the break could not prevent the next piece of magic taking place, when Corry spotted a gap along the touchline & from the kick-off drilled the ball into touch. From the resulting scrum the ball was passed along the backs & Dominic O'Brien blazed in at the corner & converted from an acute angle to extend the score to 32-0. Credit should also go to the Storm who never threw in the towel & came back strongly but could not breach the well disciplined home defence. The final score of the match came from a piece of individual brilliance from Harry who mesmerised the visitors’ defenders to score under the posts & convert the goal to leave the final score of 38-0. Strong games were also had by Aaron O'Dea (top tackler) Jordan Blore (ref’s award) Connor Johnson, James Hull, Peter Moorcroft & Matthew Wray. On the down side the Unicorns again gave away silly penalties which they can’t afford to do in closer games

13/04/2008 v Folly Lane (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 20

Folly Lane U10 - 8

Latchford were made to dig deep against a well organized & determined team effort from Folly Lane on Sunday. After an initial pitch inspection the game was given the go ahead & both teams set off at blistering pace to gain the upper hand. The Unicorns having the return of key men from injury & sickness started the better & were rewarded when Aaron O'Dea scooted from dummy half & put his captain Harry Reardon(mm) through a gap in the defence to cruise in unopposed to open the scoring. Folly then returned the score when using their big forwards drove down the middle of the park, then cleverly put an inside pass to crash over. Both defenses started to gain control as crunching tackles especially from the Engine room Reece Brunt(tt) thwarted any attacks & a cruncher from Jordan Ireland (ra) turned over possession which Latchford quickly turned into attack & Cory Sherlock stormed in to put the home team in the ascendancy again. As the half was coming to its conclusion Folly Lane again broke the home team’s line to level the scores at the interval. 8-8 ht

The coaching team spent the interval raising morale & fine tuning the little things that Latchford were not concentrating on & this turned the game around. The first set of tackles that the home team had decided that composure was best practice & were rewarded when The Unicorns swung the ball from one set of the field to another & Peter Moorcroft running wide out powered through to restore the lead that the Unicorns never looked likely to lose. The home team then introduced Lawrence Hull(ca) from the bench & he had an immediate impact breaking from deep inside his own half to put the visitors on their back foot & again quick ball led to Cory gliding through like a knife through butter to extend the lead further & give themselves a little breathing space. Confidence in the team now at an all time high seemed to be bringing the best out of players & Dom Judson, Mat Wray, Jordan Blore, Connor Johnson & Dom O'Brien can all take some encouragement in their respected displays. The icing was put on the cake as Latchford now in full control held their line intact for four successive sets of tackles & went the length of the field for Peter to cap off a superb game & score the final try 20-8 ft. Both sets of players gave everything & were rightly applauded from the field at the end of the game

on Sunday. After an initial pitch inspection the game was given the go ahead & both teams set off at blistering pace to gain the upper hand. The Unicorns having the return of key men from injury & sickness started the better & were rewarded when Aaron O'Dea scooted from dummy half & put his captain Harry Reardon(mm) through a gap in the defence to cruise in unopposed to open the scoring. Folly then returned the score when using their big forwards drove down the middle of the park, then cleverly put an inside pass to crash over. Both defenses started to gain control as crunching tackles especially from the Engine room Reece Brunt(tt) thwarted any attacks & a cruncher from Jordan Ireland (ra) turned over possession which Latchford quickly turned into attack & Cory Sherlock stormed in to put the home team in the ascendancy again. As the half was coming to its conclusion Folly Lane again broke the home team’s line to level the scores at the interval. 8-8 ht Back to top

20/04/2008 v Crosfield Cobras (away)

Crosfields Cobras U10 - 16

Latchford Albion Unicorns U10 - 20

Latchford showed grit & determination to over come their local rivals in a game that had it all, it looked to be slipping away from the Unicorns & with the clock ticking down they managed to pull out one last play & record a well earned victory. Playing on a massive pitch the Unicorns started by playing attractive football without much penetration whilst the Cobras played more direct & took the early exchanges & raced into an Eight point lead scoring two tries from deep inside their own half but missing both conversions this came back to haunt them at the end. Both teams defences seemed to be on top & with Latchford’s reluctance to cross the line the half ebbed away until fine distribution gave Connor Johnson(coaches award) the outside & he needed no invitation to dive in at the corner.
ht 8-4

The second half started poorly for the Unicorns as Crosfields managed to regain possession from the resulting scrum after the Unicorns couldn't prevent the ball from going into touch from the kick off & moved the ball wide & broke the Latchford’s defence again which the Cobras could not convert.12-4 Latchford now knowing pretty ball work without good field possession doesn't work began to run strongly no more so than Peter Moorcroft & Reece Brunt & with this spun the ball for top tackler Aaron O'Dea to send Corey Sherlock steam rolling through the defender to power his way to the line which he also converted to bring the visitors within one score.12-10. Good drives by Jordan Ireland & Lawrence Hull kept the momentum up & again the ball found player-of-the-match Corey Sherlock to again mismatch the centre & barge his way over to give Latchford the lead, but unfortunately the conversion shook the crossbar but now the Unicorns new they were back in the game & have the lead. Crosfield playing as well as they have ever done against the Unicorns began to get back to their initial game plan & drew the visitors defence in & with a bullet pass missed out two players to score a fine try of their own to take the lead which again they failed to convert.16-14. Latchford needed to galvanise their attack & approach play & were unlucky not to have scored when Parent’s Award winner Dominic O'Brien, playing against his old club mates, was deemed to be short & Jordan Blore held over the try line on the sixth tackle almost gave the visitors that vital score .However the respite was short lived & with the Unicorns camped on the Crosfields line the home side tried everything to keep their rivals at bay but succumb under an avalanche of penalties for offside & Aaron again passed from dummy half for Connor to find Harry Reardon to sidestep & dart over for the winning try which he converted to leave the scores at full time 16 - 20. This was a great game played with passion & commitment from both camps & it was down to self belief how the Unicorns got across the winning line.