LATCHFORD Albion lifted the Greenalls Warrington Amateur Rugby League Cup for the first time at Wilderspool on Wednesday.

Albion swept to a 17-4 success against a Weaverham Rangers side from a division below them in North West Counties.

The rain downpour before kick-off made for a splash-effect playing surface and the conditions probably played their part in Weaverham prop forward Geoff Hand badly breaking his left leg in a fair two-man tackle.

Hand's injury, in the 29th minute, led to a 24 minutes stoppage in play until Hand was safely stretchered into an ambulance.

The delay helped Albion patch up their wounded skipper Sean Mellor who had been struggling with a head cut.

He was determined to finish the game and by the time he lifted the cup at the final whistle his head was covered in that much green tape it looked as if he was wearing a swim cap.

His brave performance was matched in inspiration by scrum half Bobby Hall. He took a lot of 'stick' off the ball but his try two minutes after the interval was the killer blow for Weaverham.

Man of the match was Weaverham back rower Andy Butler for his powerful running and it gave a brief highlight to a night of disappointment for Rangers.

Latchford's tries were scored by Gordon Whittaker, Neil Dickenson and Hall. Mellor kicked two goals and Hall added a drop goal. Butler scored Weaverham's solitary try.

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