Hatton: I want quick try record

Playing against Egremont, Hatton chased a long, spiralling kick-off from Dan Birkett which the visiting defence were unable to take.

Hatton anticipated the bounce perfectly and touched down by the side of the posts – with only 7.3 seconds gone.

The try was recorded on camera and, after the clip went viral, Hatton and his pals are hoping to achieve official recognition and a place in the history books.

“I’ve had a load of messages since the game, my phone’s been red-hot!” Hatton told the Observer. “I knew it had to be one of the quickest tries, but you don’t know for sure. We then had a look at the records and realised it was up there.

“We’ve applied to try and get into the Guinness Book of Records. Our coach, Darren Fletcher, has downloaded the application form and it’s being submitted.

“Thankfully it was recorded so the time is there for everyone to see.”

Touching down was the last thing in the 27-year-old’s mind as he chased Birkett’s spiralling kick-off.

“I just wanted to get up there and make the first tackle, that’s all you’re focused on,” Hatton revealed.

“Credit to Dan Birkett for the kick, it spiralled all over the place and made it impossible to catch.

“The lad trying to catch it got nowhere near it and I’ve gambled, hoping for a lucky bounce and it couldn’t have gone any more perfect for me.

“The rest of the lads are sick of hearing about it already!”

Amazingly, it’s not the first time Hatton has touched down within seconds of a kick-off.

“I scored one similar for St Pat’s Under-16s against Hindley,” he revealed.

“The kick-off hit the post that time and I managed to touch it down by the side of the posts.

“That was after one of their tries though, not from the start, so it didn’t count for the fastest try record.”

Pat’s took full advantage of Hatton’s early score to overcome Egremont by 40-22 and move back to the top of the NCL Premier Division table.