West Hull 0, Leigh East 26: THOSE who may have doubted Leigh East's capabilities of not only surviving in the National Conference League Premier Division, but also of making a real impact, needed to be at Walter Simpson Park at the weekend to see their performance against West Hull.

There are those who will argue that once mighty West Hull are not the force they once were.

But they were still a big, bruising, physical outfit that pushed East all the way and a side which will surely not face another "nilling" this season, especially at home.

This was a performance from East right out of the top drawer.

Their defence was superb with the zero scoreline somewhat hiding the amount of pressure that the home side put on their visitors. Discipline was good, completion rate was excellent, and team spirit was high. Combine this will team work and some individual flair and the ingredients were spot on for a first class win.

East's enthusiasm and determination were obvious from the start and after just four minutes Liam Rowson, outstanding at centre, spotted a gap for the first of this three tries.

Right on the 20 minute mark a penalty relieved quarter of an hour of pressure by West Hull, Kilshaw sliced through the defence and after Starkie had gone close, Rowson scattered the defence for try number two.

Five minutes later Rowson completed his hat-trick when he raced 60 yards, a neat side-step helping him on his way, Radley goaling to put East 14-0 in front of a shell-shocked West Hull.

Rowson was robbed off a fourth touchdown by a forward pass but East made it 20-0 at half time, Stephens holding off the defence and Kilshaw sending Greenough over, Radley adding his second goal.

East scored just one further try - a trademark effort from Kilshaw who weaved his way through with not one defender able to lay a hand on him, Radley completing the day's scoring with his conversion.

West Hull graciously admitted they had been beaten by a far better side. They had nothing to reply to Kilshaw and, until forced to retire after an off-the-ball incident, Ryan Peters. Young Craig Perry has taken to senior rugby effortlessly and was a courageous attacker out on the wing, West Hull's forwards could not handle the powerful running of Hansen, Stephens and Tooze nor could they wear down a formidable defensive line led as always by Taylor and Greenough.

East are now looking forward to Saturday when Hull Dockers are their first opponents on their new Sports Village ground, kick off 2.30.