LEIGH RUFC 29---14 FLEETWOOD RUFC

After narrow defeats to Widnes and Wirral Leigh got their league campaign going with an impressive win against a competitive Fleetwood outfit. The newly promoted visitors arrived with an athletic looking, young squad, and were quickly on the attack. Leigh were able to defend this early onslaught, and began to move the ball upfield using their strong ball carriers. They went to the corner from their first penalty, and an excellent catch and drive saw skipper Iain Wood score the first try. The Leigh backs and forwards were now combining well, and pacy winger Adam Dyson was put clear. He kicked ahead and appeared to be impeded, but the loose ball was gathered by Cavin Crompton who scored in the corner.
Leigh were now playing good rugby, and a delightful long pass from fly half Jimmy Wilkinson saw Dyson score in the corner. The important bonus point try came in first half injury time when centre Jason Carson rounded his man with ease to score by the posts. Young winger Elliot Ryan converted to put Leigh in total control at the break
With a 22 point lead Leigh continued to press, and Wilkinson took advantage of a lucky bounce to race to the posts from half-way. Ryan again provided the extras. The last quarter of the game was to belong to the visitors as Leigh seemed to relax a little. Fleetwood were rewarded with two converted tries by their pacy left wing, both scored from deep after good turnovers.
Coach Naylor was particularly pleased with the effective combination play and link between backs and forwards.