Altrincham Kersal RUFC 5-8 Leigh RUFC

Leigh continued their fine form with a win in Cheshire against opponents they have not beaten in recent history. This win extended their league run to eight out of the last nine. The match itself was a scrappy affair with both teams having selection problems.
Leigh started the better but lacked the continuity of recent weeks. Altrincham had their period of dominance, but failed to convert a penalty shot. Leigh then returned to the attack and Elliott Ryan converted a fine penalty to give Leigh a narrow lead. This lead was to be maintained to the interval when the home side missed a second penalty.
The second period continued much in the same vein, with neither side able to assert authority. Leigh began to gain the ascendency, but were unlucky to have David Penn sin-binned when he took exception to foul play by his second-row opponent. Leigh however chose this moment to turn the game and when Penn returned they were well on top. For the first time in the game, they maintained possession, and showed the required patience. The ball was moved to full-back Elliott Ryan, who was driven over by Adam Dyson and the forwards for a well worked try. Leigh now showed their excellent defensive qualities to close down the game. The home side did however score a late try to win a losing bonus point.
The day was not one for outstanding individual performances, but special mention must go to the second row pairing of David Penn and Paul Hampson , who have been synonymous with the revival in Leigh fortunes.