WELCOME TO THE LATCHFORD ALBION WEBSITE - WHERE RUGBY LEAGUE BEGINS, DEVELOPS AND ENDURES

Under 9's Match Reports 2004-05

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 40
Westhoughton Lions U9 - 8

Latchford's defence was the winning factor in this fast-paced game. The tackle count showed every player made more than 15 tackles each. Such an effort limited the visitors to just two tries and created a platform for the Unicorns to score ten times. Not bad considering the Albion could only field seven players!

Latchford's try scorers were: -
Sam Dobson 4, Mike Moye 2, Kurt Whiteley 2, Jake Upton 1, Harvey Levitt 1. Back to top

17/09/2004 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 36
Saddleworth Rangers U9's - 32

In what should have been an away game, Saddleworth came to play the first game of the season at the Grange Club. Just seven players were there to entertain them along with assistant coach Steve Yarnold and Ian Dobson was away - and what entertainment both sides served up.

Neither side deserved to lose but with an uneven 17 tries being scored Latchford claimed the extra try and the win against a big and powerful outfit. The Albion's performance of open expansive rugby earned praise from the Saddleworth coach.

Jake Upton claimed four tries, Mike Moye three, with Sean Withington and Harvey Levitt scoring one each. Back to top

26/09/2004 v Haresfinch (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 32
Haresfinch U9's - 16

Described by an alliterate as an enthralling end-to-end encounter of great enterprise by both teams, Latchford stepped up a gear to take the spoils.

It's fascinating but a little diappointing that the Under 9's have such low playing numbers when they are one of the most successful Unicorns teams, results-wise, of any of our teams. If there are any Year 4 boys or girls out there who want to jump on this accelerating band wagon then junp on board at Victoria Park on a Tuesday night.

Of the present playing staff the pick of the attackers was Harvey Livett who claimed a hat trick to take his season's tally to five. Top defender was Kurt Whiteley who also scored two tries. Mike Moye scored again for the third game running and Sam Dobson capped a player-of-the-match performance with two tries. Back to top

03/10/2004 v West Bank Bears (away)

West Bank Bears U9's - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 32

This was a good game played in a sporting manner. It was Latchford's superb defence that set up a well-deserved victory and continued the under nines 100% record for this season. Leaders in defence were Mike Moye and Connor Jolley, while the unsung hero of the game was Callum Farnan.

Kurt Whiteley's hat trick took his season's try tally to seven. Sean Withington bagged a brace of tries. Jake Upton, Harvey Livett and Sam Dobson each scored a try. Back to top

10/10/2004 v Ince Rose Bridge (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 8
Ince Rose Bridge U9's - 20

Not a game for the faint-hearted and Latchford's Under Nines will have learnt a lot from this game. Certainly there were a lot more positives than negatives from the Albion performance, which was not rewarded with a more realistic scoreline. Kurt Whiteley grabbed the honours as player-of-the-match and Sean Withington scored both Latchford's tries. The Unsung Hero was Sam Dobson Back to top

16/10/2004 v Wigan St Jude's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 52
Wigan St Jude's U9's - 28

This proved to be a good, clean friendly game arranged for the mutual development of both sides. Latchford were outstanding in defence and attack with praiseworthy performances from the entire team including Connor Jolly and a welcome return of James Jones to the Unicorns.

Try scorers:
Jake Upton 4, Sam Dobson 3, Mike Moye 2, Sean Withington 2, Kurt Whiteley 2 Back to top

17/10/2004 v Wigan St Cuthbert's (home)

Due to bureaucratic problems this scheduled fixture could not be played but Latchford managed to organise a joint training session for both clubs. Despite playing the day before the youngsters showed no signs of fatigue and the efforts of Latchford's Mike Moye and Sean Withington were particularly heartening. Back to top

24/10/2004 v Wigan St Patrick's (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorn U9's - 40
Wigan St. Patrick's U9's - 20

This was a good all round game played at a fast pace, a fine example of rugby league. Both sides ran hard and tackled hard. Despite neither team giving an inch to the other, it was a game played in a fair manner.

Latchford's defensive game was again top drawer, building on last week's performance. The attacking play was swift with good ball handling. Harvey Livett scored a hat trick. Jake Upton, Kurt Whiteley and Sam Dobson each scored two tries while Mike Moye scored the other.

Kurt Whiteley was voted player-of-the-match and James Jones picked up the coaches' award. Back to top

31/10/2004 v Chorley Panthers (away)

Chorley Panthers U9's - 24
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 16

Latchford''s ball handling let them down in this highly charged affair.

Latchford's try scorers came from unsung hero Connor Jolly, player-of-the-match Harvey Livett, Kurt Whiteley and Sean Withington Back to top

07/11/2004 v Widnes Moorfield Rhinos (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 8
Widnes Moorfield Rhinos U9's - 20

Some good open rugby was on show in a game that witnessed powerful running from Kurt Whiteley, Sean Withington and player-of-the-match Sam Dobson.

Sam and Kurt were the try scorers while James Jones picked up the coaches' award for his all round contribution Back to top

14/11/2004 v Folly Lane (away)

Folly Lane U9's - 28
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 52

An excellant start from Latchford allowed the coaches to experiment with alternative positions and progressive game plays.The young Unicorns adapted well and continue to show improvement every time they take the field.
Sean Withington and Sam Dobson both scored hat tricks while Kurt Whitely scored two. The other tries were scored by 'unsung hero' Connor Jolly, Mike Moye, James Jones, Philip Judson and Jake Upton. Sadly, Jake later retired with a hand injury. Back to top

21/11/2004 v Hindley (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 24
Hindley U9's - 24

This was a tough, physical match for Latchford against an aggressive and much larger opposition. The Albion players made a fantastic effort both in attack and defence to keep the try count level with Hindley. Player of the match SEan Withington weighed in with a hat trick of tries. Kurt Whiteley crossed for two tries and Harvey Livett scored the other. Back to top

28/11/2004 v Ince Rose Bridge (away)

Ince Rose Bridge U9's - 40
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 8

This proved to be a tough match for Latchford as their uncompromising hosts, Ince Rose Bridge played hard. Despite tremendous effort typified by player-of-the-match Sam Dobson and regardless of what Latchford did in either attack or defence, they succumbed to an onslaught of tries.

In reply 'unsung hero' Mike Moye and Harvey Levitt did manage to cross the whitewash for the Albion.

There now follows a Christmas break with games due to resume on Sunday 6th February 2005 Back to top

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

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 4
Leigh Miners Rangers U9's - 16

Latchford opened up the second half of their season with a tough, demanding game against an accomplished and physical Leigh side. The winter training showed significant improvements in defence and restricted the visitors' scoring opportunities. Callum Farnan was the overall player-of-the-match, Mike Moye who scored Latchford's try was the unsung hero. Back to top

20/02/2005 v Clock Face (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 12
Clock Face U9's - 8

On a very cold day the spectators were warmed by the spirit shown by both teams as they fought out a good, clean match, mainly in the forwards. latchford's defence was outstanding as they kept out everything that was thrown at them by a very fast team. Sam Dobson scored two tries and Sean Withington grabbed the other. Mike Moye was voted player-of-the-match with Harvey Livett the unsung hero. Back to top

27/02/2005 v Burtonwood Bulldogs (away)

Burtonwood Bulldogs U9's - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 48

Some awesome defending from Latchford was on show again and set up this victory against fellow Warrington side, Burtonwood. It was a good, clean match played in extremely cold conditions. The Unicorns had two hat trick heroes in 'unsung hero' Sean Withington and player-of-the-match Sam Dobson. Jake Upton and Mike Moye scored two each and Harvey Livett and Kurt Whiteley both chipped in with a try apiece. Back to top

06/03/2005 v Portico Panthers (away)

Portico U9's - 36
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 36

This was an excellent performance by all as reflected in the words of the Portico coach who, when asked to select a Latchford player-of-the-match gave it to the whole team. Praise definately has to be given to Latchford who fielded an eight man team and all eight scored at least one try. A special mention must go to Matthew Ryan who made his debut for Latchford U9's today after having moved up from the U8's and managed to grab a try. James Jones was the unsung hero and also scored a try. Other tries were scored by Kurt Whiteley with 2, Sam Dobson, Mike Moye, Phil Judson, Sean Withington and Connor Jolley. It was a tough, physical battle and played in good spirit by both teams. True teamwork was shown by the maturing Latchford players. Back to top

20/03/2005 v Pilkington Recs (away)

Pilkington Recs U9's - 44
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 0

The scoreline does not reflect the stirling efforts of the Latchford defensive line in this match as they fought a hard battle against a very accomplished and regimented opposition. The player-of-the-match was Sean Withington and 'Unsung Hero' was Sam Dobson. Back to top

03/04/2005 v Wigan St Jude's Giants (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9s - 20
Wigan St Judes Giants U9s - 28

This was a very competitive match played between two enthusiastic teams. The result came down to the slick visitors scoring just two more tries than the Unicorns out of a total of twelve tries scored in the game. Latchford scored two through 'unsung hero' Jake Upton, two from Kurt Whiteley and the other from Sean Withington. Player of the match for the Albion was James Jones. Back to top

10/04/2005 v Thatto Heath Crusaders (away)

Thatto Heath Crusaders U9 - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9 - 20

On a very heavy pitch this was a hard fought match. It was a very clean game (if you discount the mud) with both teams making excellent attacking plays. Defence was outstanding by Latchford in less than ideal conditions. The top tacklers were Conor McGowan-Jolley, Harvey Livett and Matthew Ryan. Latchford's try scorers were Kurt Whiteley (2), Sam Dobson, Jake Upton and Mike Moye. Sean Withington was the player-of-the-match and Philip Judson was the 'unsung hero'. Back to top

17/04/2005 v Mayfield Mustangs (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9s - 32
Mayfield Mustangs U9s - 20

Latchford were outstanding in today's game and it was virtually possible to single any one player out for the man of the match award. However, that accolade was awarded to James Jones in a very competitive match where good team play was shown by all concerned. The Albion defence was second to none and this they combined with some inventive play in attack. Jake Upton scored a hat trick, Sam Dobson grabbed two as did Kurt Whiteley while Sean Withington scored the other Latchford try. Back to top

24/04/2005 v Leigh East Wasps (away)

Leigh East Wasps U9's - 8
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 12

The scoreline of 3 tries to 2 shows how hard-fought this contest was. Latchford's defence was as excellant as usual and the play flowed from end to end, which kept both sets of spectators rivetted from the first whistle to the last. Latchford's tries were scored by Kurt Whiteley, Sam Dobson and Jake Upton. Jake was the unsung hero and Harvey Livett was player of the match. Back to top

03/05/2005 v Culcheth Eagles (home)

Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 40
Culcheth Eagles U9's - 20

Latchford's opponents are an up and coming team and gave a superb effort. The Unicorns were outstanding in all aspects of their game. Tries were fast and furious. Mike Moye got his hat trick with a brilliant run of 3/4 of the pitch. He was definitely on a mission. Cameron Jolley achieved a debut try since his recent move back up to the team from the Under 8's. The other tries came from Harvey Levitt 2, James Jones, Jake Upton, Kurt Whiteley and Matthew Ryan. Back to top

08/05/2005 v Haresfinch Hawks (away)

Haresfinch Hawks U9's - 32
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9's - 20

Latchford's usually strong defence was severely tested by Haresfinch's swift running forwards. The Unicorns quickly became devoid of ideas in the second half, resulting in a loss that won't be stomached well by this strong willed Latchford team. Weather conditions played havoc with any attempts at inventive ball play, but both teams soldiered on. A special welcome and congratulations to Mike Swanton on his debut and for achieving an unsung hero accolade. In whole, a good, clean match. Latchford's tries were scored by player-of-the-match Sam Dobson (2), James Jones, Jake Upton and Harvey Levitt Back to top

Remaining fixtures: -

15/05/2005 v Leigh East Mustangs (away)

22/05/2005 v Saddleworth Rangers (home)
Home Team Latchford Albion Unicorns 44
Away Team Saddleworth Rangers 16

Try Scorers Sam Dobson 3, Kurt Whiteley 3, Conor Jolley 2, Mike Moye 1, Sean Withington 1, James Jones 1.
Man of the Match James Jones
Unsung Hero Matthew Ryan

Match Summary The appalling weather conditions didn't dampen the spirits of this outstanding Latchford Team. Hat tricks came to both Sam Dobson and Kurt Whiteley. Latchford couldn't be faulted in anything they executed. Both attack and defensive play were a class above the opposition. Good morale & team spirit kept this a fair, clean match, thoroughly enjoyed by both teams

29/05/2005 v Widnes Moorfield Storm (away)
Home Team Widnes Moorfield 40
Away Team Latchford Albion Unicorns 20

Try Scorers Sam Dobson, Matthew Ryan, Jake Upton, Harvey Levitt, Sean Withington
Man of the Match Mike Moye
Unsung Hero Cameron Jolley

Match Summary. A very high spirited game. Latchford could not fend off Moorfield's relentless attacks. The defensive line of Latchford was pressured from start to finish. Latchford put on brave faces and increased their efforts, leaving a shell shocked opposition, who couldn't stop a late Latchford onslaught. Unfortunately it was a little too late to make a total recovery

05/06/2005 v Wigan St Cuthbert's Tigers (home)
Played midweek but no report submitted

12/06/2005 v Westhoughton Lions (away)
Westhoughton Lions U9s - 20
Latchford Albion Unicorns U9s - 16

Try Scorers Kurt Whiteley
Sam Dobson
Sean Withington 2
Man of the Match Sean Withington
Unsung Hero Kurt Whiteley

This proved to be an end to end game. Plenty of skill was shown from this excellent defensive Latchford outfit. On a day when the weather conditions and state of play was against Latchford, this maturing team found the resolve to carry on. The determination the team put forward was well advanced of their years and their performance second to none.They were sound both in offence and defence and the line was breached by some dynamic, innovative moves. Kurt and Sam's pace was outstanding and Sean's power was unstoppable. Add in to the equation a sound team behind the try scorers resulted in a well deserved scoreline. This last match of the season is a warning to others next season that the team is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Back to top