Ben Harper hat-trick secures victory for Latchford

A 79th minute try from Ben Harper saw Latchford Albion snatch a dramatic 20-24 victory at Halton Farnworth Hornets.
The hosts were first on the scoresheet registering a penalty, and converted try in the opening 10 minutes.
Latchford then suffered the wrath of the referee leading to continual penalties being conceded, and when captain Dan Brown questioned the decisions, he was duly sent to the sin-bin.
With Albion down to 12, Halton found space out wide to cross and extend their lead to 12-0 after 20 minutes.
But two quick fire tries showed the spirit within the visitors side. Both were scored by Harper.
The first followed a great kick by Charlie Groarke which the hosts could not deal with, and the ball was quickly worked along the line allowing Harper to cross.
The next try was following a great pass by scrum half Matty Ellis, who freed Harper to score his second.
With both converted by Rob Marsh the sides were level at 12-12 at the break.
An early Halton penalty in the second half saw them take the lead, but Albion soon led for the first time during the game when, following a fantastic break by Louis Norton, the ball was recycled to Dan Brown who raced in under the posts, Marsh converting.
On 75 minutes Halton struck with a converted try to lead 20-18 but again Albion dug deep and were rewarded when Harper (pictured) barged his way over to claim the victory – and his bat trick – for the visitors, Marsh again adding the extras.
A final Hornets attack was repelled and Latchford came away with the points.
Coach Martyn Ellis said “ We showed true spirit today. Our team was a very young side who stood up well to the challenge. Even when it seemed things weren’t going our way, they stuck to the game plan we had and remained patient which put us in a position to get that much needed victory”