A RUTHLESS display saw Latchford Albion dispatch Chorley Panthers 42-0 away from home and continue their unbeaten start to the season, courtesy of a hat-trick hero.

They are top of North West Men’s League Division One and one of two teams to have a perfect record, with Chorley slumped at the bottom.

Albion took an early lead thanks to the first of three from Matty Nash as he collected Matty Rudd’s pass to cross between the posts, and the latter converted.

Within five minutes the lead was doubled. This time Sam Dobson raced in from 20 metres, and once again Rudd converted.

On the half-hour mark, Nash crossed again and, with Albion in complete control, full-back Ben Harper got in on the act as Rudd converted both attempts for a comfortable 24-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, the hosts applied early pressure once again, but Latchford held firm.

It did not take long for Nash to complete his hat-trick with a fine solo try from 40 metres out, and Rudd was on cue with two more points.

Chorley’s effort could not be faulted, but an organised Albion defensive display kept them scoreless, including an impressive 31 tackles from Danny Brown and 27 from Charlie McCurrie.

The last 10 minutes saw the visitors cross twice more, with 17-year-old Joe Grundy going over in the corner after he supported Nash's break, before Jamie Birchall put the seal on a fine victory scoring in the final minute.

Rudd kept up his 100 per cent kicking record to cap a fine afternoon for Albion.