LATCHFORD Albion played their part in an entertaining Stuart Middleton Foundation cup final at the Victoria Park Arena but ultimately went down 44-16 to a strong Woolston Rovers side.
Played in front of a healthy crowd, the visitors took the early initiave and raced into a 10 – 0 lead in the opening 15 minutes.
Latchford responded when the ball was spread excellently across the line and wing Adam Wadsworth had the space to cross in the corner.
A further Woolston try kept them out in front, but on the stroke of half time hooker Phil Woolacott managed to dummy his way over from close range, Briggs conversion seeing the half time score of,
Latchford 10 Woolston 14
Albion came out strong in the second half and took the lead when prop Fraser Jones-Lake used his strength to hold off two defenders and cross by the posts, again Briggs converting.
With Latchford hitting the front for the first time it was hoped they could kick on and take a firm grip on the game, however it was not to be. Albion lost Wadsworth And Woolacott to injury within the space of five minutes disrupting the team.
A well organised Woolston side spotted the opportunity and quickly registered a try double to regain the lead.
At 16-20 at the hour mark the game was still in the balance but it was the visitors who went on to seal the victory, taking full advantage of a tiring Latchford side to give the score an unflattering look.
Credit must be given to both sides who played the game in the true spirit of the cup and Albion could take positives that in a season of transition they were competitive for large patches against opposition who ply the trade in a higher division.
