LEIGH suffered a last-gasp defeat at home to Kendal in their opening match of the North One West season.

The Cumbrian side took the points thanks to a drop goal in the final kick of the game, which sealed a 20-18 victory.

Kendal set their stall out from the first whistle, taking the game to Leigh with some strong running from their big pack.

They took the lead after 20 minutes when their centre carved through the Leigh defensive line.

The home side pulled back three points on the stroke of half time through a Rob Drake penalty and took that momentum into the second half.

Number eight Chris Boyle smashed his way over the line on 43 minutes for a try, converted by Drake.

However, a poor clearance kick by Leigh on 50 minutes, let the visitors back in for another converted try.

The two sides exchanged scores, as Jimmy Wilkinson latched on to a Drake kick to seal an unconverted try for Leigh, only for Kendal to nudge back in front with a penalty on 65 minutes.

It looked like the game had finally swung in the home side's favour when a Drake penalty put them 18-17 in front with 10 minutes remaining.

Leigh fought hard to keep hold of the ball and run down the clock but unfortunately Kendal got a turnover in the last play of the game and their masterful fly half smashed over the winning drop goal from 35 metres out.

A cruel blow for Leigh but, on balance, Kendal would have been disappointed if they had lost what was a thrilling encounter.

Leigh's next match is at Kirby Lonsdale on Saturday, kick off 3pm.