LEIGH recorded back-to-back victories last weekend, following up their first win of the league season with a first-round triumph in the Lancs Knockout.

Both games were effectively settled in the first innings by fantastic bowling performances.

Richard Dempster took 6-30 as Leigh bowled out second-bottom Rainhill for 72 at home in the Liverpool Competition on Saturday.

Only two of the visiting batsmen – opener Joseph Kennedy (23) and captain Mike Rotherham (19) – managed to get into double figures as they were skittled in 30.2 overs.

Hedley Molyneux provided worthy support for Dempster with 3-32.

Leigh, who had lost one and drawn three of their opening four matches, made hard work of their reply as Rainhill bowler Mohammad Qureshi took 4-10 from his 10 overs.

But 31 from Matthew Hibbert and an unbeaten 20 from skipper Matt McKiernan saw them past their target with five wickets to spare.

Leigh claimed an even more emphatic victory at Ribblesdale League side Great Harwood in the first round of the Lancs Knockout on Sunday.

This time the wickets were shared around as the home side lasted just 28 overs before being bowled out for 66.

Molyneux (3-15) and McKiernan (3-6) took three wickets apiece and then an unbeaten 25 from Thomas Foster ensured Leigh rattled off 68-1 to claim a nine-wicket win.

Leigh have been drawn at home to Ribblesdale League leaders Clitheroe in the second round, with the tie due to be played on Sunday, June 14.