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Open Age Match Reports 2004-05

Haydock - 24
Latchford Albion - 27

In the first round of the Tetley's Lancashire Cup, Latchford Albion came out on top against Haydock, their Premier Division hosts and last year's beaten finalists. Haydock opened the scoring with a try on four minutes, but missed the conversion (4-0). New signing Nick Owen banged over a penalty goal (4-2). Latchford conceded too many penalties in the first half, but great defence kept Haydock out with just two penalty goals for Haydock and one for Latchford making the half time score 8-4.

In the second half Haydock scored early on again without converting (12-4). Latchford started to make some probing runs from Simon Bird and George Kay, which created space for Gavin Bishop to release Andy Dean on a thirty yard run to score (12- 8). With Scott Gandy dominating the ruck area and Tony Maher moving his forwards around the field it was only a matter of time before rampaging prop Kay crashed over, which Owen goaled. Latchford were in front for the first time (12-14). Haydock replied with a well-worked try and goal (18-14). Latchford were not going to give in and a great break from Mike Bishop saw Simon Bird crash over. Owen missed the goal and the game moved into extra time, 18-18.

In the first period of extra time Latchford took control with their forwards dominating those of Haydock. Great breaks and crunching tackles from Tony Faitaua and John Donno forced Haydock into errors that resulted in Nick Owen scooping up a loose ball and racing thirty metres before offloading to the supporting Faitaua who scored under the posts, 18-24. Gavin Bishop then banged over a drop goal, 18-25, before Owen converted another penalty as Haydock were loosing their discipline 18-27. Latchford conceded a try and goal late on as the whistle blew final score 24-27.

Best for Latchford were Mike Bishop, George Kay, John Donno and Scott Gandy in the forwards. Kris Buckley, Tony Maher and Paul Daintith in the backs.

The reward for their victory is an away trip to Widnes St Marie's on 25th September 2004. St Marie's overcame Widnes Albion Bulls 18-0 in their first round game

Team:
1. Kris Buckley
2. Keith Stanley
3. Nick Owen
4. Vinny Reardon
5. Paul Daintith
6. Gavin Bishop
7. Tony Maher
8. George Kay
9. Scott Gandy
10. Simon Bird
11. Andy Dean
12. John Donno
13. Mike Bishop
14. Matt Critchley
15. Tony Faitaua
16. Andy Wood
17. Marcus Gorton Back to top

18/09/2004 v Portico Vine (home)

Latchford Albion - 34
Portico Vine - 8

Latchford finally started their League campaign and defeated Portico Vine comfortably. With an error-ridden first half, Nick Owen kicked a penalty goal for Albion's first points (2-0). Vine scored the first try of the game out wide, but the conversion was missed (2-4). Then Gavin Bishop, with some great footwork, left the Vine defence flat-footed to go in under ths posts, Nick Owen goaled to make the half time score 8-4.

In the second half Vine again scored first but missed the conversion (8-8). Gavin Bishop and a Vine player were both sin-binned before Mike Bishop broke from the halfway line to race 50m to score, Nick Owen goaled (14-8). Vine then pressed hard on Latchford's line but their defence was a tough one to crack with John Donno leading the way. Kris Buckley then released Vinny Reardon to hug the touchline and race 75m to score, Nick Owen goaled (20-8). "Anything the backs can do I can do better" said prop George Kay as he broke from his own 25m line and raced the length of the field to score in the corner, the goal kick missed (24-8). By this time Vine were struggling to contain Albion's forwards and Scott Gandy then forced this way over out wide, goal missed (28-8). Kris Buckley rounded off a superb performance with a try which Nick Owen goaled to make the final score 34-8.

Best for Albion were George Kay, John Donno and Mike Bishop among the forwards and Kris Buckley, Gavin Bishop and Tony Maher of the backs.

Team:
Kris Buckley, Ryan Barnes, Andy Dean, Nick Owen, Vinny Reardon, Gavin Bishop, Tony Maher, George Kay, Scott Gandy, Simon Bird, Tony Faitaua, John Donno, Mike Bishop, Matt Critchley, Matt Patterson, Andy Wood, Adam Williams Back to top

25/09/2004 v Widnes St Maries (away) Tetley's Lancashire Cup 2nd Round

Widnes St Marie's - 0
Latchford Albion - 40

Latchford progressed through to the quarter-finals of the Tetley's Lancashire Cup with a convincing victory against St Marie's who play in a lower division and yet still threw everything at their visitors. It vwas former BARLA Great Britain captain Ian Dawson directing everything from the stand off berth in the opening quarter that forced the Albion onto the back foot. Latchford's defence soaked up the pressure and never looked likely to crack. With twenty minutes gone Darren Bull came off the bench and broke the deadlock, crashing over between the sticks, Nick Owen added the two and the Albion were off. Great work by Matt Critchley and John Donno released Keith Stanley to score in the corner to make the score at the interval 0-10 in Latchford's favour.

Latchford's power and pace could not be answered with Ian Marsden, Darren Bull and Simon Bird punching holes in the Widnes defence, which resulted in Mike Bishop increasing the gap to 14pts. Keith Stanley scored his second out wide to make it 18-0. Mike Bishop supported a break by Gavin Bishop to score his second, which Nick Owen converted. Tries followed from Iain Fowler, Tony Maher and Ryan Barnes, George Kay and Ian Marsden kicked a goal each to take the score to 40pts.

Best performances for Latchford were Darren Bull, Mike Bishop, John Donno and Andy Wood in the forwards and Tony maher, Keith Stanley, Nick Owen and Ryan Barnes in the backs.

Team:
Nick Owen, Keith Stanley, Iain Fowler, Mike Bishop, Ryan Barnes, Gavin Bishop, Tony Maher, Andy Wood, Scott Gandy, George Kay, Simon Bird, Matt Critchley, John Donno, Ian Marsden, Darren Bull and Gavin Bishop.

Next round Orrell St James away in the quarter-final on 9th October 2004 Back to top

02/10/2004 v Hindley (away)

Hindley - 28
Latchford Albion - 18

A depleted Latchford side failed to stop a well-drilled and enthusiastic side from Wigan. Just look at the players who weren't available for one reason or another:
George Kay, Iain Fowler, Matt Patterson, Andy Dean, Vinny Reardon, Nick Owen and Ady Haughton

With these seven key players missing, Latchford struggled in the first half and were 20-nil down by half time.

In the second half Latchford improved and, after great defence on their own line, Tony Maher intercepted on his own line and ran the length of the field to score. Gavin Bishop goaled to make it 20-6. Strong running from Darren Bull and Ian Marsden resulted in a great offload from Marsden to release Geoff Bishop who raced 20 metres to score. Again Bishop goaled and the fight back looked on at 20-12. Latchford were improving with every set of six before a mistake on their own line gave the chance for Hindley to score beneath the posts, which they goaled and so it was 26-12. Hindley converted a penalty goal to increase their lead 28-12, before Simon Bird crashed over and Gavin Bishop goaled to make the final score 28-18.

Best for latchford were John Donno, Ian Marsden and Simon Bird in the forwards, and Tony Maher, Mike Bishop and Gavin Bishop in the backs.

TEAM
Kris Buckley, Keith Stanley, Mike Bishop, Paul Daintith, Ryan Barnes, Gavin Bishop, Tony Maher, Ian Marsden, John Donno, Simon Bird, Matt Critchley, Tony Faihtaua, Scott Gandy, Darren Bull, Andy Wood, Geoff Bishop, Gordon Whittaker. Back to top

09/10/2004 v Orrell St James' (away) Lancs Cup Quarter-Final

Orrell St James' - 19
Latchford Albion - 12

Latchford went out of the Tetley's Lancashire Cup with another away tie at Premier Division side Orrell St James.

Latchford were first to score when Simon Bird and Ian Marsden punched holes in Orrell's defence to create space for John Donno to score beneath the posts, Gavin Bishop goaled and Latchford were 0-6 up. Scrum-half Tony Maher was directing play, pushing his forwards all over the field and constantly keeping Orrell on the backfoot. A great run from Donno who offloaded to Vinny Reardon thus releasing Paul Daintith down the wing - with the fullback closing in - released the ball to the supporting Mike Bishop only for the referee to award a contentious forward pass - the try was disallowed. From the next set Orrell scored under the posts to level at 6-6. Orrell were helped with a string of penalties to take them up the field and send them in at half-time 12-6.

The second half saw Orrell bombard Latchford's line, but Latchford's defence held well. Matt Pattersons tackle forced a knock-on and Tony Faitaua picked up the loose ball and started on a run the length of the field only to be pulled back because the referee had dropped his whistle - another possible try disallowed. Latchford did get level when Tony Maher went over from close range and made it 12-12. With 20 minutes to go Vinny Reardon went close to scoring but knocked on over the line. Orrell again were helped up the field with penalties and they scored with five minutes to go. They goaled and the score was 18-12. They eventually sealed the game with a drop goal.

Best for Latchford among the forwards were John Donno, Mike Bishop, Scott Gandy, Ian Marsden and in the backs Tony Maher, Gavin Bishop, Vinny Reardon

Team:
Marcus Gorton, Kris Buckley, Andy Dean, Vinny Reardon, Paul Dainith, Tony Maher, Gavin Bishop, Ian Marsden, Scott Gandy, Simon Bird, Mike Bishop, Matt Patterson, John Donno, Matt Critchley, Tony Faitaua, George Kay, Darren Bull Back to top

23/10/2004 v Wigan St Patrick's (home)

Latchford Albion - 58
Wigan St Patrick's - 0

The game at Adlington Rangers last weekend was postponed so Latchford had not taken to the field for a fortnight before this game with St Pat's.

The hat-full of tries that this game eventually produced was far from expected in the early part of this game as Wigan started like a house on fire, bombarding Latchford's line with four consecutive sets of six. Latchford's defence proved to be a tough line to crack as the team from Wigan found out.

Latchford's first set of six resulted in a penalty, which Nick Owen goaled, 2-0. After that it was all Latchford, Scott Gandy started the ball rolling when he went over the line out wide, 6-0. A great break from Kris Buckley released Nick Owen to go in from thirty metres. This was the former Warrington player's first try for the Albion, which he duly converted, 12-0. Then it was John Donno, uncharacterisically cast in the role of scrum-half, getting his first of three tries. Seven pairs of hands were involved, starting and finishing with John who went in under the sticks, 16-0. Marcus Gorton went thirty yards after a great burst and offload by Ian "Big Show" Marsden, 20-0. Kris Buckley then fielded a kick downtown from Wigan and ran virtually the length of the field to plant the ball over the line, Nick Owen converted to make the half-time score 26-0.

The second half continued much the same as Wigan could not contain Latchford's dominant pack of forwards, and the speed and pace of the backs. Tries followed from Gavin Bishop, Paul Daintith, two from Matt Patterson and two from John Donno to complete his hat-trick. Gavin Bishop convertred four gaols to make the final score 58-0.

Best for Latchford among the forwards were Matt Patterson, Ian Marsden and Mike Bishop while John Donno and Nick Owen excelled among the backs

Team:
Kris Buckley, Paul Daintith, Iain Fowler, Nick Owen, Marcus Gorton, Gavin Bishop, John Donno, Ian Marsden, Scott Gandy, Simon Bird, Mike Bishop, Andy Dean, Matt Patterson, Matt Critchley, Ryan Barnes, Andy Wood, Raimo Lavia Back to top

06/11/2004 v Milnrow (home) NWC Challenge Cup 1st Round

Latchford Albion - 2
Milnrow - 12

Latchford crashed out of the North West Counties Cup at the first hurdle against lower league Milnrow from Rochdale. The game was decided on completion rates. Latchford
went out and tried to play open rugby in all areas of the pitch, whilst Milnrow played more steadily and completed their sets, usually putting in a good kick and chase at the culmination.

Fundimental errors and penalties given away in the wrong areas of the field cost Latchford dear. Too many in an Albion shirt were guilty of poor individual performances, the team didn't gel on the day but everyone is allowed a bad day at the office once in a while.

Latchford's only points came from a penalty scored by Nick Owen. Back to top

13/11/2004 v Haresfinch (home)

Latchford Albion - 38
Haresfinch - 8

Latchford returned to league action this week after a disastrous cup exit at the hands of Milnrow the previous week. It was Latchford who struck first with the impressive Andy Dean going in at the corner, Nick Owen missed the goal 4-0. Then after a great break by John Donno with Mike Bishop in support Tony Faitaua went over, Nick Owen goaled 10-0. Latchford relaxed and Haresfinch crossed twice out wide, but with both conversions missed, it was their last and only points scored. Latchford then took control and with Ian Marsden and Mike Bishop punching holes in the Haresfinch defence, it created space for Simon Bird to crash over, Gavin Bishop goaled 16-8. A penalty goal from Nick Owen made the half time score 18-8.

The second half started the same way as the first half ended with a prop forward scoring when Andy Wood crashed over between the posts, Gavin Bishop goaled 24-8. After a great sweeping move Iain Fowler went over out wide, Nick Owen goaled 30-8. Kris Buckley rounded off with a long range try, Nick Owen goaled to make the final score 36-8.

Best for Latchford in the backs were Andy Dean, John Donno and Nick Owen. In the forwards were Ian Marsden, Mike Bishop, Gaz Claffey

Team:

NICK OWEN, KRIS BUCKLEY, ANDY DEAN, GAVIN BISHOP, PAUL DAINTITH, IAIN FOWLER, JOHN DONNO, IAN MARSDEN, SCOTT GANDY, SIMON BIRD, TONY FAITAUA, GAZ CLAFFEY, MIKE BISHOP, ANDY WOOD, RUSS SHAW, GORDON WHITTAKER, NIGE DEARDEN Back to top

20/11/2004 v Ulverston (away)

Ulverston - 18
Latchford Albion - 29

Latchford faced a tough away trip to Ulverston and tough is what they got. Ulverston's gamesmanship did not manage to put Latchford off their game. The Albion held their cool with captain John Donno leading the way. It was Latchford who opened the scoring with a great try from prop Ian Marsden who barged his way over carrying three defenders with him, Gavin Bishop missed the goal 0-4. Ulverston then received a penalty and soon followed it up with a try and goal. Latchford had briefly responded to the home team's spoiling tactics and gave away a string of penalties 8-4. Tempers flared on a few ocasions but this just served to fire up Latchford's forwards. Simon Bird's barnstorming run took him over for a try, which Bishop goaled, 8-10. A penalty goal was then kicked by Bishop as Latchford started to take control, 8-12. Another burst and offload by Ian Marsden sent Iain Fowler racing away and John Donno was in support to go between the posts, Bishop goaled 8-18. Ulverston continued to try and upset Latchfords rhythm, but it was to no avail when a great ball from Gavin Bishop sent Iain Fowler over out wide, the goal attempt missed making the half time score 8-22.

The second half saw quick tries for Ulverston, one goaled after some slack defence to bring the score to 18-22. This made for a nail-biting finish but, with some great defence from Gaz Claffey and Andy Wood in particular, Latchford held them out. It was Mike Bishop who made the break to send Andy Dean in out wide, Bishop kicked the goal from the touchline, and then drop-goaled to finish off Ulverston.

Best for Latchford were in the forwards Simon Bird, Ian Marsden and Gaz Claffey. In the backs it was Paul Daintith, John Donno and Gavin Bishop

Team:
Marcus Gorton, Andy Dean, Tony Faitaua, Iain Fowler, Paul Daintith, Gavin Bishop, John Donno, Ian Marsden, Scott Gandy, Simon Bird, Gaz Claffey, Matt Critchley, Mike Bishop, Andy Wood, Derek Smith, Nige Dearden, Mike Byron Back to top

27/11/2004 v Bank Quay Bulls (away)

Bank Quay Bulls - 28
Latchford Albion - 12

Bank Quay started like a house on fire and were rewarded with three tries in the first 15 minutes, one conversion being kicked, to make the score 14-0. Latchford coughed up whatever possession they gained and made it all too easy for Bank Quay.

In a tough, typical 'derby' it was Bank Quay who received the first penalty, to make the score 16-0 with only twenty minutes gone. Latchford finally got their act together with some excellent probing runs from Ian Marsden and Simon Bird combined with the introduction of Matt Patterson from the subs' bench. A great offload from Simon Bird saw Patterson crash over, Gavin Bishop goaled to bring it to 16-6 at half time.

In the second half Latchford weathered the Bank Quay whirlwind and again the powerful running of Marsden, Patterson and Mike Bishop kept Quay on the back foot. When a great kick downfield was dropped by Fishwick, Iain Fowler swooped to release Andy Dean to race between the posts, Matt Drinkwater goaled and the gap narrowed to 16-12. With fifteen minutes to go, Latchford continued to pressurise Quay and Patterson's break and offload to Donno nearly created the winning try only to be caught by fullback Fishwick. The next set of six and Bank Quay hoisted an up-n-under. The cruel bounce of the ball outfoxed Buckley at fullback and Cragg crossed to the game beyond the visitor's grasp 22-12. Understanably Latchford's heads went down and Quay scored another late try from a kick 28-12.

Best for Latchford were, in the Forwards - Ian Marsden, John Donno, Mike Bishop, Matt Patterson. In the Backs - Paul Daintith, Andy Dean

Team: Kris Buckley, Marcus Gorton, Andy Dean, Iain Fowler, Paul Daintith, Gavin Bishop, Matt Drinkwater, Ian Marsden, John Donno, Simon Bird, Gaz Claffey, Tony Faitaua, Mike Bishop, Matt Patterson, Matt Critchley, Scott Gandy, George Kay Back to top

04/12/2004 v Portico Vine (away)

Portico Vine 6
Latchford Albion 26

After a tough 'derby' match last week, Latchford went into this game missing four regulars, as well as other players already injured, and came out with a good away win.

Portico opened the scoring with a try on ten minutes, which they goaled to make the score 6-0. Latchford woke up and started putting some good football. Simon Bird and Man-of-the-Match Ian 'Big Show' Marsden began to take control and started dominating the forwards of Portico. It was Marsden who crashed over out wide after great work by Matt Drinkwater. Gavin Bishop missed the goal making it 6-4. Then, on twenty-five minutes, a great ball by Scott Gandy released Adam Williams who was making his full first team debut. The 17 year old rounded his winger and the covering fullback to scorch in for a fifty metre try. Bishop goaled and Latchford led 6-10. Try as they might Portico could not break the solid defensive line of Mike Bishop and Iain Fowler. Another bursting run from Simon Bird and the supporting Matt Critchley went over taking four defenders with him, Bishop goaled 6-16. Portico must of been sick of Marsden and Bird punching holes through them, especially when Marsden scored his second under the sticks. Bishop goaled again for 6-22. Scott Gandy was controlling everything from acting half and it was he who created a try for prop Andy Wood to make the final score 6-26.

Best for Latchford in the forwards: Ian 'Big Show' Marsden, Scott Gandy and Matt Critchley. In the backs: Adam Williams, Marcus Gorton and Matt Drinkwater

Team:
Marcus Gorton, Kris Buckley, Tony Faitaua, Mike Byron, Adam Williams, Gavin Bishop, Matt Drinkwater, Ian Marsden, Scott Gandy, Simon Bird, Matt Critchley, Mike Bishop, Iain Fowler, Andy Wood, Gaz Claffey, John Donno Back to top

11/12/2004 v Hindley (home)

Latchford Albion 14
Hindley 19

LATCHFORD Albion's Hindley jinx continued on Saturday. They failed to end their dismal record against Hindley despite scoring tries via Mike Bishop, two and John Donno.

Latchford's best performers in the close North West Counties Amateur Rugby League Division One encounter were Donno, Bishop and Ian Marsden in the forwards plus Marcus Croston and goal kicker Matt Drinkwater in the backs. Back to top

08/01/2005 v Pilkington Recs (away)

Pilkington Recs - 32
Latchford Albion - 8

In the absence of a report from the Latchford officials we've gone in search of one from other sources, this is an abridged version of one appeared in a neighbouring town's newspaper: -

A strong first half display from Pilks ensured a confortable victory over the sluggish Warrington outfit. The home side ran in five first half tries. In phases some of Recs' attacking play was excellent, though they were helped by desperate defending from Albion.

Latchford did get a try before the break but at 28-4 the match was effectively over and as conditions deteriorated in the second half the open rugby petered out somewhat. Bizzarrely, during a hail storm, a cluster of Albion players left the field to shelter under a tree, leaving the referee to hold-up play for several minutes until they returned to the field. The remainder of the game saw both sides slog it out down the middle. Pilks scored again before Albion grabbed a consolation. Back to top

15/01/2005 v Adlington Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion -32
Adlington - 18

Latchford took the points in a tough game in which Adlington took the lead with a try and goal on ten minutes to make it 6-0. Tony Faitaua replied for Latchford after breaking from inside his own half and rounding the fullback to score. Iain Fowler converted to level the scores. Adlington then scored another try but the goal attempt missed, to take a 10-6 lead. Mike Bishop then scored after great work by Ian Marsden and Dave Appleby. Fowler missed the goal but at least the scores were level. Tries were swapped by both teams, with Latchford's Ian Marsden scoring to make the half time score 14-14.

In the second half Adlington scored first after an unforced error by Latchford to go in front 18-14. Then Latchford took control with three tries from Iain Fowler, Adam Williams and Malc Mason. Malc Mason and Scott Gandy both dropped a goal each, before Adlington scored the final try and make the score at the finale 32-18.

Best for Latchford were Mike Bishop, Ian Marsden and Dave Appleby in the forwards, and Iain Fowler, Paul Daintith in the backs.

TEAM ; MARCUS GORTON, ADAM WILLIAMS, ANDY DEAN, TONY FAITAUA, PAUL DAINTITH, IAIN FOWLER, RYAN BARNES, SIMON BIRD, SCOTT GANDY, MATT CRITCHLEY, IAN MARSDEN, DAVE APPLEBY, MIKE BISHOP, MALC MASON, GLYNN TAYLOR, ANDY WOOD, DEREK SMITH. Back to top

22/01/2005 v Haresfinch (away)

Haresfinch - 22
Latchford Albion - 18

No match report received Back to top

05/02/2005 v Roose Pioneers

Roose Pioneers - 48
Latchford Albion - 6

Latchford were very much the best team in the first ten minutes of what proved to be a tough encounter throughout with three players collecting injuries by the final whistle. Roose were a very organised team and took every chance they had to put points on the board. Three of the home team's tries came from questionable forward passes. Even so Latchford stuck to the cause and did impress in the forwards in the form of Mike Bishop, Ian "Big Show" Marsden and Nige Deardon, while Tony Burns and Matty Drinkwater were insperational in the backs.

After the break Latchford trailed by three tries and then fell further behind after Roose scored again but this score did not reflect the game. It was a tough, hard game, which unfortuanatly Latchford couldn't get to grips with. After a great rally in the last ten minutes Latchford kept Roose out and then worked their way downfield. Matty Drinkwater dodged his way through the Roose defence to score under the posts, a try which he converted. Roose responded and scored more tries to make the score 48-6 at the final whistle

TEAM
1 TONY BURNE
2 ADAM WILLIAMS, 3 MIKE GREEN, 4TONY T, 5 MATT CHRITCHLY
6 MATTY DRINKWATER, 7 RYAN BARNES
8 SIMON BIRD, 9 SCOTT GANDY, 10 IAN MARSDON
11 DAVE APPLEBY, 12 JOHN DONO
13 MIKE BISHOP
14 GLYN TAYLOR, 15 NIGE DEARDON, 16 MAL MASON, 17 DEREK SMITH Back to top

12/02/2005 v Pilkington Recs (home)

Latchford Albion - 0
Pilkington Recs - 14

No match report received Back to top

Latchford Albion Unicorns - 22
Bank Quay Bulls - 10

Latchford started this derby clash with one thing on the menu, victory.

From the begining Bank Quay never looked like breaking the Latchford line. With the defence so strong and hard-hitting tackles from the Latchford forwards Bank Quay looked like they was going to struggle. The likes of Simon Bird, Ian Marsden and Mike Bishop to deal with battering down the middle of the field, Bank Quay couldn't hold Latchford in the first ten minutes. This led to a stunning try from Matty Drinkwater to make it 4-0.

The next set saw Mike Bishop, Tony Fahtowa and Dave Appleby make great breaks to allowing the Latchford team to turn on second phase rugby and score a very comfotable try from Tony Byrne. Gavin Bishop converted and it was 10-0. The next set saw Bank Quay's stand off penalised for gouging and Gavin Bishop added the Latchford points for a 12-0 lead at half time.

After the break Latchford's great team performance kept a determined Bank Quay team out until the ball was slipped out in the tackle to send Carl Turn over for the Bull's first points. Damien Fishonk converted and it was 12-6.

Another penalty added to Latchford's points when Gavin Bishop knocked over the kick to make it 14-6. After some great ball work from Bank Quay they burst the Latchford line to send Dean Radish in at the corner 14-10

This just made the latchford squad even stronger and as they worked hard as a team Bank Quay made error after error and this lead to man of the match Gavin Bishop weaving his way through a very disorganised Bulls' line to score, which he converted 20-10. The next 20 minutes were all about Latchford in the way of team work, pride and just sheer power from the pack, who worked very well and the backs who finished with the venom of a viper. A late penalty sealed it for Latchford when in the break of play a Latchford player was hit high and gouged by the nine six who was sent to the bin and saw no more rugby that day.

If Latchford show this kind of passion for the rest of the season they will be finishing in the upper part of the division

TEAM

1, TONY BYRNE
2, PAUL DAINTITH 3, ANDY DEAN 4, TONY FHATOWA 5, RYAN BARNES
6, GAVIN BISHOP 7, MATTY DRINKWATER
8,SIMON BIRD 9,JON DONNO 10,IAN MARSDEN
11,DAVE APPLEBY 12,NIGE DEADEN
13,MIKE BISHOP
14,SCOTT GANDY 15,GLYN TAYLOR 16,MATT CHRICHLY 17,ADAM WILLIAMS Back to top

05/03/2005 v Ulverston (home)

Latchford Albion - 22
Ulverston - 28

Latchford did not start the way they finished against bank Quay the week before and they let the Cumbrians in for a try in the first ten minutes. Latchford were very weak in defence and seemed to be unaware that Ulverston were running in try after try. When the half time whistle blew they began to realise that they were already 20-0 down.

After the break Latchford came out all guns blazing after coach Mike Byron had knocked home a few home truths. They started with a great try from Tony Byrne after the pack lead the way to the visitors' line. Gavin Bishop converted 6-20. The next 20 minutes saw a very competitive game getting tough up the middle with Mike Bishop, Dave Appleby and Simon Bird making breaks, which led to Simon Bird scoring his first try of the game. Again Gavin Bishop converted 12-20. It was now all Latchford as they got stronger and stronger and pushed Ulverston to their limits. The Albion broke free in the form of Tony Fahtowa and Simon Bird scored his second try of the game, which Gavin Bishop converted 18-20.

Ulverston never looked like scoring in this half with all the pressure being exerted by Latchford. With some great rugby and teamwork Latchford looked the better team by far. A good break and second phase rugby led to Tony Byrne going over again to make the outcome too close to call. Latchford were now in front for the first time at 22-20. Ten minutes to go and Ulverston broke free and ran 20yds to score, 22-24. This took the wind out of the Albion sails but they rallied again and looked like they were going to score when they broke free but were stopped very near the line on the last tackle. Unfortunatly Latchford never recovered from this and Ulverston put the final nail in the coffin when they scored the final try of the game to make it 22-28.

Best for Latchford were Mike Bishop, Ryan Barnes and Simon Bird. Matty Drinkwater, Ian Marsden, Gavin Bishop, Tony Fahtowa and Dave Appleby were also impressive. Back to top

19/03/2005 v Roose Pioneers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns - 26
Roose Pioneers - 34

This was a very competitive game played in very hot conditions and both teams found it hard going. Latchford scored first in the form of Andy Wood after some great work from George Kay and Ian Marsden up the middle. Roose answered with a good try in the next set to make it interesting. This tit-for-tat went on throughout the game. Tony Burne went over in the corner after a great offload from Andy Dean.

This was a great team performance but George Kay was a tower of strength in both attack and defence, and picked up the man-of-the-match for a hat-trick of tries. Mike Bishop, Ian Marsden and Dave Appleby were also impressive. Matty Drinkwater also added 6 points from conversions.

Even though this game was an even match and at the break the scores were 14-14, Roose came out the stronger in the end and won 34 points to 26. Back to top

26/03/2005 v Adlington Rangers (away)

Adlington Rangers - 40
Latchford Albion - 10

No report received Back to top