LIVERPOOL ST HELENS 35 LEIGH 20

Leigh with numerous changes introduced several players from their successful unbeaten A team, however, the step up in fitness levels playing techniques and pace of the game proved to be too much for them over the 80 minutes.

The first half Leigh looked quite lively and it came as no surprise when the in form Jimmy Wilkinson started the move of the match, the backs showing their handling skills to put Rob Drake under the posts who then converted his own try on ten minutes. The home side then applied forward pressure, punching holes in the Leigh defence which allowed them to progress slowly but steadily into the Leigh's 22.
A line out was the catalyst for Liverpool St. Helens first score with a well organised driving maul. Seventeen minutes played it was all square at 7 all.
Leigh regained the lead with a penalty to put them 10 - 7 up, the Moss siders then scored a fantastic try with swift handling deep in their own 22.
This sent their winger racing 70 metres to score under the Leigh posts. Quality ball from a line out put Leigh's nippy scrum half Paddy Barry under the posts after wrong footing the home defence. Rob Drake converted to put Leigh back into the lead.

Commencing the second half the lead quickly changed hands with the forward supremacy of the home side began to show through, driving Leigh backwards to register a converted try. Again Rob Drake put Leigh to within one point with a converted penalty. From then on it was all Liverpool St. Helens who proved too strong for Leigh up front, starving Leigh of any quality possession.
Two more tries by the home side put the game to bed against a Leigh side who were well beaten on the day bringing the final score to Liverpool St. Helens 35 Leigh 20.

The Leigh debutant players all showed signs of early promise which augers well for the future of the club.

Derek Leake Snr (Press Officer)