Leigh East 20, East Hull 6: LEIGH East had planned and prepared for a good start to life back in the National Conference League Premier Division and that was exactly what they got with a creditable victory over East Hull.

Lee Radford's big, experienced East Hull outfit were one of last season's leading lights, constant contenders for the championship who finished the season in third place.

But they were knocked out of their stride by a Leigh East side that had tightened its defence, smartened up its discipline and bettered the much-fancied Humbersiders in every department.

Hooker Gary Weyems worked hard for Hull but blotted his copy book with the sin-binning which gave Dave Radley the chance to stretch Easts lead to seven points.

Stand-off Blanchard and second rower Madeley also looked good for the visitors but once East had gradually begun to work their way on top their stirring second half performance saw them finish as comfortable victors.

Carl Redford continued his pre-season form with a try in each half - the first coming with little over a minute on the clock - and a powerful all-round performance. Winger Craig Perry, moving up from East's Under 18s, took his senior league debut in his stride showing no fear for his older and wiser opponents. At half back Kilshaw and Peters structured the attacking play.

But it was in the forwards where Man of the Match Gary Greenough showed why he is a GB International and where Tooze, Radley, Lewis, and Cocka all combined to lay the foundations for the win.

The scores were level at 6-6 at the interval with centre Brett scoring a try and Radley and Blanchard kicking a goal apiece. But the second half was dominated by East both defensively and on attack and within seven minutes had restored their lead with Redford's second try.

Peters made it 11-6 with a 64th minute drop goal then Radley virtually sealed the win with his 75th minute penalty. East were not done though and John Taylor intercepted from the base of a scrum to race 30 yards under the posts, Radley goaling.

Still Easts kept chasing points and with the game ticking into injury time Kilshaw closed the scoring with a drop goal.