Leigh RUFC 17-0 Wilmslow RUFC

Leigh entertained old rivals from Cheshire looking to steady the ship, after two indifferent performances. Wilmslow came into the game full of confidence after an excellent win at Wirral.

Leigh were grateful to an army of volunteers who had cleared water from the pitch to allow the game to take place. The home side rewarded this effort with an excellent display in both attack and defence to completely dominate their opponents. The Leigh tackling on the day was physical and intense, which quickly set the platform for a go forward performance.

Leigh were quickly on the attack but lacked the ball control to find the early score. However, they continued to dominate field position and were prepared to be patient. They battered the visitors till the gaps started to appear, and David Penn found Adam Dyson, whose pace took him through the stretched defence, for Elliott Ryan to add the conversion. Ryan added a penalty as Leigh continued to press.

Wilmslow started the second period well but missed an easy penalty chance. This was to prove critical as Leigh sensed it was to be their day. They moved upfield through good combination play between backs and forwards, with centre Jermaine Allen carrying strongly. Wilmslow were pinned back in their own 22, and prop Matt Newton charged down the clearing kick. Newton used the mud to his advantage as he slid over the line. Ryan hit a delightful conversion to end the scoring.

This was an excellent 18 man performance by Leigh, but special mention must go to young flankers Paul Trumble and Chris Cowley who continue to improve with every game.