LEIGH entertained their near neighbours and rivals, Warrington in yet another ‘must win’ match in their quest for survival in North One West and despite an excellent performance went down fighting 29-39.

Warrington went into an early 15 point, commanding lead but Leigh responded on twenty minutes, when their nippy, young scrum half, Alex Leadbetter, got over the Warrington line for an excellent unconverted try.

This score was augmented, on 29 minutes when Dan Hunter breached the Warrington defence for a try, which was converted by Elliott Ryan. Leigh 12 Warrington 15.

Warrington, however, were quick to counter and added an unconverted try of their own to take the sides off at the break with Leigh trailing by 12 points to 20.

A Jimmy Wilkinson special, converted by Elliott Ryan, following good approach work by Ross Shepherd, got Leigh back within a point of Warrington, early in the second half and a Rob Drake penalty, soon afterwards, took Leigh into an impressive 22 points to 20 lead.

Leigh were now on a roll and a good chip through by Rob Drake was pounced on by Jimmy Wilkinson to score and add seven points to the Leigh tally after Rob Drake stepped up to convert the try. Leigh 29 Warrington 20.

Regrettably for Leigh, Warrington regrouped and their superior fitness and pace won them the game by racking up three tries, two of which were converted, in the last fifteen minutes. Final score Leigh 29 Warrington 39.

Another gutsy performance from a group of hard working lads but sadly they have a lot to do now, with only four games remaining and them sitting next to the bottom of the League above Eccles. The harsh reality is that relegation is now a distinct possibility.

Next week, the First Team travel away to face a strong Burnage side.