Chorley Panthers 12 Latchford Albion 16

LATCHFORD Albion opened their North West Men’s League Division One campaign with a victory at Chorley on Saturday.

Leading 10-6 in the second half, the next score was going to be crucial and Danny Brown produced the goods for the Victoria Park men.

In a scrappy opening period, the only points put on the board were when Latchford forward Chris Ashbrook barged his way over to score a first try for the open-age side.

Albion controlled the ball with more accuracy after the interval.

They were rewarded when Joe Clarke raced in from 30 metres, with Luke Hickman converting.

Chorley then enjoyed a purple patch.

A spell of pressure earned them a repeat set, and when they crossed the deficit was reduced to 10-6.

The stage was set for a hero to emerge - and he was wearing maroon.

Brown beat three defenders to cross by the posts, with Hickman again converting.

That proved to be enough to secure victory.

Chorley did score with the last play of the game, but it was only a consolation on a day when Latchford deservedly took the spoils.

Their next fixture is away to fellow promotion-hopefuls Folly Lane on Saturday week, April 2.