Latchford’s fine victory over champions

LATCHFORD Albion’s recent good form continued with an outstanding victory over last year’s league champions Haydock.
The first points of the game did not arrive until the 15 minute mark and went the way of the hosts, when prop forward Fraser Jones-Lake barged his way over from short range with George Briggs converting.
A mistake from the restart gifted Haydock good field position, which they took full advantage of to register a converted try and level the scores.
Albion regained the lead when, centre Adam Wadsworth scored a 50 metre solo effort outpacing the oncoming defence to cross under the posts. Briggs’ conversion left the half time score at 12 – 6.
Haydock came out with a greater urgency in the second half and within 10 minutes of the restart had registered two tries and a conversion taking the lead for the first time.
Albion began to get a foothold in the game and on the hour mark Andy Unsworth used his strength to hold off three defenders and score out wide, Briggs’ conversion nudging the hosts back in the lead which was increased shortly after with a try from George Briggs who dummied his way over.
With the hosts leading by six points the game was in the balance entering the last 10 minutes but the victory was sealed when Damian Lyon broke a tackle and outpaced the Haydock full back to race 30 metres to seal a great victory for Latchford.
Coach Lee Smith was understandably happy and said:  “Over the last month we have beaten a previously undefeated side, and today we have defeated the current champions. I couldn’t be more proud of my players and these results are just rewards for the effort and commitment they are showing both on, and off the field.
“Our completion rate was poor in the first half but it is a testament to our squad that we were still leading at half time.
“We are on a great run of form and the challenge now is to improve week on week and if we do this the results will continue to look after themselves. ”
This Saturday  sees a further home fixture when Heysham Atoms visit the Asics Victoria Park Arena when a feast of Rugby will be available with Latchford under 12’s,9’s and 7’s all playing prior to the first team game.