Leigh Top the Table in Fine Style

The visitors who thus far had been unbeaten showed that they meant business when sustained pressure kept Leigh on the back foot.

From a break- down near Leigh's try line Wilkinson opened the visitors defence to surge down the left flank followed by a clever kick which wrong footed the defence to allow Winger Olly Shepherd to gather and score under the sticks.
This was converted by Drake on the 17th minute.
Late in the first half Leigh were reduced to 14 men when their 'bearded' back row player received a yellow card. Back came Hawcoat Park but to no avail, strong tackling by the whole of the Leigh outfit keeping their line intact.

Half time Leigh 7 Hawcoat Park 0.

Commencing the second period, Leigh, still with 14 men on the field kept the visitors pinned in their own half and It was only a matter of time before this pressure was turned into points which came through two converted penalties.
At this stage of the game Leigh looked well in charge.
Good running and ball retention with Millard leading the way had the Park defence at sixes and sevens.
Prop forward Newton got on the score sheet with a seven pointer that was quickly followed by veteran scrum half Dave Woods outstripping the defence to score a well deserved try.
The Bonus point was added in the dying seconds of the match when great hands by the Leigh three quarters, moving the ball at speed gave Olly Shepherd room to show his class, racing down the wing and outstripping the defence to put Wilkinson in behind the sticks.

A satisfactory day for the coaching staff, players, outstanding referee and vociferous spectators made for a thoroughly enjoyable days rugby.
Many thanks to numerous spectators from Hawcoat who made the journey south and to the players who really did put the effort in.

Derek Leake Snr (Press Officer)