LATCHFORD Albion fell to a 20-12 home defeat in a game against Blackbrook where Martyn Ellis’ young side were competitive throughout.

Albion were never in front in the North West Men's League Premier Division clash and trailed 18-0 early in the second half but never gave up and fired back with two tries.

Ellis said: “Effort wise, we were really good, especially when we fell behind.

“We got ourselves back into the game and maybe if we had another five minutes we could have gone on to get something from the game.

“Our try scorers were 18 and 17 years old, and both have played less than 10 open age games of rugby, so it shows the quality we have coming through the system.

“We just needed that little bit extra to get you the win but with time and experience that will come.”

When Latchford failed to deal with a high kick, the visitors took full advantage to open the scoring with a converted try.

On the half-hour mark the lead was extended. Back-to-back penalties gave Brook good field position and they found space to cross again in the corner.

When the St Helens outfit crossed for their third try, after the break, the game could easily have run away from the hosts but they showed great spirit to launch a comeback.

Josh Barnard crossed with a 30-metre solo effort, leaving three defenders in his wake, and Sam Dobson converted.

Ten minutes later the deficit was reduced to a single score when hooker Lewis Johnson showed great strength to ground the ball despite the attention of three defenders, Dobson again converting.

With 15 minutes remaining, Albion continued to try and get a score that could possibly level up the game but despite some good pressure, the visitors’ line held firm.

A penalty on the hooter ensured the visitors took the spoils as they climbed to third place, while Albion remain bottom.

This weekend Albion make the trip to Ashton Bears in a game which is likely to be brought forward to tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.