Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 44
Saddleworth Rangers U14's - 14

Saddleworth came to Victoria Park with a win already under their belt, having beaten West Bank Bears 18-14 the week before. Latchford came into the game having not played their first match at Leigh Miners Rangers and with just the bare thirteen players.

Matty Lomax opened Latchford's account followed by a try from Tom Rigby. Saddleworth responded with a try of their own. Joe Mellor restored Latchford's lead but Saddleworth came back again. A fine passing move along their own try line led to the ball finding Tom Rigby who raced 80m to scored his second and made the half time score 20-8.

After the break Tom Rigby completed his hat trick, Joe Mellor added his second before Rigby scored again to put the Albion beyond the reach of their visitors. Saddleworth showed great spirit and scored again but Latchford still had one more try in them. The ball must have gone through every player on the team in the build up play and from the play-the-ball Richie Burnett scored the team's eighth try of the game.

Richie's try capped a fine personal performance and, although this was undoubtedly a fine TEAM display, it was noted that as well as the try scorers Ashley Cornelia kicked six goals, Kane Jackson had a fine debut and Chris Hall had one of his best games for the club. Back to top

26/09/2004 v Oldham St Anne's (away)

Oldham St Anne's U14's - 36
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 16

Oldham came into this match having won their first two matches of the season and continued in that winning vein. However, this game was finely poised until the last quarter. Latchford scored tries through Antony Britton who latched onto a fumbled up 'n' under, Ross Pendlebury and Tom Rigby. Joe Mellor kicked two goals. Jamie Doxey made his Albion debut and Matt Lomax enjoyed another fine game. Back to top

03/10/2004 v Blackbrook Royals (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 0
Blackbrook Royals U14's - 54

Blackbrook came to Victoria Park having conceded just one try in their first two match and already boasted a points difference of 60 points. Latchford welcomed back Sam Mairs and Ben Reynolds for their first outings of the season and both put in solid performances against a gigantic footballing outfit.

The visitors out-muscled Latchford in this game despite the sterling efforts of Matthew Lomax and full back Joe Mellor. Joe pulled off several try-saving tackles but Blackbrook simply proved too strong. Fortunately, the Albion will not have to play the likes of the Royals every week and have now seen the bench mark they must reach to top this league. Back to top

10/10/2004 v Wigan St Pat's (away)

Wigan St Pats U14's - 22
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 4

Scorelines are not always reflective of the endeavour shown by players and that is certainly true of this game. The half time score was 4-0 and with only a few minutes remaining it was 12-4.

Playing against a squad of 20 the meagre 14 of Latchford were reduced further after Richie Burnett picked up a knock when bundled into touch as he was nearing a try-scoring opportunity.

The magnificent efforts of captain Antony Britton, Ben Reynolds, Craig Woolvine, Matthew Lomax and Joe Mellor could not hold out fresh legs forever and the final two plays of the match took the scoreline into unfair proportions.

Latchford's try came when Joe Mellor gathered a deep kick just over the 10 metre line and then jinked and weaved his way in and outside the defenders to score out wide. Back to top

17/10/2004 v Folly Lane (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 14
Folly Lane U14 - 34

A messy affair in a game which lacked rhythm and prevented Latchford ever getting into their stride. However this seemed to suit the visitors better and Folly were in double figures before Tom Rigby ran in a long range effort that Ashley Cornelia converted. The visitors responded and the half time score was 6 - 16.

Just after the break the Unicorns pressurised the Folly Lane line, Ben Reynolds picked up a loose ball and brought Latchford within one converted try of the visitors. Unfortunately this spurred on the visitors and, despite a second Rigby try from a well executed Joe Mellor kick into the corner, the Albion lost.

In a stop-start game Jack Probert, Joe Mellor, Matthew Lomax and Ross Pendlebury played with maximum effort and came out of the contest with great credibility.

The next game was scheduled to be the Lancs Cup game at Leigh East but, as Matthew Lomax, Tom Rigby and Ashley Cornelia are away on the National training camp, Latchford's game is postponed until the week after and the Orrell St James' league fixture will be rearranged Back to top

31/10/2004 v Leigh East (away) Lancs Cup 2nd Rnd

Leigh East U14's - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 58

This would have been an ideal game for some of the squad members to increase their playing time. As it was, just a fourteen-man squad went 'trick or treating' to Leigh in this delayed Lancs Cup second round game. Mike Lee enjoyed his first outing for the Albion and performed well on the left wing.

It was heartening to see the second division home side refuse to give up despite having to play against premiership Latchford, but this was all about the Unicorns who dominated from the kick off and put the result beyond doubt well before half time.

Latchford's tries included hat tricks for Matty Lomax and Richie Burnett. Tom Rigby scored two and the others came from Joe Mellor, Jack Probert and the ever-improving Cain Jackson. Ashley Cornelia kicked seven goals. Back to top

07/11/2004 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 32
Thatto Heath Crusaders U14's - 8

Latchford laid the foundations for a comprehensive win early on in this game led by the inspirational Joe Mellor who was outstanding throughout. Tom Rigby grabbed the first of two tries, one of which was converted by Mellor. Prop forward Antony Britton scored another, which Ashely Cornelia goaled and took the half time score to 16-0.

As the game resumed a lovely passing movement found Mike Lee on the left wing who scored his first try in only his second outing. Mellor then crossed the whitewash and Cornelia added the extras. The visitors spirits were lifted as they scored but this only served to spur on the Albion and Craig Woolvine scored for Cornelia to kick another goal. Thatto Heath did score again just on the final whistle but the plaudits went to the Latchford team with Tom Mills enjoying his first game in an Albion shirt. Back to top

14/11/2004 v Oldham St Anne's (home) Lancs Cup 3rd Rnd

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 22
Oldham St Anne's U14's - 14

Latchford started this Lancashire cup tie in fine form. Joe Mellor continued his current purple patch of form and used quick feet to go in under the posts and Tom Rigby ran in from distance. Ashley Cornelia converted both before Oldham pulled a try back to make the score 12-4 at the break.

Oldham threw everything they had, sometimes literally, which the Albion soaked up and countered. Mellor shook off three would-be defenders to grab his second try and Rigby again ran down the left for his second, which Cornelia converted. The penalty count was mounting against the visitors as they tried everything to get back into contention. Oldham did enjoy a late flourish, fortunately too late, as Latchford go into the hat for the quarter-finals.

Pick of the players today were Joe Mellor, Matty Lomax, Tom Rigby and Antony Britton Back to top

28/11/2004 v Hindley (Home) Lancs Cup Quarter-Final

Latchford Albion U14's - 38
Hindley U14's - 26

Premier League Latchford came into this game having had their previous weeks' game with Saddleworth called off. First Division high flyers Hindley, on the other hand, had a 50-0 midweek victory to launch them into this Lancs Cup Quarter-Final. Fortunately it was Latchford who progressed through to the semi-final of the Lancs Cup although it wasn'r all plain sailing with the scores locked at 16-16 at the half time break.

Joe Mellor opened the scoring with the first of his hat trick of tries but Hindley came back to level at 4-4. Tom Rigby then ran in from distance, which Ashley Cornelia converted, but again the visitors came back to level. Ben Reynolds showed fast feet to go under the posts giving an easy conversion for Cornelia, but once again Hindley drew level on the stroke of half time, 16-16.

Joe Mellor scored after following up his clever kick through to beat the fullback. Cornelia goaled. Craig Woolvine, who had been ill all week capped a great personal performance to crash over. Again Ashley Cornelia added the extras. Latchford were firmly on top at this time and Joe Mellor rounded off his current purple patch of form with a hat trick try out wide. Hindley showed great character to score a converted try before Tom Rigby added his second of the day. Cornelia kicked his fifth goal. It was all credit to Hindley as they added another try of their on on the stroke of full time.

It was a workmanlike performance for the Albion with Joe Mellor, Matthew Lomax, Craig Woolvine and Sam Mairs the pick of the bunch. Back to top

05/12/2004 v Blackbrook Royals (away)

Blackbrook Royals U14 - 30
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 14

This was probably a better team performance by Latchford than shown in their previous three victories. Having been decimated by Blackbrook earlier in the season the scoreline alone shows a great improvement. As in so many games the scoreline does not tell the full story of this match away to the unbeaten team from St Helens.

Latchford took the lead with two tries. The first came from loose-forward Matthew Lomax who finished off a passing move out wide. Another superb series of passes saw the ball move from one wing to the other to find Tom Rigby for Latchford's second score. Blackbrook then pulled one back before Joe Mellor showed great strength to shake off three would-be tacklers to score under the stick. Ashley Cornelia's conversion meant Latchford went into the break leading 14-4.

Blackbrook pulled level in the second half at which point Latchford experienced their best passage of play. They even scored through Cain Jackson only to have it ruled out for an earlier infringement in their favour. It was a cruel irony that the home side immediately scored themselves and then added a couple more to give the points difference a non-reflective look.

A case could be made for all fourteen Latchford players today but probably the pick along with the try scorers were Ross Pendlebury who was truly outstanding, Jack Probert and Tom Mills. Back to top

12/12/2004 v Orrell St James (away) Lancs Cup Semi-Final

Orrell St James' U14 - 40
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 16

This semi final of the Lancashire Cup was always going to be a tough game against a very accomplished Orrell St James side. For this game Latchford needed their very best players and a squad committed to the cause. They were able to welcome back Anthony Britton after a three week absence but sadly were only able to muster a bare dozen for the trip.

Orrell got the ball back after kicking off and scored. Latchford rallied round and had a strong ten minute period but three further quick tries from the home side effectively ended the contest. Orrell scored again shortly before half time and Latchford went into the break 30 points behind.

A sign of the character of those who were proud to wear the claret and gold is that Latchford were able to take the second half 16-10. A Pyrrhic victory perhaps but just reward for all that endeavour. Tom Rigby started the fight back with a typical long range effort shooting down the wing. Joe Mellor's kick through was pounced on by Ross Pendlebury for Latchford's second try. Virtually everyone was involved in the next move that ended with Tom Rigby running back round and under the posts. Ashley Cornelia kicked two goals.

Ability-wise this team can compete with the best and are rightly a premier league side. More worryingly is the squad size and amount of unfilled playing shirts lying folded in the kit bag on match days. Back to top

16/01/2005 v Wibsey Juniors of Bradford ARL (away) Nat Cup 1st Rnd

Wibsey Juniors U14's - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 54

Latchford travel to Bradford to take on the cream of their league in the first round of the National Cup. Despite starting with the advantage of a slight breeze and slope the lads from Warrington found themselves behind. Fortunately this was only a temporary blip and their dominace was rewarded with a 24-6 half time scoreline. That was extended to 54-6 by the end of the game.

Tom Rigby managed to score five of Latchford's ten tries for whom he could thank the efforts of the unsung heroes of the team, Mike Lee, Tom Mills and Sam Mairs. This took Tom's personal tally to 21 tries in just 12 games for the season. The other tries today were scored by Joe Mellor, Ross Pendlebury, Jack Probert, Anthony Britton and Matthew Lomax. Ashley Cornelia kicked seven goals. Back to top

30/01/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home) Nat Cup 2nd Rnd

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 16
Leigh Miners Rangers U14's - 30

Unnecessary gamesmanship from their opponents and an uncharacteristic lacklustre performance from Latchford combined to snatch away a real opportunity for the Unicorns to progress in the National Cup. When the game eventually started Latchford found themselves behind to a rather fortunate try. Joe Mellor kicked up field forty yards and gave chase, the full back fumbled and Joe pounced to score a try that Ashley Cornelia converted and Latchford were briefly in the lead. Leigh scored again and then two more tries from the visitors either side of the half time whistle gave them back the ascendancy.

A good passing move found Tom Rigby who ran in from a good sixty metres. Ashley Cornelia's conversion brought the scores to just one converted try difference. Unfortunately two more scores from Leigh pushed the game beyond Latchford's reach. Joe Mellor's fast feet saw him dance past some would-be defenders but his second try was scant consolation. Leigh kicked a penalty late on to finish of the scoring and take them into the next round. Back to top

13/02/2005 v Oldham St Anne's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 36
Oldham St Annes U14's - 6

Latchford produced one of their best perfomances of the season to overcome their Premier Division rivals. While the Unicorns' handling skills and spectacular tries defied the Arctic conditions, the foundation for this victory was laid by agressive and uncompromising defence.

From the kick off Latchford burst into action. Two tries from Craig Wolvine started and finished the first half scoring. The mercurial Tom Rigby also sped over for a double separated only by a powerful short-range effort from Ben Reynolds.

A seemingly shortened second half featured long range touchdowns from Jack Probert and Joe Mellor. Though adventurous play from the home side saw them turn over possession on a number of occasions, their dominating defense ensured that St Annes were limited to a single try.

In an excellent team effort, the debut of Richard Taylor was very pleasing. Not only did he successfully share the goal-kicking duties with Ashley Cornelia, but the probing and prompting of his teammates, as well as his excellent link play, were a constant threat. Relative newcomers, Jamie Doxey, Kane Jackson and Tom Mills all enjoyed fine games, as did Sam Mairs, Matthew Lomax and Antony Britton. Back to top

20/02/2005 v Woolston Rovers (away) NWC Cup 1st Rnd

Woolston Rovers U14's - 0
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 80

The Unicorns galloped into the second second round of the NWC Cup at the expense of their enthusiastic neighbours from Woolston. The gap between Premier outfit Latchford and 2nd Division Woolston was just too much to bridge as eight of Latchford's 16 crossed for tries. Richard Taylor scored a hat trick and kicked a goal in his second game for the club. Former Woolston player Ashley Cornelia scored two tries and kicked 11 goals, a total of 30 personal points for him. Other try scorers were Matthew Lomax (2), Anthony Britton (2), Mike Lee (2), Tom Rigby, Ben Reynolds and Jack Probert. The most important feature of today's game was that is marked the comeback of Jack Cooper to competitive rugby, his first game in two years - welcome back Jack! Back to top

23/02/2005 v Orrell St James' (away)

Orrell St James' U14's - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 14

This midweek game was played under floodlights at the impressive Edge Hill College at Ormskirk. After the relief of being able to muster 16 players three days earlier to play 2nd Division opposition, it was disappointing to find themselves back to 14 players to face the mighty Orrell side. 'Rocky' Taylor had an injury to his hand and Jack Cooper was suffering after being out for so long.

The game was fifteen minutes on before the deadlock was broken by the home side. Latchford pulled back level after a great team effort enabled the ball to reach Joe Mellor who broke four tackles to score. Just on half time Orrell scored again to take an 8-4 lead into the break.

Immediately after the break Orrell scored again and added the extras. Joe Mellor launched a kick that Tom Rigby pounced on in the corner to reduce the deficit. Anthony Britton forced his way upfield about 40-50 metres and offloaded to his support, the pass was rightly adjudged to be slightly forward and Orrell ran it back up the other end to score. They scored twice more, converting one to give the score a lopsided look of 28-8 that didn't reflect the contribution of the Unicorns. Scant consolation came when Ben Reynolds scored near the end and Ashley Cornelia goaled. Back to top

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

Thatto Heath Crusaders U14's - 6
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 42

Latchford started brightly and took an early lead with tries from Ross Pendlebury and Mike Lee. Thatto Heath responded with a converted try but just before half time Mike Lee added his second try and Joe Mellor kicked over from the touchline to make the score 14-6 at the break.

In the second half Latchford managed to shut out the home side as well as adding six more tries. This gave the final score of 42-6 a one-sided look that didn't reflect the effort put in by Thatto Heath. Having said that it was important that the 14 players of Latchford put together some good form for their forthcoming games. Anthony Britton opened the second half scoring, which Ashley Cornelia goaled. Joe Mellor scored followed by Ross Pendlebury. Ashley converted Matthew Lomax's try and then Mike Lee completed his hat trick. Joe Mellor added the final try of the day. Back to top

06/02/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home)

Leigh Miners Rangers U14's - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 14

Just the bare thirteen players were available for this game against one of the reputed top sides in the league. From the kick off Latchford were forced backwards and a knock on allowed the pressure to continue, which resulted in Leigh scoring a try that they converted. Latchford responded well and showed good passing to get the ball out to the right wing Tom Mills who scored in the corner. The kick from the touchline failed. Play switched back up to the Latchford line and, despite appeals for a forward-looking pass, their left winger was awarded a try, which was not converted. Latchford again displayed their bouncebackability to take the game back up the other end. Joe Mellor chipped through and when the ball was spilled behind the line, Joe was there to ground the ball. Ashley Cornelia added the extras and brought the scores level at half time, 10-10. Sadly, Latchford's already depleted numbers had been reduced further when Tom Rigby had to go to hospital after being rendered unconscious while tackling.

Each of the dozen Unicorn players continued to give their all for the cause and continued the second half as they left off the first. Joe Mellor kept the ball alive as he was being brought to ground and fed Matthew Stewart, who marked his debut with a try. Another touchline kick was too difficult to convert but Latchford were in the lead. The tremendous defensive effort of the team lead by the impressive Jack Cooper, Ross Pendlebury and Matthew Lomax was bound to take it's toll and with ten minutes left, a gap appeared on Latchford's right that the Miners' full back exploited to bring the scores back level. A mark of respect for how the Albion 12 players were competing with the 18-man squad of Leigh was when they elected to kick for goal from a penalty. Leigh did force their way over the line again before the end. They don't give out points for moral victories and nice people are often lost amongst those with louder voices, but the Latchford players should hold their heads high for today's superb effort. Back to top

13/03/2005 v Oldham St Anne's (Home) NWC Cup 2nd Rnd

Latchford Albion Unicorns' U14's - 30
Oldham St Anne's U14's - 18

This was the fourth meeting between these two teams this season. It began with both teams testing each other out and took several minutes before Latchford got into their stride. A good passing movement saw the ball moved from left to right, Matty Lomax kept the ball alive whilst being tackled and the ball was switched back to the left side where it ultimately found Ross Pendlebury who darted inside and released Tom Rigby for a try. Joe Mellor converted and Latchford were 6-0 up. Great drives by Antony Britton and Matthew Lomax helped Latchford get away from their own line to half way before Ashley Cornelia fed Joe Mellor who ran at the Oldham defence, two outrageous sidesteps later and the ball was nestling under the posts. Cornelia added the extras. Oldham came back and scored a converted try of their own to bring the scores to 12-6. Tom Mills was tackling ferociously and helped keep Oldham at bay. When play switched back up field Mike Lee jinked inside and created the chance for Joe Mellor to score his second, which Joe duly converted to take an 18-6 lead into the break.

The second half started with Latchford on the back foot as Oldham applied pressure. Several penalties pressed the Albion back onto their own line and Oldham's efforts were rewarded with a try out wide when they created an overlap on the Latchford left wing. The kick from out wide failed. The Unicorns responded with Jack Probert feeding Matthew Stewart who ran round the right flank to score his second in two outings. Ashley Cornelia added the extras. Latchford introduced Tom McIntosh at hooker after his move up from the Under 13's. Oldham used the same tactic as before and another overlap on their right wing was exploited for a try. Again the kick was too difficult to convert and the score was 24-14. Tom Mc fed Craig Woolvine on the blind side who powered over from near the line for another Latchford try that Ashley Cornelia converted. Oldham never gave up the fight and scored another try when a kick through wasn't dealt with by the Latchford defence. When the conversion attempt failed it left the final score 30-18 and Latchford went through to the next round. Back to top

20/03/2005 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U14's - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 30

Latchford travelled to meet Folly Lane having lost to them earlier in the season and just two points separating the two teams. After some early exchanges Matthew Lomax burst through the defensive line and ran through to score under the posts. Ashley Cornelia goaled. Some positive drives gave Latchford good position and the ball was moved out to Joe Mellor who forced his way over the line. Joe added the extras himself. 'Rocky' Taylor was enjoying his first game back after a hand injury and when he was fed the ball on his own 20 metre line he was able to break through and run on to score, which he then converted. Sam Mairs and Ross Pendlebury were proving tenacious in the tackle and Matty Lomax was in sensational form. Unfortunately Lomax was forced to retire from the field with an ankle injury and was replaced by Tom McIntosh. Undaunted the Unicorns continued their good work. Tom Rigby collected the ball on half way and sped to the line for a try that Taylor converted to make the score 24-0 at half time.

After the break Latchford suffered a set back when Joe Mellor took a bang on the head and had to take time out off the pitch, reducing the Albion to twelve. Folly Lane rallied and scored two tries, one which they converted. This resurgence was soon snuffed out when Taylor offloaded to Rigby who ran at the full back before passing to a recovered Mellor for the stand off to score. Taylor added the extras. The game was sealed when Joe Mellor audaciously stole the ball one-on-one from his opposite number and ran the ball back for his hat trick. The resultant kick failed but Latchford had won the day 34-10. Back to top

03/04/2005 v Orrell St James' (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14s - 4
Orrell St James U14s - 18

Latchford welcomed current premiership leaders Orrell who were unbeaten in the league this season. The Albion boasted sixteen players giving the coaches unusual selection issues. In the early stages of the game Latchford completed their sets of six well and most of the play was down in the Orrell half. With nearly quarter of an hour gone the visitors launched their first real foray into Latchford territory and some slick passing saw them rewarded with a try that they failed to convert. Within no time at all Orrell added three more tries to take an 18-0 lead into the break. The first half tackle count showed the workrate of some of the Albion players with Matthew Lomax, Joe Mellor and Tom Rigby already in double figures.

The second half showed Latchford turn their defensive efforts into concerted attacks. Joe Mellor had to leave the field after receiving a belated egg from a high tackle but this enforced changed seemed to make the Albion even more determined. Their efforts were rewarded when Jack Probert, who was a constant thorn in the Orrell right side, dived over in the corner. The visitors attempted to rally and did burst through the Latchford line only for the outstanding Ben Reynolds to chase back and bring down the runner forcing him to spill the ball. Shortly afterwards Ross Pendlebury made a break from the Latchford 10 metre line that took him deep into Orrell territory and put the visitors on the backfoot again. Lomax and Rigby put in another ten tackles each in the second half and it was this effort along with that of forwards Craig Woolvine, Jack Cooper, Anthony Britton and Richard Taylor that ensured Orrell were shut out for the whole of the second stanza.

Team: -
Ross Pendlebury, Sam Mairs, Jack Probert, Tom Rigby, Mike Lee, Joe Mellor, Ashley Cornelia, Craig Woolvine, Richard Taylor, Anthony Britton, Ben Reynolds, Jack Cooper, Matthew Lomax, Tom Mills, Kane Jackson and Tom McIntosh. Back to top

10/04/2005 v Saddleworth Rangers (away)

Saddleworth Rangers U14's - 10
Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 22

The opening exchanges of unforced errors, poor judgement in when to release the ball and a mounting penalty count set the scene for a scrappy game that failed to live up to the promise of the Magical Mystery Tour taken to the venue. After ten minutes and four consecutive sets of six for the home side, Saddleworth paid Latchford a compliment by electing to kick a penalty awarded for a high tackle. Latchford won the ball back from the kick off and drove the ball up field well. On the third Joe Mellor showed great determination to go over and put the Albion in the lead. Latchford then knocked on from the kick off but a crunching tackle from Tom Mills freed up the ball. Rocky Taylor scooped it up and ran back the eighty yards along the right touchline to score. He then goaled from the edge of the pitch. The Rangers gained yards with some penalty decisions, which resulted in a try under the posts and Latchford went into the break with a 10-6 lead.

After eight minutes of the second half Joe Mellor fed Jack Probert who broke the line and raced off to score. Taylor added the extras. A period of further pressure was rewarded when Jack Cooper powered over from near the line. Taylor converted again. Saddleworth showed their never-say-die character as they worked a fine passing move out to the Latchford right and scored. There was still just over ten minutes left but with the strong defensive efforts of Anthony Britton, Matty Lomax and Tom Rigby the visitors ensured a victory went Latchford's way.

Team: -
Ross Pendlebury, Tom Mills, Sam Mairs, Tom Rigby, Michael Lee, Joe Mellor, Richard Taylor, Craig Woolvine, Ben Reynolds, Anthony Britton, Jack Probert, Jack Cooper, Matthew Lomax, Tom McIntosh, Matthew Stewart. Back to top

24/04/2005 v Wigan St Patrick's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14 - 20
Wigan St Patrick's U14 - 12

St Pat's came to Loushers Lane and found a Latchford team totally on top of their game. The visitors were soon behind when Joe Mellor's defence-splitting pass allowed Matthew Lomax in through the gap. Ashley Cornelia converted. Lomax then repaid the compliment and fed Mellor who scored. Again Cornelia added the extras. The visitors replied before the first half ended making the score 12-6.

The second half opened with the Unicorns encamped in the Wigan half. That pressure was rewarded when Mellor threw out to left winger, Sam Mairs, who fought his way over the line. St Pat's scored another but the game was sealed when Tom Rigby chased down a Mellor kick, picked up the loose ball and dived over the line.

Each player played their part to the full and there'll be some bruised bones making their way back to Wigan after being on the receiving end of some crunching tackles, chiefly from Lomax, Mellor, Tom Rigby and Antony Britton. At least twice the Latchford's defence held up the Wiganers over the line and the 'go forward' in attack was truly awesome.

Team:
Ross Pendlebury, Sam Mairs, Jack Probert, Tom Rigby, Michael Lee, Joe Mellor, Ashley Cornelia, Craig Woolvine, Richard Taylor, Anthony Britton, Ben Reynolds, Jack Cooper, Matthew Lomax, Tom Mills, Richie Burnett
Subs not used: Tom McIntosh, Jamie Doxey, Kane Jackson and Matthew Stewart Back to top

01/05/2005 v Leigh Miners Rangers (home) NWC Cup & league

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 18
Leigh Miners Rangers U14's - 4

Latchford realised weeks ago that they were required to meet Leigh Miners in the league as well as the cup. With the emphasis on developing players and giving as much game time as possible to all the Latchford coaches tried on several occasions to convince their counterparts at Leigh to play two matches. It all fell on deaf ears and so both competitions came down to just the one match. Typically our opponents refused to allow Latchford to use all the squad players restricting them to just 17 and consigning two of the less experienced lads to simply water carriers. Afterall, this was the same team who insisted on playing the full 13 against 12-man Latchford earlier in the season. Development or winning, well why not both?

Latchford chased the kick off but were immediately penalised for over-eagerness, soon a second penalty followed but, despite this added possession, the visitors stayed pinned in their own half until the final couple of tackles of the elongated set. The kick was superbly caught by Mike Lee and, two runs later, Joe Mellor threw out to Tom Rigby who set off on a sprint. He drew the full back and passed inside for Mellor to have a clear run to the sticks. Ashley Cornelia kicked the conversion. The Unicorns completed their next couple of sets of six but were then penalised for a knock on. Great pressure from Ashley Cornelia at the scrum gave the home side the ball back. The Unicorns' defence was uncomproising throughout and the line hardly broken. During the first half Anthony Britton, Matthew Lomax and Jack Probert were aready in double figures on the tackle count closely followed half a dozen others. Latchford were then awarded a couple of penalties after some high tackles. They capitalised when Richard Taylor burst through and fed Tom Rigby. Again the winger used his considerable pace to create a one-on-one with the full back and, just at the right moment, passed to the supporting Taylor who ran in another try. Joe Mellor goaled from the touchline and Latchford took a 12-0 lead into the break.

In the second half Latchford were again penalised on a number of occasions, mostly for chasing the ball down too quickly on the last. Such possession in the hands of their opponents had to yield a result and sure enough the Leigh lads scored a try of their own, which they failed to convert. Full back Ross Pendlebury picked up a knock and was replaced by Tom Mills. Jack Cooper took a much-earned breather and allowed Richie Burnett to come off the bench. This necessitated a few positional switches but the Albion were soon back in their stride. Joe Mellor atempted an audacious chip over the defence and, as two would-be tacklers converged to sandwich him, Joe found himself in the clear and able to collect the ball in front of the sticks. Ashley Cornelia's goal sealed the league and cup victory. Ben Reynolds and Sam Mairs made way for Jamie Doxey and Kane Jackson who both went straight into tackling hard and continuing the momentum right to the final whistle. Five players finished with 15 or more tackles on the count. The leader was Jack Probert followed closely by Joe Mellor, Matthew Lomax, Anthony Britton and Craig Woolvine with Tom Rigby just behind them.

This comprehensive victory allowed Latchford to finish the league campaign on a high with their third consecutive win and to progress through to the semi-final of the NWC cup where they will meet the winners of Orrell St James and Widnes Moorfield.

Team:
Ross Pendlebury, Sam Mairs, Jack Probert, Tom Rigby, Michael Lee, Joe Mellor, Ashley Cornelia, Craig Woolvine, Richard Taylor, Anthony Britton, Ben Reynolds, Jack Cooper, Matthew Lomax, Tom Mills, Richie Burnett, Jamie Doxey and Kane Jackson
Not used - Matthew Stewart and Tom McIntosh Back to top

01/06/2005 v Widnes Moorfield (home) NWC Cup semi-final

Latchford Albion Unicorns U14's - 16
Widnes Moorfield U14's - 14

This semi-final fixture was long anticipated but hastily arranged during the half term school break. Latchford mustered 15 of their 20-strong squad and prepared to meet the first division champions Widnes Moorfield. The Latchford players had to dig deep and found some of the match events a character-building experience to say the least. Richie Burnett chased down and Ashley Cornelia kick to open the scoring. Moorfield were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and halved the deficit. On the stroke of half time the visitors added a converted try to take an 8-4 lead into the break.

Danny Newens came on for his Latchford debut and with his first touch of the ball scored in the corner. Joe Mellor kick from the touchline gave the lead back to the Albion. The scores were levelled when Widnes were awarded another penalty in front of the posts. Joe Mellor scored a try near the opposite sticks and Richard Taylor converted. Widnes were not finished and cries for offside fell on deaf ears as they were awarded a try in the corner. The kick failed and that two-point margin proved just enough to carry Latchford through to their second NWC Cup Final in two years.

The Moorfield club also boast a well-established cricket section but this game was all about Rugby League, and the visitors will prove formidable opponents in next year's premiership. Back to top