WOOLSTON Rovers open their National Conference League Division Three season against Salford City Roosters on Saturday at Monks Sports Club, kick-off 2.30pm, on the back of a 24-10 warm-up win at Latchford Albion.

Alex Dunne, two, Nick Braide, Will Chadwick and Lewis Hoarty touched down for Rovers in a hard-fought victory, while Luke Hickman and Chris Griffiths crossed for Albion.

“We go into the game against Salford without knowing too much about them, having not faced them for many years but with them having dropped down from Division Two they are going to be keen to make an immediate return so we will be preparing for a tough encounter,” said Woolston head coach John Fieldhouse.

Albion head coach Lee Smith was pleased his side gave higher-level opponents a stern test.

“We had three players on debut and three players returning to the club after time away from the game, so this showed the strength and depth we have within our squad.

“The new recruits all fitted in well and once they are fully up to speed with all our plays and structures, will put us in a stronger position for the season ahead,” he said.

Albion: Luke Hickman; Carwyn Chamberlain, Stuart Simm, Adam Wadsworth, Mitch Smith; Chris Griffiths, Sean Boyle; Chris Nicholas, Adam Wood, Ryan Skidmore, Daniel Brown, Lewis Johnston, Daniel Brown. Subs: Craig Fleming, Damien Lyon, Danny Brown, Ian Johnson.

Rovers: Will Chadwick; Alex Dunne, Aaron Barber, Lewis Hoarty, Christian Taylor; Theo Holt, Billy Maunder; Jack Sherratt, Ryan Brown, Ryan Hickman, James Jones, Matt Clarke, Harry Files. Subs: Sam Roberts, Richard Potts, Kyle Brown, Nick Braide.

Latchford’s new alliance side showed good promise in a 20-4 defeat to Rylands Sharks.

Albion’s try came from Reece Forrest, with stand-out performances being produced by the returning Jake Ashton and new recruit Jack Phillips.

Captain Rick Metcalfe said: “I am very proud of every player who pulled a shirt on.

“While we have had a few training sessions as a squad, this was the first team we tested ourselves against and despite the result it was an encouraging performance.

“The challenge now is to keep increasing numbers and provide regular competition throughout the squad.”

With pre-season training continuing ahead of the season opener on Saturday, March 3, Latchford are still looking for players of all abilities to further enhance the squad.

For further details, visit the club’s designated website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Rovers’ under 18s marched into the last eight of the BARLA National Cup with a 44-0 defeat of Oldham St Annes.

Tries were scored by Todd Preston, two, Ben Moore, Dec Leonard, Will Ridge, Tom Gaskell, Joel Irvine and Jake Eccles, who also kicked five goals.

The man of the match was awarded to Rovers hooker Kieran Moore. He was well supported by prop forward Jacob Proudlove and winger Gaskell.

Rovers under 18s coach John Morris said: “That was another fine performance from the lads although we did try and force the pass when we didn’t need to.

“If we can have a little bit more patience and composure when we are in the opposition half then we will create a lot more scoring opportunities but I cannot fault the effort from each player.

“We can now look forward to the next round and hopefully continue our journey in this prestigious competition.”

Rovers: Jake Bray; Will Ridge, Ross McGlone, Callum Harnett-Smy, Tom Gaskell; Dec Leonard, Jake Eccles; Owen Hazlehurst, Kieran Moore, Jacob Proudlove, Todd Preston, Joel Irvine, Sean Millington. Subs: Audie Day, Ben Moore, Tom Lowe, Lewis Smith.