Bragging Rights Belong To Leigh

Leigh visited Douglas Valley to resume their long standing rivalry with Wigan.
Before the game started the Leigh contingent were entertained to a pre-match luncheon which allowed them to reminisce with some of their friends both old and new.
The pitch was in perfect condition for rugby with little or no breeze in either teams favour.
The Wigan team paid little respect to Leigh's unbeaten record, putting the visitors under extreme pressure for the majority of the first half.
It looked only a matter of time before Wigan would chalk some points on the board, however, after opening Leigh's defence up with the try line wide open they somehow failed to deliver the killer pass.
Leigh's defence, to be fair, stuck manfully to their task holding out the rampant Wigan backs.
A rare foray by Leigh into the home sides twenty two saw Leigh creep back into the game, with a resulting penalty awarded to Leigh. This was duly converted by Rob Drake put them 3 points up in the 24th minute.
The last ten minutes of the first half gave some indication of what Leigh are capable of with strong forward play controlling both possession and territory. On the stroke of half time another penalty to Leigh converted again by Rob Drake gave Leigh an unlikely 6 point lead.

The second half was a complete reversal of fortunes with Leigh stepping up a couple of gears pinning the home side down deep in their twenty two.
Two set scrums with the Wigan pack at sixes and sevens saw quick handling down the line to put the ever improving Duffy over in the corner for the only try of the match.

Leigh, after only two minutes played in the second half were now 13 points up and took command with the Leigh pack in control.
It was only a matter of time before mistakes would be made by Wigan as they desperately tried to get some possession.
They gave yet another penalty away in the 67th minute, with Rob Drake once again doing the business.
With time running out and Leigh happy to shut up shop the home side threw the ball about with gay abandon, spear headed by scrum half Gambles and full back Gee, they made numerous incursions into Leigh's half.
These were repelled by excellent defensive work and astute kicking by Wilkinson and Drake. On the 79th minute a penalty under the posts for Leigh showed that Drake was human when he inexplicably mIssed.

A huge thanks to Wigan team, committee and spectators for a thoroughly enjoyable days rugby. See you on the 13th Dec !!!

Derek Leake Snr (Press Officer)