Late comeback not enough for Latchford

A LATE comeback from Latchford proved in vain as Albion fell to a 29-24 defeat at league leaders Mayfield in a pulsating encounter.
The visitors paid the price for a poor first half performance, where numerous handling errors gifted field position to the home side. It was only through some resolute defending that the score was restricted to 13-0 at the break.
Two early scores, at the start of the second half, threatened to take the game away from Albion but they dug deep and registered two tries of their own in three minutes to claw their way back into the game.
Firstly Stu Simm broke, and fed the ball onto Adam Wadsworth who rounded the opposition full back to score under the posts, Lewis Johnston converted.
From the restart Latchford received a penalty for a high tackle, allowing them good field position, which George Briggs took full advantage of to dummy his way over the Mayfield line, Chris Griffith converting.
Rochdale scored a converted try, and after 65 minutes Latchford had a mountain to climb, trailing 29 – 12.
With 10 minutes left, Chris Griffiths scored a fine solo try and added the extras, to reduce the deficit and give the visitors hope of a remarkable comeback.
On 77 minutes, George Briggs scored a carbon copy of his first try, and Johnston’s conversion brought Albion to within one score of victory.
Despite constant pressure, the Mayfield defence held on to secure a crucial win
This Saturday Latchford host premier division side Orrell St James in a NWML cup clash, kick off 2.30pm at the ASICS Victoria Park Arena.
Albion enter the game missing two key players in Danny Brown and Phil Woollacott (pictured above).
Both players are travelling to Italy on Friday to represent the NWML England Lionhearts tour, which is a just reward for their consistent high levels of performance over the last 12 months.
Latchford’s Alliance side are also in cup action this weekend when they travel to Spring View A