LATCHFORD Albion and Culcheth Eagles will face each other this weekend after both made their return to action on Saturday.

Amateur rugby league got going again at the weekend after more than a year off the pitch due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning thousands of players from all over the country could get back to the sport they love.

Culcheth go into the game in winning form having beaten Leigh East at Shaw Street at the weekend

The Eagles had trailed 12-4 at the interval, with Charlie Maxted's opening score cancelled out by two tries for the visiting side who had earlier seen Adam Whiteside sent off for his part in a mass brawl.

However, the half-time words of head coach Darryl Appleby had the desire effect at the hosts ran out 30-18 winners.

Paul Martin's superb try from dummy-half was followed by Josh Knox touching down Adam Rainford's kick before a stunning 80-metre effort from Jake Knox, who carved open the Leigh defence down the left.

Crisp passing from left to right then saw Matt Appleby touch down before a top-class finish in the corner from Mike Rushton confirmed the victory, which also featured three goals from Jake Maxted.

Meanwhile, Latchford lost 28-4 at North West Men's League Premier Division side Orrell St James but head coach Martyn Ellis said there were positives aplenty for his side.

Albion, who gave debuts to four players in Gareth Fairhurst, Aaron Povell and former club juniors Declan Rourke and Joe Grundy, got their only points thanks to a well-worked try from centre Ben Harper.

"I purposely chose this fixture against a side who I believe will be at the top of their division this season," Ellis said.

"It was a chance for me to see where we are at in regards to preparation for the upcoming season, as well as showing my players the level that they need to aspire to.

"For a first hit-out in 12 months we went well – there were certainly more positives than negatives, with players such as Matty Nash and Charlie McCurrie continuing their good form from before we went into lockdown."

The friendly clash between Culcheth and Latchford takes place at Shaw Street on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Competitive fixtures are due to resume on the weekend of May 8-9.

Additional reporting by Dave Parkinson and Andrew Rowlinson

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