Culcheth Eagles U11's - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 40

After a false start to the season when the Hindleyy game was cancelled this proved a more fitting beginning to the U11 campaign with Latchford playing some superb rugby throughout the game. There was strong running, excellant off-loads a good defensive performance.

Gavin Bennion registered a hat trick of tries with Nige Hankey (2), John Rigby (2) Luke Boden and Shaun Rigby also crossing the whitewash. Nige Hankey was the pick of the attackers while Luke Boden earned the accolades for his defensive display. Overall player of the match was John Rigby.

With only seven players available for this match and the performance they put in the rest of the season should hopefully be a fruitful one. The coaches gave credit to the Culcheth side who suffered due to the size and strong running of the Latchford forwards. Back to top

26/09/2004 v Crosfields (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U 11s - 24
Crossfields U 11s - 0

An excellent performance from a Latchford team with seventeen available players all contributing. Try scorers were Andre Savelio (1), Gavin Bennion (2), John Rigby (1) and Ryan Farnan (2).

A superb defensive display limited the visitors to 2 goal-line scrambles, neither of which yielded a score. The attacking award went to Ryan Farnan for his 2 tries and strong running, the top defence award went to Steven Hay who tackled fearlessly and the team player award went to Nicholas Snelson who insisted on playing on despite an injury late on in the game. Back to top

03/10/2004 v Ashton Bears (away)

Ashton Bears U11's - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 30

The strength of the Latchford forwards dominated the play in this excellent game played on a difficult pitch. A combination of strong running, superb defence typified by Sam Coyle and good use of the wide pitch eventually proved too much for the spirited Bears.

Latchford's fitness told in the end as they came up with two tries close to the end of the game that served to demoralise the home team .

Billy Martin was the top attacker and scored a try and a goal. John Rigby maintained his record of scoring in each match this season so far as he bagged two today and kicked a goal. Shaun Rigby scored a try and a goal. Ryan Farnan scored a try as did overall player-of-the-match Gavin Bennion. Back to top

10/10/2004 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U11's - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 24

This proved to be a tough game for the Albion against an organised and well drilled team . The lead often changed hands throughout the game with the decisive score coming in the very last set of six tackles.

Adam Ewing led a solid defensive performance which, combined with an impressive attacking display typified by Andre Savelio, saw the result going the way of the Latchford side

Overall player-of-the-match for the Unicorns was try scorer Lewis Melia while the other tries were scored by Billy Martin, Gavin Bennion, John Rigby and Andre Savelio. John Rigby and Gavin Bennion converted their own scores Back to top

17/10/2004 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 10
Burtonwood Bulldogs U11's -30

Latchford came into this game with a 100% record but Burtonwood Bulldogs adapted to the heavy conditions better and made more use of the pitch width. It proved to be a tough game for the Albion who never recovered from conceding three first half tries.

An improved performance in the second half wasn?t enough to rescue the game. Player-of-the-match was Latchford's captain on the day, Ben Clarke. Shaun Rigby was the pick of the players going forward as Billy Martin and Gavin Bennions scored the tries, Gavin converted his. Louis Hickson was the best defender. Back to top

31/10/2004 v Weaverham Wolves (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 16 Weaverham Wolves U11's - 20

This was a hard-fought game with both teams giving their all for the entire match. Latchford showed great bouncebackability after going 16 ? 0 down early in the match with tries from Billy Martin, Bavin Bennion and Ryan Farnan. Billy and Ryan converted their own tries and a draw looked to be on the cards but the visiting side scored the decisive try just before the end.

The top attack award went to Gavin Bennion, best in defence was Steven Hay and player-of-the-match was awarded to Luke Boden Back to top

07/11/2004 v Leyland Warriors (away)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's -26
Leyland Warriors U11's - 14

After two consecutive defeats Latchford got back in the winning way with a hard-fought victory against a determined and skilful side. The strength of the Latchford forward line, combined with an excellent defensive performance, ensured that the home team deservedly took the honours .

Billy Martin was player-of-the-match, weighing in with two of the team's five tries. Ryan Farnan also scored two tries and Lewis Melia grabbed the other. Both Ryan and Lewis kicked a conversion each as did John Rigby. The top player in attack was Joe Cooper, while Tom Brady was the pick of the defenders. Back to top

14/11/2004 v Halton Farnworth Hornets (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 10
Halton Farnworth Hornets U11's - 32

After a disappointing first half in which Latchford conceded 22 unanswered points, the Albion were much improved both defensively and going forward in the second period.

The game became bad tempered but the home side, led by captain and top defender Sam Coyle, kept their mind on the game and played some good rugby in defeat.

Player-of-the-match John Rigby scored the first of Latchford's tries, which he converted. Shaun Rigby topped off a fine attacking display with a try of his own. Back to top

21/11/2004 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panther U11's - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 24

This proved to be a superb game of rugby played by two committed teams in extremely difficult conditions. Latchford worked hard, both defensively and in attack, and it was the ability to convert their own tries when the home team missed with two kicks that proved decisive.

Lewis Melia's 'go-forward' helped provide a platform for Gavin Bennion to claim a hat trick of tries. Billy Martin scored the other. He and player-of-the-match Bennion converted tries as did Shaun Rigby and John Rigby. Luke Boden picked up the award for best defensive display. Back to top

28/11/2004 v Grappenhall Giants (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 6
Grappenhall Giants U11's - 26

This was an entertaining game of rugby with both teams contributing fully. Latchford were missing a number of key players and others were forced to play out of position but the effort and commitment was not lacking. A number of mistakes early in the tackle count made things difficult and the home team found themselves defending for long periods of the game. Although the final score suggests otherwise there were a lot of good points to build on for future games .

Latchford's sole try scorer was Nigel Hankey. Luke Boden kicked the goal. The attack award went to Ben Clarke, top defender was Ryan Farnan. The player-of-the-match was awarded to Nick Snelson. Back to top

05/12/2004 v Rylands Sharks (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 18
Rylands Sharks U11 - 16

This was a fast and very well contested game between two local rivals. It was the ability of Latchford's kickers to convert their own tries when the visitors missed that ultimately proved desisive. Latchford chose to develop their players' all-round appreciation of Rugby League and experimented by swapping the forwards and backs around. Joe Cooper playing on the wing for the first time picked up the top attack award for his strong running. Top defender was Luke Boden who worked tirelessly in defence. The team player award went to John Rigby who capped a fine performance with two well taken tries. Latchford's other try scorer was Ryan Farnan. John and Ryan both kicked their conversions as did Shaun Rigby to ensure an Albion victory by just two points. Back to top

11/12/2004 v Shevington Sharks (away)

Shevington Sharks U11 - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 6

This proved to be a tough but entertaining game against the strongest opposition Latchford have played this season. The speed and skill of the home team proved to be just too much. However, the Latchford team never let their heads drop and battled to the end. Gavin Bennion picked up the top attack award for his strong running, Billy Martin tackled constantly to get top defence trophy and Lewis Melia's effort and commitment earned him player-of-the-match accolade. The reaction of the team as Billy Martin scored a last second try typified the team spirit. John Rigby converted to give just reward for the Unicorns' effort. Back to top

09/01/2005 v Westhoughton Lions (away)

Westhoughton Lions U11's - 26
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 14

This was a good game played by two commited and skillful teams, but in appalling conditions. Latchford stuggled to contain the home team in the first half but, spurred on by top defence award winner and captain Gavin Bennion, the Unicorns came back much stronger in the second period. Top attacker Shaun Rigby worked tirelessly going forward and team player Adam Ewing had his best game so far for the Albion.

Latchford's try scorerswere Gavin Bennion, Joe Cooper and Shaun Rigby, with Joe kicking a goal. Back to top

16/01/2005 v New Springs Legion

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11 - 24
New Springs Legion Lions U11 - 20

This proved to be an entertaining end-to-end fixture played in excellent spirit by both teams. Latchford had more than enough opportunities to finish the game off but were let down by some uncharacteristic defensive errors that allowed the visitors to remain within touch right to the end. Billy Martin picked up the top attack award with two well taken tries. Latchford's other tries came from Gavin Bennion, Ryan Farnan and Shaun Rigby. Ryan and Gavin also kicked conversions. John Rigby worked hard to collect the top defence award and Ben Clarke collected the team player award with a game-saving tackle on the last set of six. Back to top

30/01/2005 v Culcheth Eagles (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 58
Culcheth Eagles U11's - 10

This was an excellant performance from a Latchford side who were clinical going forward and strong in defence. The visitors struggled to contain the home side who ran in eleven tries scored by eight different players. Ryan Farnan scored two tries and collected the top attack award. Luke Boden picked up best defence as well as scoring a try. Captain Nigel Hankey was named team player for his all round game.

As well as Farnan and Boden Latchford's other try scorers were Lewis Melia (1), Luke Boden (1), Gavin Bennion (1), Sam Coyle (2), Mikey Warton (1), Matthew Wilkinson (2) and Ashley Cox (1)

Latchford also kicked seven goal, the successful kickers were Gavin Bennion, Lewis Melia, Shaun Rigby, Sam Coyle, Mikey Warton, Matthew Wilkinson and Ashley Cox Back to top

06/02/2005 v Crosfields (away)

Crosfields U11's ? 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's ? 24

This was another strong performance by a Latchford side making a habit of winning games. The game was dominated by excellent defence that limited the home side to few opportunities. In attack the ball was moved with pace and precision allowing tries to be scored by John Rigby, Lewis Melia, Shaun Rigby , Nigel Hankey and Sam Coyle with Melia and Coyle making the conversions. Steven Hay collected the top attack award for his excellent wing play, Joe Cooper was named top defender for his tireless work in the centre of the field and Sam Coyle was picked as team player for his all round contribution and an excellent score. Back to top

27/02/2005 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (away)

Burtonwood Bulldogs U11's - 34
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 10

A good natured rough and tumble game for Latchford against a very well organised Burtonwood outfit.The defensive strength of the opposition and their expansive offensive counter moves had Latchford playing catch up from the first 5 minutes. Latchford under 11's can take from the game a reassurance that team play has continued to improve and maybe without a 3 week lay off due to bad weather conditions the game may have been closer.

Defensively Latchford struggled with only a few players really competing, Ben Clarke led the way and his dogged tackling efforts earned him the team defensive award.
Our plucky little scrum half Shaun Rigby scored the 2nd of our 2 tries and Lewis Melia converted.Shaun's determined forward charges and selfless use of the ball earned him the team attack award.

The coaches' highlight of the game was Matthew Deveream's debutante try in the first half, the new lad showed great determination with the ball in hand and made no mistakes in the game earning him the man of the match award. Back to top

06/03/2005 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 10
Mayfield Mustangs U11's - 22

The defensive performance of the Latchford team was by far the best this season , a skillful Mayfield team had repeated sets of 6 from within the Albion 20mtr line and each attempt was kept out, try scorers were Billy Martin and Ben Clarke who scored his first try of the season. Gavin Bennion kicked a goal. The attack, defence and team player awards were presented to the whole team for an outstanding performance. Back to top

06/03/2005 v Weaverham Wolves (away)

Weaverham Wolves U11's - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorn's U11's - 22

This was a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby from start to finish. Latchford's inability to defend on the flanks, combined with missing four out of five conversions, led to a close defeat in a game they should really have won. Both teams played some good, expansive ball with Billy Martin picking up top attack award for his excellent driving runs . Luke Boden was solid throughout and collected the top defence award and John Rigby?s tireless efforts in all areas of the field won him the man of the match trophy .

Latchford scored their five tries through John Rigby, Lewis Melia, Nigel Hankey, Luke Boden and Gavin Bennion. Luke Boden was the only successful kicker. Back to top

13/03/2005 v Leyland Warriors (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 11
Leyland Warriors U11's - 16

This game proved to be an end-to-end affair and a thoroughly enjoyable match that was won by the visitors with the final kick of the game. The Latchford players worked tirelessly throughout and didn?t deserve to be on the losing side. Strong performances came from Joe Cooper (top attack), Sam Coyle (top defence) and player of the match Ryan Farnan
Try scorers were Billy Martin, Ryan Farnan and Joe Cooper with Ryan Farnan kicking a goal. Back to top

03/04/2005 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U11s - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11s - 22

This proved to be a hard fought game between two equally matched teams. The game had continuous end to end action with both teams matching each other score for score. Sam Coyle excelled going forward and was rewarded with the top attack award, Luke Boden collected the top defence trophy and the team player award was shared by Tom Brady, Lewis Melia and Ben Clarke who assisted the home team as they only had 9 available players. Try scores for the Albion were Shaun Rigby, Gavin Bennion, Sam Coyle and Nic Snelson. Shaun, Gavin and Sam also converted their tries. Back to top

10/04/2005 v Chorley Panthers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 20
Chorley Panthers U11's - 22

Yet another fixture lost by the Latchford team on the last kick of the game in this hard fought match. Both teams gave their all and the spectators were treated to some excellent and skilful rugby. The visitors ability to convert their own tries when Albion were unsuccessful proved to be the difference. However, there were excellent performances from Adam Ewing who was awarded the top attacker, Ben Clarke who picked up top defence and Tom Brady who collected the team player award.

Latchford's try scorers were Joe Cooper, Gavin Bennion (2) and John Rigby. John kicked a goal as did Luke Boden. Back to top

17/04/2005 v Grappenhall Giants (away)

Grappenhall Giants U11's - 46
Latchford Albion Unicorns U11's - 14

A game whose final score does not do justice to the effort and entertainment value that both teams displayed.

An organised Grappenhall continually exposed Latchford's woeful team defence which badly let them down at times and explains such a high score difference. However, when Latchford did switch on in defence the game became very even. The tactical forward play and the sheer effort from ALL the Latchford pack gave Grappenhall cause for concern for much of the game and was in contrast to much of the defensive effort.

Players who deserve a note of merit; were storming Billy Martin for his driving forward play, scoring 2 hard fought tries. Dogged Ryan Farnan who was outstanding in defence and despite loosing a tooth in the second half, continued to lead the ragged defensive line. Also our dynamo hooker Sean Rigby who was involved in every positive play in the game and scored a well deserved try which was converted by Gavin Bennion. Back to top