A BELOW par performance from Latchford Albion saw them fall to defeat to Cumbrian rivals Walney Central 16-26.
In a game played in testing conditions, it was the visitors who adapted best and on the day deserved their victory.
The early stages showed no signs of what was to unfold with Albion dominating and, on 10 minutes, the returning George Briggs dummied his way over close to the line with Sean Boyle converting.
A try direct from dummy half, where the Albion defence was caught napping, brought Walney level after 25 minutes.
Despite having territorial advantage, and being held up over the line on two separate occasions, Latchford could not find a way through a resolute Walney defence and at half time the scores were level at 6 – 6.
The visitors started the half strongly, and seized the initiative with a converted try, giving them the lead for the first time in the game. Within five minutes the lead was extended with another converted try, giving Albion a tough task to try and get a foot-hold in the game.
With the hosts guilty of handling errors whilst trying to force a score to bring them back into the game, the visitors took full advantage and extended their lead taking the game away from Latchford.
Scores from Sean Boyle and Owen Nugent proved mere consolation on a disappointing afternoon for the home side.
Rylands 32 Latchford Albion A 28
Latchford A were cruelly denied victory in an end to end clash where the game was in the balance until the final whistle.
A full blooded affair saw one red card and three sin-binnings and despite a fantastic team effort, Latchford fell agonisingly short of securing the win.
Latchford’s tries came from
Jamie Sampson 2, Darren Hill, Russ Clarke and Dave Heathwood, with three conversions by Ste Hill and one from Rick Metcalfe.
Latchford’s man of the match was Rudi Stewart, with Jamie Sampson and Jake Ashton also putting in great performances.
This Saturday Latchford Albion travel to Halton Simms Cross, whilst the Alliance team have another derby when they host North West Tigers KO 2.30pm.
