In a first ever encounter between Leigh and St Benedicts on a pitch that said 'please play Rugby on me' what should have been a rugby spectacle turned into a stop start penalty strewn disappointing affair.

After 3 minutes, Drake gave Leigh an early lead with a well struck penalty. This was counteracted by the visitors with their first attempt at goal.
Good work by promising winger Olly Shepherd created room for a seven pointer scored by centre Dyson.
With Leigh seemingly in charge a penalty and a great interception try from their own 22 put the Saints in contention, to trail 13-11 at half time.

Leigh found themselves under the cosh for the first twenty minutes of the second half with good defensive work keeping the visitors at bay. A break by the impressive Wilkinson took Leigh deep into the visitors 22, resulting in a lineout,
From this, Drake showed his class with a superb side step and dummy to put Ross Shepherd over the line under the sticks, a simple conversion for Drake followed.
Two further converted tries - one a scrambled affair by skipper Wood and a fine try by Dyson to provide the bonus point put Leigh well clear.
At this late stage of the game, St. Benedicts were visibly wilting and Leigh finished the job off with Wilkinson showing determination and speed to score the final try,

The Leigh backs who are showing a marked improvement on last seasons performances should be well pleased with their efforts.

~Derek Leake Snr (Press Officer)~