Len Balshaw
It is with deep sadness we acknowledge the recent passing of former Latchford Albion player, Len Balshaw. 
'Baly', as he was affectionately known, was born on 10th April 1931 and played against Latchford for Greenalls when he was just a teenager. The score was 5 '5'' when Len skipped around Jimmy Marsh and kicked a drop goal to seal victory for the brewery side who were to finish fourth that year.
Len played two season at Rylands Recs before joining Latchford during the 1950-51 season in time to pick up a League Runners Up medal. Len was a versatile back fitting in at centre or half back as the need arose and with him Latchford won the Warrington and District League 1952-53.
The following season he was inspirational in the club reaching the first round proper of the Challenge Cup and played in both games against Wigan. In 1954-55 he collected another League runners-up medal before returning to Rylands, with whom he proved to be a revered goal kicking scrum half. Indeed, Len kicked four goals in the 1956-57 Lancashire Cup area final to help Rylands beat Latchford 17-10!
From there Len turned professional and signed for Liverpool City where he became their captain and enjoyed great success. At the conclusion of his professional career he returned to the Warrington Amateur League and coached the Rylands team who won the Warrington Knock Out Cup in 1979-80. He continued to play his beloved Rugby League for many years only being forced to pack in because of knee problems at the ripe old age of 58.
Len was a well of memories about local rugby, which we were able to tap into when compiling our recent history books. Always popular with his peers, the packed congregation at St Augustine's Church for his funeral service on 24th October was testament to how much he'll be missed. There were many former Liverpool City players as well as representatives from local clubs. Latchford Albion were represented by several former players as well as our President Sammy Sixsmith, Life Member Brian Harrop and Youth Secretary Stuart McIntosh