Latchford lose out in enthralling encounter

LATCHFORD Albion played their part in an enthralling encounter at West Bank – but ultimately went down 28-18.
In a game where the result was in the balance until the final minute, it was Albion who struck first with prop forward Craig Fleming using his strength to hold off two defenders to crash his way over near to the posts with George Briggs converting.
West Bank hit back with a converted try but Albion regained the lead when a break by Danny Brown (pictured) was supported by Lewis Johnson who raced in from 20 metres out, Briggs again converting.
With the half coming to a close the hosts registered a second converted try to leave the game all square at 12-12 at the interval.
An early score edged West Bank into the lead for the first time in the game and the following 20 minutes remained scoreless as some brutal defence from both sides neutralised any attacks.
The next score was to be crucial and unfortunately for Latchford, it was West Bank who crossed to open up a two score lead.
On 73 minutes Damian Lyon managed to break through the hosts’ defence to score with Briggs’ conversion making the score 24-18 and all to play for.
With time running out Latchford were camped on the West Bank line however a potential try scoring pass could not be collected and the ball was intercepted by the hosts’ centre who raced 70 yards to score and seal the victory.
Despite the defeat coaches Lee Smith and Dave Yii could both take positives from the game and said: “It is a measure of how we have progressed when we travel to a side who, only just over a year ago, were the premier division champions, and feel disappointed that we have not come away with the victory. The game was won on small margins and we will learn from this.
Apart from a 10 minute spell either side of half time where we
conceded two tries the game was an even match and after the game West Bank said it was their toughest game of the season, so we take the positives and learn from the negatives.”
This Saturday Latchford face a crucial trip to Ashton Bears where a victory will all but secure Albion’s place in next season’s Premier division.