LATCHFORD Albion finally returned to action on Saturday, when they travelled to Premier Division side Orrell St James.
Although the result was not the most important aspect, – Albion went down 28-4 – credit must be given to both sides who adhered to Covid guidelines while providing an entertaining spectacle.
In a close first half, the hosts registered a converted try on the half hour mark to hold a slender 6-0 half- time lead. However a purple patch of three tries in 10 second half minutes saw the game taken away from the visitors. Albion’s solitary score came courtesy of a well worked try finished off well by centre Ben Harper.
Coach Martyn Ellis saw the positives of the performance and said “ I purposely chose this fixture against a side who I believe will be at the top of their division this season. It was a chance for me to see where we are at in regards to preparation for the upcoming season, as well as showing my players the level that they need to aspire to. For a first hit out in 12 months we went well, there were certainly more positives than negatives, with players such as Matty Nash and Charlie McCurrie continuing their good form from before we went into lockdown. “
Albion had four debutants on display in Gareth Fairhurst and Aaron Povell, as well as two former Albion juniors in Declan Rourke and 17 year old Joe Grundy, who all acquitted themselves well during the game, and have continued the trend in successfully transferring from Junior to open age.
Pre season continues again this week with two tough training sessions at Victoria Park, before a second friendly on Saturday away to Culcheth Eagles.
