LATCHFORD Albion fell 30-28 to a last minute defeat at local rivals Simms Cross in their Division One fixture.
The first half was a tight affair with an early Simms Cross try cancelled out by Sean Boyle’s solo effort, leaving four defenders in his wake, and with Lewis Johnson converting the scores were locked at half time 6-6.
Albion came out strongly in the second half and a Jack Phillips pass set Phil Woolacott free and he rounded the hosts full back to cross near the posts, Johnson converting. However shortly after, an Albion handling error allowed Simms Cross the opportunity to collect the loose ball and race 70 yards to level the scores.
Latchford regained the lead when, following a set play from the base of the scrum, the ball was moved along the line at pace, allowing Adam Wadsworth the position and space to score out wide.
On the hour, the lead was switched back to Simms Cross’ favour following a converted try.
The score seemed to spur Albion on, and the forwards began to make inroads into the home defence, gaining valuable territory of which they took full advantage of. On the sixth tackle the ball was worked out wide to wing Jake Ashton who used what little space he had to chip over the oncoming defence and regather to score a fine solo try, Johnson adding the extras and when, with six minutes remaining, Boyle raced in for his second try of the afternoon, Latchford believed they had the game in the bag, leading by ten points.
A Simms Cross try brought the game back within one score but with time running out, a speculative play from the hosts saw them break the Latchford line and cross under the posts and snatch an unlikely victory away from Latchford’s grasp.
Albion’s man of the match was Jake Ashton for his tireless work during the game.
Latchford Albion A 72 North West Tigers 6
Latchford celebrated their first game under new coaches Dave Yii and Graeham Bowles with a resounding victory over their local rivals.
A strong start saw Albion cross three times in the opening ten minutes, Damian Lyon crossing twice, with hooker Lloyd Feather scoring the third, Rick Metcalfe converting all three to open up an early 18-0 lead.
The onslaught continued with further tries from Kamon Smith (2), Kyle Johnston, and Lyon who completed his hat-trick. Metcalfe weighed in with three further conversions and at half-time Albion were in complete control at 40-0.
The second half followed a similar trend with the tries continuing at regular intervals from Damian Lyon, Joe Clarke (2), Lloyd Feather, Luke Gorry, with two conversions from Metcalfe, and three from the impressive Anton Mason.
Credit must be given to the visitors who, although outclassed, never gave up and were rewarded with a well worked try.
The final word however went to the hosts who wrapped up proceedings with a final try to Jamie Sampson.
Mman of the match was Lloyd Feather who was pushed close by Stephen Lowe, and Anton Mason who put in strong performances in a fantastic team effort.
Head coach Dave Yii was understandably pleased and said “Our message before the game was to stick
