LATCHFORD Albion returned to winning ways showing a great response to their first defeat of the season last week, with a hard fought victory over a resilient Oldham St Anne’s side at Victoria Park.
Coaches Martyn Ellis and Dave Rudd showed the value of a strong squad, with seven changes from their last outing , and four players on debut.
It took a while for Albion to find rhythm and the visitors took an early lead with an unconverted try.
The hosts took the lead for the first time on 15 minutes, when Matty Nash continued his fine try scoring run when he crossed near the posts, Matty Rudd converting.
Two Charlie McCurrie tries in five minutes, both converted by Rudd , allowed Albion to extend their lead even further, and when half back Matty Ellis scored a converted try on the half hour mark, Latchford were in full control of the game.
A second try from the visitors, in the closing minutes of the half saw the half time score Latchford 24 Oldham St Annes 8.
As with the first half, the visitors started strongly after the break and registered a converted try to reduce the deficit.
A mistake from the resulting restart gave Albion great field position, and the opportunity was taken when centre Declan Rourke showed great strength to stretch out and score in the corner.
Captain Ben Harper was next to cross, when he joined the line from full back and scored out wide to further increase the hosts’ lead.
Again the visitors would not lie down, and they showed great spirit to score a converted try and with 65 minutes gone Albion held a 12 point lead at 32-20.
Any thought of a comeback was ended when hooker Jack Philips dummied his way over the line, and in the the closing minutes Nash crossed for his second try of the afternoon. Rudd added both conversions to complete the scoring and Albion ran out healthy victors at 44-20.
Next Saturday (26) sees a mouth watering clash at the Victoria Park Arena, where Latchford host an in form Hindley side
Pictured are 20 year old Ben Harper, who captained the side for the first time, alongside 17 year old brother Robbie, who made his first team debut.
