LEIGH 7 ALDWINIANS 3

This was always going to be a tough match for Leigh against a very good Aldwinians 15.
Virtually unrecognizable from their first encounter in which Aldwinians were played off the park, the visitors at one stage looked the more likely winners,.
In the first half, with the strong wind in their favour, Leigh were immediately put on the defensive with wave after wave of attacking moves by Aldwinians which was repelled by a Leigh resolute defence.
Strong scrummaging and a dominance in the line out by the visitors kept Leigh pinned deep into their own half for long periods of time.
On a rare excursion into Aldwinians territory, Leigh gave an indication as to why they are top of the league, a period of unrelenting pressure by the Leigh pack gave them the chance to move the ball across the back line which was finished off in style by winger Olly Sheperd crossing the line. Rob Drake eased over the conversion from distance.
25 minutes played Leigh 7 Aldwinians 0.
Leigh then had to make unforeseen changes when the unfortunate Graham Robinson had to leave the field. This saw Alex Middleton Adams moved to number 8 and after 12 months after a serious injury the old war horse Paul Hampson returned to the fray.
The first half ended when a conversation between a Leigh player and the referee saw a penalty to Leigh reversed and the Aldwinians stand off said thank you very much and he promptly converted.

Half time Leigh 7 Aldwinians 3.

Commencing the second half, facing the elements, a very different Leigh team emerged. Paul Hampson displayed his expertise as a line out specialist by dominating the front of the line.
With Leigh gaining more possession from scrummages and line outs they started to go through the phases constantly breaking the game line, it was now the visitors who had to soak up pressure and this they did with relish stopping wave after wave of Leigh attacks.
Deep into the second half both teams appeared to be capable of scoring at any time, a break by the visitors backs was only just foiled by a desperate ankle tap which would have seen a certain 7 pointer. Leigh's pack found another gear again mounting numerous assaults on the opponent defence to no avail.
Outstanding for Leigh were Dave and Iain Woods, with Alex Middleton Adams having a strong game at No 8.

This was a most enjoyable, highly competitive game which was appreciated by the players, referee and spectators. Final score Leigh 7 Aldwinians 3.

Derek Leake Snr (Press Officer)