Latchford Albion 8

A STRONG first-half display ensured league-leaders Recs secured a comfortable victory over the sluggish Warrington outfit.

The home side made sure there was no hangover following the pre-Christmas slip-up in Roose as they ran in five first-half tries.

In phases some of Recs' attacking play was excellent, though they were helped by desperate defending from Albion.

Hooker John Ford instigated the opening try when he put Barry Pope clear down Recs' left flank. The winger then drew the full back before sending his centre Andy Lyons in from 30 yards.

Moment later Lyons crossed for his second, but this time it was all his own work. From a scrum he jinked past two defenders and had too much pace for the cover as he darted in from halfway. Pope converted both tries.

With forwards, Neil Morris, veteran Ian Connolly and Rick Shaw on top down the middle there was plenty of space for Recs' creative players to prise open the visitors.

First scrum-half Ste Rawsthorne sent skipper John Rees over and then stand-off Tim Critchley exchanged passes with full-back Mark Ashton before going beneath the posts.

Prop Rick Shaw then got in on the scoring when he touched down a cross-field grubber kick by Rawsthorne, which Pope goaled.

Albion did get a try before the break but at 28-4 the match was effectively over and conditions deteriorated in the second half the open rugby petered out somewhat.

Bizarrely, during a hail storm, a cluster of Albion players left the field to shelter under a tree, leaving the referee to hold-up play for several minutes until they returned to the field.

The remainder of the game saw both sides slog it out down the middle, with non-stop backrower Andy Burns outstanding for Recs.

Rees, meanwhile, went over for his second with a typical charge and Albion scored a consolation.

Recs travel to unbeaten Lancashire Cup holders Bank Quay Bulls on Saturday for a match that will determine Recs challenge for the NWC division one title.