Chorley Panthers 12 Latchford Albion 16
LATCHFORD Albion opened their Division 1 league campaign with a fine 16-12 victory at Chorley.
In a scrappy first half the only points went to Albion when forward Chris Ashbrook barged his way over to score his first-ever try for the open age side.
Latchford controlled the ball with more accuracy in the early stages of the second half and were rewarded when Joe Clarke raced in from 30 yards, Luke Hickman converting.
Credit to Chorley though who had a good spell of pressure and following a repeat set they crossed to reduce the deficit to 6-10.
The next score was to be crucial and fortunately this came the way of the visitors when Danny Brown beat three defenders to cross by the posts, again Hickman converting.
Chorley gained some consolation points in the dying minutes of the game, but Latchford deservedly took the spoils.
The next fixture is away to fellow promotion hopefuls Folly Lane on Saturday April 2 at 2.30pm
