LATCHFORD Albion opened their 2023 NWML Premier Division campaign with a hard fought victory at Heysham Atoms.
With four players on debut, and testing conditions, it took Albion a while to gel and they found themselves 10 – 0 down at the break after the hosts had registered two tries and one conversion.
A great team talk from the Latchford coaching staff saw them move focus leading to a comeback starting on 45 minutes, when scrum half Matty Ellis spotted a gap in the Heysham defence and dummied his way over by the posts, Rob Marsh completing.
The hosts kicked a penalty shortly after to extend their lead to 6 points.
Latchford were quickly back on the scoresheet however, when fast hands across the line saw Robbie Harper squeeze in at the corner.
On the hour mark Albion took the lead for the first time. Again the ball was moved at pace across the line, but this time rather than passing to Harper, Sam Dobson cleverly dummied his way through the oncoming defence.
On 65 minutes the hosts levelled the score at 14 – 14, with a second penalty of the half.
The next score was to be crucial and fortunately it came Albion’s way.
Following some good field position created by props Jack Foulkes and Jack Sherratt, Niall Taylor sent a reverse pass to loose forward Ben Harper, who got on the outside of his man and crossed near the posts, Marsh adding the conversion.
Heysham laid siege to the Albion line in the closing stages but a well organised defence, marshalled by man of the match Charlie Groarke (pictured), saw the visitors hold on for a great victory.
Next Saturday Latchford will be on their travels again, when they face Orrell St. James kick off 2.30pm
Latchford Albion open campaign with hard fought victory
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