Leigh RUFC 19---14 Carlisle RUFC

Despite a five week lay-off, Leigh continued their good form with an excellent win against title challenging Carlisle.
There were significant changes to the Leigh side with Paul Trumble, and Karl Lawrenson in the back row, Anthony Bentham at stand-off, and new centre Jahmene Allen who had an excellent debut.

Leigh made a good start but fell behind to a long penalty from the composed visiting stand-off Weightman. The home side hit back when a probing kick from Bentham put the visitors under pressure. Ryan McKinstry charged the clearing kick, and Bentham was on hand to provide the scoring pass for young full back Elliott Ryan.

The Leigh forwards were now in command as a unit and drove the team upfield. Bentham again put them in the corner, and an excellent catch and drive saw skipper Iain Wood awarded the try.

Leigh continued to dominate to the interval and kicked two penalties from Ryan, but this was matched by the visitors to leave Leigh leading 16—9 at the interval.

Carlisle now had use of the wind, and were to dominate long periods of the second stanza. Skipper Wood was yellow carded and the visitors took advantage to score from a catch and drive.
Fortunately for Leigh they retained the lead as Weightman missed the difficult conversion. Wood returned to settle the ship, and a penalty by Ryan gave Leigh breathing space. The outstanding Leigh defence led by centres Allen and McKinstry was able to weather the late pressure, and see Leigh home for an excellent victory, and continue their six match winning run.