A LATE change of opponent proved no hassle for Latchford Albion on Saturday.

They were due to face Widnes Moorfield Tigers at Victoria Park but were informed two days prior to the game that their opponents would be unable to send a team due to a Covid outbreak.

Haydock stepped into the breach at short notice, but they proved no match for a Latchford side in red-hot form.

They ran in 13 tries – all of which were converted thanks to Matty Rudd's impeccable goal-kicking – to run up a dominant 76-12 scoreline.

It was their eighth win from 10 outings this year, meaning they stay top of North West Men’s League Division One.

“What Haydock did shows great character,” Albion head coach Martyn Ellis said.

“They put together a side in 24 hours and were willing to play us, despite a few late changes

“We still had a job to do, and we did it well.

“It would have been easy to deviate but they continued with the processes and stuck to the game plan, which was important as we have some big fixtures upcoming where this could possibly be the difference. “

Albion established dominance in the first half and effectively had the game won by half time.

Matty Nash and Ben Harper both scored twice, with Ryan Skidmore, Danny Brown, Alex Davies and Charlie McCurrie also crossing to put them 48-6 up at the break.

Nash and Davies both added two more after the interval while 17-year-old Robbie Harper rounded off the scoring with his first try for the club in only his second open-age appearance.

In Division Three, Crosfields A and Wigan Bulldogs could not be separated as the sides played out an 18-18 draw at Hood Lane.

Burtonwood Bridge kept up their 100 per cent record in Division Four – they beat Newton Storm 40-14 to make it seven wins from as many matches.

By contrast, neighbours Burtonwood Chargers were handed their first loss of the campaign.

They were beaten 36-28 at Runcorn but still lead Division Five South & East regardless.

The action continues apace this weekend, featuring a huge top-of-the-table clash in the National Conference League.

Crosfields, who are lead League C, welcome second-placed Clock Face Miners to Hood Lane knowing defeat could see them surrender top spot.

Meanwhile, Woolston Rovers will aim to recover from their derby loss and avoid a third straight defeat when they travel to Rochdale Mayfield.

In the North West Men’s League, there are home games for Culcheth Eagles, Woolston Rovers A and Burtonwood Chargers while Latchford Albion and Burtonwood Bridge are on the road.

Saturday’s fixtures (kick off 2.30pm unless stated):

National Conference League:

League C: Crosfields vs Clock Face Miners, Rochdale Mayfield vs Woolston Rovers.

North West Men’s League:

Division One: Hindley vs Latchford Albion

Division Three: Culcheth Eagles vs Salford City Roosters, Woolston Rovers A vs Leigh East A

Division Four: Clock Face Miners A vs Burtonwood Bridge

Division Five S&E: Burtonwood Chargers vs Ince Rose Bridge A