LATCHFORD Albion fell to a tough 10-42 defeat when they faced a very experienced Orrell side…
Despite the scoreline, coach Martyn Ellis was not too downbeat and said: “ Ourselves and Orrell are on completely different journeys. They are the current champions and are an established squad who have been together many years.
“We are in a transition period with us being such a young squad so the result was probably not the most telling part of the game.
“Our lads will hopefully gain invaluable experience from playing sides like that which will put them in good shape for the future. We had some good spells, and asked quite a few questions of them, and we never gave up which was pleasing to see. “
Albion got off to the worst possible start when an error in their opening set gave the visitors good field position, which they duly took advantage of to race into an 0-6 lead.
The next 30 minutes were then competitive with both sides testing each other out, and it was the 35th minute before the next score came. Unfortunately it was for the visitors who hit a purple patch registering three tries in the final six minutes of the half to seize control of the game at the break
Half time score was Latchford 0 Orrell St.James 22
Orrell continued in the opening 10 minutes of the second half with two further scores, before the hosts opened their account for the evening.
River Cole put a nicely weighted kick through and Marshall Hayes showed great ability to touch down in the corner, Jack Phillips converting.
Orell scored again to extend their advantage, but Albion did have the final say when the ball was moved out wide and Cole forced his was over.
Albion’s man of the match was Alex Davies (pictured above) who, despite being sin-binned, put in a great shift at loose forward with 38 tackles and 12 carries.
Albion now have a week off before another home fixture on June 1 when they host Halton Farnworth Hornets.
