St Maries Dragons U12's - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 6

Aided by the strong breeze St Maries' Dragons capitalised on Latchford's errors
and quickly built up a twenty-point lead. Latchford dug deep and had the consolation of just edging the second half thanks to a Matthew Reid try that Andy Unsworth converted.

(photos from this game appear in the Gallery section) Back to top

19/09/2004 v Orrell St James' (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 16
Orrell St James' U12's - 6

Latchford produced an outstanding display of controlled Rugby League against formidable opponents. Unsworth, Green and Cox constantly kept the visitors on the backfoot with driving runs. Whiteley, Thompson, Briggs, Reid and Feather worked tirelessly in defence to help close out Latchford's best performance to date.

Try scorers: Matt Reid, Scott Whiteley two
Goal scorers: Andy Unsworth, Jamie Thompson

It was good to see young Jake Davies back at Victoria Park, the scene of his sad leg fracture in July. He seemed in fine fettle and we wish a speedy recovery.

(photos from this game appear in the Gallery section) Back to top

26/09/2004 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Ince Rosebridge U12's - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 10

Latchford were blitzed by some superb attacking play from Ince in the first ten minutes who quickly built up a twenty-two points lead. For the second time in three weeks Latchford showed their character, dominating the second half for long periods, scoring ten points without reply. The Albion tries both came from Tom Green and Jamie Thompson converted one. Back to top

03/10/2004 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 32
Leigh Miners Rangers U12's - 18

Rangers quickly built up a ten point lead on the back of two Latchford errors. Latchford responded immediately with some excellent handling and support play, scoring thirty-two points before the visitors replied with two late consolation tries. Scott Whiteley, George Briggs and Jamie Thompson combined well to exploit the space created by Tom Green, Andy Unsworth, Cox and Ryders go-forward in an excellent display of attacking rugby.

Try scorers: Matt Reid, four, Tom Green, Jamie Thompson
Goal scorers: Jamie Thompson, two, Andy Unsworth, George Briggs Back to top

10/10/2004 v West Craven Warriors (away) Lancs Cup 1st Round

West Craven Warriors U12's - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12?s - 62

Latchford travelled to the outer reaches of North Lancashire and comfortably negotiated their first ever cup-tie with a resounding victory against depleted but spirited opponents. A blistering start by Ryan Ellis saw him score four tries within the first ten minutes. Latchford then produced a polished display of unselfish handling and outstanding support play to score some excellent tries.

Try scorers: Ryan Ellis - four, Alex Pendlebury - two, Tom Green - two, Matt Reid, Tom Arnold, Jamie Thompson, Lloyd Feather

Goal scorers: Jamie Thompson - four, Andy Unsworth, George Briggs, Scott Whiteley Back to top

17/10/2004 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 10
Saddleworth Rangers U12's - 0

This was a high quality contest between two evenly matched sides. Latchford's defensive unit, with top tackler Scott Whiteley leading the way, ensured that the visitors had few chances. In attack Latchfords ball control was of the highest order and the deadlock was broken when George Briggs and Jamie Thompson combined to release Matt Reid who scorched over from 60 metres. The game was in the balance till the last five minutes when Thompson powered through following good work by the excellent Alex Pendlebury. Jamie also kicked a conversion. Back to top

31/10/2004 v Wigan St Patrick's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 0
Wigan St Patrick's U12's - 30

The Albion came into this game having rested the weekend before when Shevington Sharks conceded the Lancs Cup tie to them without a ball being kicked.

This league game with the formidable St Pat's outfit was always going to be a tough battle and so it proved. Latchford were unable to recover from an appalling first ten minutes within which a series of basic errors handed their powerful opponents too
much cheap possession resulting in a 0 ? 30 half time score line.

Some pride was restored in a scoreless second period with Whiteley, Green, Cox, Ellis, Jones-Lake and Lynch heading up a massive defensive effort. How they finished this game must be the starting point for their next outing at home to Blackbrook Royals before the next round of the Cup a wekk later. Back to top

07/11/2004 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Blackbrook Royals U12's - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 0

This cruel score line does not reflect the effort and commitment expended by the Unicorns. Despite fierce resistance the impressive hosts were in irresistible form and led 18-0 at the break. Undeterred, Latchford stuck to the task and emerged with great credit in the second half. Scott Whiteley again topped the tackle count whilst Connor Gerrard made a pleasing debut. Back to top

14/11/2004 v Crosfields (home) Lancashire Cup

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 24
Crosfields U12's - 8

This was an excellent cup-tie in which Latchford overcame a six-point deficit at half time to move into the last eight of the Lancs Cup. Jamie Thompson opened the scoring for Latchford with a penalty before Crosfields bounced back with a converted try. A penalty on the stroke of half time gave the visitors an 8-2 lead.

The second half saw Latchford play with much greater control and their expansive approach was rewarded when George Briggs went in for a try. A magnificent touchline conversion by Andy Unsworth levelled the scores. Latchford stepped up a gear and re-took the lead when Matt Reid stormed over following a thrilling handling move. Latchford continued to move the ball and crossed for two further tries from Reid and Unsworth to seal a hard fought victory. Back to top

21/11/2004 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 0
Wigan St Judes U12's - 24

With scheduled opponents Mayfield unable to field a team, Latchford were due not to have a game before their key Cup quarter-final next week. It's testimony to how well-regarded the developing Latchford team are considered that one of the league's heavy weight outfits, Wigan St Jude's, asked for a game to test their squad. Although depleted in numbers Latchford never took a backward step and matched their powerful visitors for long periods. With only 14 available players Latchford suffered an early blow through the loss of Fraser Jones-Lake with a broken collar-bone. Despite being kept on the back foot
for long periods by a very aggressive unit, Latchford?s scrambling defence, coupled with a superb completion rate with the ball, ensured their opponents could never relax. Gareth Cox, Scott Whiteley, Jamie Thompson and George Briggs all produced excellent displays in a game that the whole team was defiant until the final whistle. One major positive from
this contest is the sign that Latchford are starting to learn the lessons of earlier defeats and they are now beginning to test even the best of defences. Back to top

28/11/2004 v Widnes St Maries' Dragons (home) Lancs Cup

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 10
Widnes St Marie's Dragons U12's - 28

Latchford?s fine Lancashire Cup run finally came to a halt in an entertaining end-to-end game. After conceding an early try Latchford piled on the pressure but were unable to convert some promising field position into points. The visitors on the other hand were clinical in attack and led 14-0 at the interval with two further tries following shoddy defensive work.

Latchford conceded again immediately after half time and, despite the loss of George Briggs through injury, it is to their great credit and their never-say-die attitude that they continued to cause the opposition problems. With 10 minutes left Latchford were rewarded for their hard work when Matt Reid scored in the corner after a thrilling 40 metre dash. Two further tries from St Marie's following excellent kicks from Bobbie Goulding Junior gave the scoreline a cruel look. However, Latchford had the satisfaction of scoring last when Matt Reid intercepted and scorched over from 50 metres.

This was yet another good team effort against accomplished opposition with the score line not truly reflecting the effort put in. Scott Whiteley, Andy Unsworth, Gareth Cox, James Killeavey, Tom Arnold and Jamie Thompson, who also kicked a goal, put in excellent all round displays. It is never easy to pick yourself up after a cup exit but it isa a mark of how this team is developing that they reached the final eight of this competition. Back to top

09/01/2005 v Blackbrook Royals (home) NWC Cup Preliminary Rnd

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 4
Blackbrook Royals U12's - 30

Latchford were knocked out of the North West Counties 'A' League Cup by a powerful and skilful Blackbrook side. Although depleted in numbers Latchford competed for the full
forty minutes and produced some excellent handling moves that tested their accomplished opponents to the limit. Latchford had the satisfaction of scoring the closing try when Andy Unsworth battled his way over from twenty metres. Back to top

16/01/2005 v St Maries Dragons (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 8
Widnes St Maries Dragons U12s - 34

The cruel score line does not do justice to the skill and effort put in by the Unicorns against the Widnes speedsters. The sides faced each other for the third time this season in a pulsating game which flowed from end to end. With only 13 available players Latchford produced some exciting attacking sets, pinning the Dragons resilient defence on their own line for long periods. The principal difference between the two sides was the pace and clinical finishing of the visitors' outside backs who exploited weak defence on a number of occasions to score some thrilling tries. Latchford notched two tries of their own through the excellent Andy Unsworth who excelled at loose forward. The second try was scored out wide by Matt Reid who finished off a slick handling move in one of
Latchford's more composed sets inside the Dragons 20m zone.

This was by someway Latchford's best performance, particularly in attack, against ?Big Five? opposition. The go forward provided by Gareth Cox, Tom Green, Andy Unsworth and Matt Reid running off playmakers George Briggs and the tireless Scott Whiteley had the opposition constantly back pedalling. With a 75% completion rate, Latchford enjoyed long periods in the opposing half, something which hadn't occurred in two previous encounters and is a sound measure of their ongoing improvement. Greater composure and better decision making should have a least doubled the Unicorns' try count. The main theme for this weeks training session will be defence!!! Back to top

30/01/2005 v Wigan St Jude's (away)

Wigan St Judes U12's - 18
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 0

Latchford's ongoing improvement was very much in evidence in this high intensity encounter. Facing a daunting task against the physically imposing Wiganers, the Unicorns rose to the challenge with hard working props Gareth Cox and Tom Green leading the charge. Andy Unsworth once again revelled at loose forward as the game flowed from end to end. Much to the hosts' surprise Latchford continually stretched their
aggressive defence with half-backs Scott Whiteley and George Briggs dictating play. The Unicorns' enthusiastic kick-and-chase game led by Anthony Jones, Phil Woolacott, Alex Pendlebury, Lloyd Feather, Tom Arnold, James Killeavey, Ryan Ellis, Matt Reid and James Brazendale was particularly pleasing, as is the rapid progress that Greg Ryder and Conor Gerrard are showing.

With virtually a full squad to choose from today it is apparent that Latchford are now reaching the intensity levels required to match "Big Five" opposition. The principal difference between the two sides today was the pace and clinical finishing of the St Jude's outside backs. However, Latchford's enthusiasm remains undiminished and the disappointment that met the referees final whistle from the Latchford players is noteworthy. Back to top

06/02/2005 v Portico Panthers (away)

Portico Panthers U12's - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 15

Latchford were only able to assemble twelve fit players for this entertaining but ultimately bruising encounter, which was soured only by the over-the-top reaction of the Portico coach to two of Latchford's tries. Portico scored first through the speedy Hurst who was to a constant thorn in Latchford's side. Latchford hit back with some superb play with Andy Unsworth scoring outwide and then the hardworking Tom Green crashed over and Scott Whiteley converted to give Latchford a 10-6 lead. Portico replied with two well-taken tries to lead 16-10 at the break.

Two quick strikes from Hurst in the second half took Portico well clear. However, Latchford never gave up and were rewarded for their endeavour when Tom Green grabbed his second. Andy Unsworth completed the scoring with a stunning drop goal from 30 metres, which was worth the entrance fee alone.

Tom Green, Phil Woollacott and Fraser Jones-Lake (on his first game back from injury) put in standout all round performances, whilst Matt Reid was a constant danger in attack. Scott Whiteley, Tony Jones, Gareth Cox and George Briggs performed admirably in defence. Back to top

27/02/2005 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (away)

Thatto Heath Crusaders U12's - 16
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12's - 14

Both sides contributed fully to a superb contest that flowed from end to end and was decided by a matter of inches. Having not played for two weeks Latchford came out with all guns firing. On the very first set the forwards created good field position and following a quick play the ball a George Briggs pass was met by Matt Reid who scorched over from
half way. Briggs added the extras from in front of the posts. A period followed in which both sides cancelled each other out until the hosts scored two quick fire tries as a result of half hearted defending down Latchford's right flank. One try was converted from the touchline, which was to prove decisive in the final count up. HT 6-10.

Latchford immediately fell 6-16 behind as a poor chase from the kick off allowed the
Thatto full back to run straight up the middle of the pitch unchallenged. This was the kick up the pants Latchford required and inspired by workaholics Scott Whiteley and Phil Woolacott with good support from Gareth Cox, Tom Green, Alex Pendlebury and Andy Unsworth the pressure began to build on the home defence. Following some quick passing Matt Reid powered in at the corner and the resulting conversion from the touchline from Andy Unsworth fell agonisingly inches short. Latchford then laid siege to the Thatto line, who to their great credit held on grimly until Matt Reid completed his hat trick by powering onto another short ball from Scott Whiteley with two minutes left. With Andy Unsworth off the pitch Lloyd Feather's stepped up but saw his conversion drift wide.
Latchford paid the penalty for defensive lapses in this match, as all three tries should have been prevented with ease. On a positive note the attacking play continues to develop with the hard work on the training field starting to feed through to game situations. Back to top

03/04/2005 v Wigan St Patrick's (away)

Wigan St Patricks U12s - 38
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 8

Latchford had no answers to a very speedy and superbly drilled St Pats outfit that scored some high quality tries. Latchford put together some promising plays on the back of the excellent yardage made by hardworking props Tom Green and Gareth Cox and the constant probing of skipper George Briggs, however their only reward in the first half was an Andy Unsworth penalty goal following a good period of pressure. In defence Cox, Green and Briggs were well supported with tireless performances from Scott Whiteley, Phil Woollacott, Tom Arnold and Fraser Jones-Lake. Latchford improved after the break and had a bit of luck in gaining a late consolation score when James Brazendale stormed over from 60 metres following a pass that may have gone marginally forward. Briggs added the extras. One over-riding impression from this game can be summed up by the old saying 'there is no substitute for pace'. Back to top

10/04/2005 v Pilkington Recs (away)

Pilkington Recs U12s - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 23

Latchford pulled off an amazing last gasp victory with Andy Unsworth converting his own try to secure the spoils. The Unicorns, with Jack Phillips making his debut, started brightly with Unsworth going over in the corner off their first set. However, the following 18 minutes proved to be the worst of the season with the home team's forwards running up 22 unanswered points against an embarrassingly weak defence.

Latchford improved after the break pressurising their opponents into mistakes and capitalising on some poor discipline. Anthony Jones scored in the corner following a neat passing move and Unsworth converted from the touchline. Further indiscipline form the hosts was capitalised on by George Briggs who nipped in from close range and Unsworth added the extras. A Scott Whiteley drop goal reduced the arrears further and set-up the exciting finish.

This is a welcome victory for Latchford however, there can be little satisfaction in the overall performance. The game was a personal triumph for Andy Unsworth whose place kicking under pressure was nothing short of sensational. Back to top

17/04/2005 v Blackbrook Royals (away)

Blackbrook Royals U12s - 44
Latchford Albion Unicorns U12s - 6

Latchford were out-gunned in all departments by an excellent Rugby League team. Soon in arrears, Latchford's problems were compounded with the loss of skipper George Briggs with a gruesome knee injury. Despite being on the back-foot for most of the game and also loosing Scott Whiteley and Phil Woollacott with shoulder injuries Latchford competed manfully and scored the try of the game when a seven man handling move released Matt Reid who stormed over from 40 metres. Andy Unsworth converted from
the touchline.

George ended the afternoon in hospital and we all wish him a speedy recovery. Not only a loss for the remainder of Latcford's season but for Warrington's Service Area squad too. Back to top