A last-minute converted try saw Wids put the skids under their old adversaries Leigh in a hard-fought encounter at a very wet Hand Lane.

Two penalties put the visitors ahead but a period of constant pressure near to the Widnes line set up an attacking scrum from which number eight Andy Newton barged his way over for a try converted by Rob Drake, who added two well-struck penalties at the start of the second half.

A sustained period of Widnes pressure brought the scores level again only for Leigh to retake the lead through another Rob Drake penalty in the 70th minute.

Widnes stormed back and their persistence was rewarded with several scrums near to the Leigh line.

Leigh repelled them on three occasions but in the final play of the game Widnes gave it their all and managed to drive over the Leigh line for the match-clinching try.

Man of the match for Leigh was their captain Ross Shepherd, who tackled his heart out.

Leigh’s next match is at home to fourth-placed Bowdon at Hand Lane on February 17, kick off 2.15pm.