LATCHFORD Albion got back to winning ways with a good 16-20 victory at Shevington Sharks.
The victory pleased coach Martyn Ellis who said: “That result was a great reward for a group of lads who stick together and never give up. We have suffered a horrendous injury list recently, which have meant more of our under 18’s having to step up and they should have a stunning future.
“The plan was to gradually introduce them to open age rugby, but circumstances have meant they have probably played a lot more minutes than anticipated and I have seen them grow in such a short space of time.
“I had Lewis Johnston moving to 6 in only his third ever open age game, Jack McCaarthy making his debut, alongside Logan Lagar and Harrison Cliffe who are improving with every game but have less than 20 open age appearances between them.
“The hard work the junior coaches put in has allowed such a smooth transition and it’s exciting to see how far these young lads will go. “
Albion started well and opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Logan Lagar barged his way over the Shevington line, Lewis Johnson converting.
The lead was short lived however as the hosts quickly responded with a converted try to level the scores.
On 30 minutes the visitors regained the lead when full back Ben Harper joined the line at speed and raced in at the corner.
On the stroke of half time Shevington levelled the score again at 10-10 with an unconverted try.
As with the first half, it was Albion who started strongly and two tries in five minutes swung the game in their favour.
First, Dec Rourke crossed for a good try, and soon after Harper scored a carbon copy of his first half try, Johnson adding one conversion and on the hour mark the visitors held a 10 point advantage.
On 77 minutes a converted try from Shevington threatened a comeback, but the Albion defence held firm and repelled any thoughts of the hosts snatching a late victory which would have been cruel for Martyn Ellis’ side who were never behind during the game.
Latchford have a free weekend before hosting Heysham Atoms on July 8.
