AFTER last week’s win away at Tarleton, Leigh made their first home appearance of the season against second placed Altrincham Kersal but unfortunately came off second best, losing 13-41.

Kersal took the lead with an early penalty and soon added to that with a well-worked try wide out on the right, minutes later.

Rob Drake narrowed the deficit with a well struck penalty, after10 minutes but Kersal finished the half strongly when they caught an isolated Leigh player in possession and stripped the ball to race away for a converted try, just before the break, to take the sides off at half time, with Kersal leading 15-3.

Kersal kept up the well-organised pressure after the break and added a further three tries and two conversions by the seventieth minute.

Leigh rallied, near the end and some good hands from Frankie Halton put Jonny Drake through a hole, for him to romp over for a well finished try and then a minute later another good passage of play, involving Jonny Drake and Joe Harrison, found Alex Leadbetter in support for him to scorch over for another consolation try.

Kersal wrapped up the match in the final play of the game, when they went over for another converted try, near to the Leigh posts.

On Saturday Leigh travel away to face sixth placed Bolton.

Email sports news to: mike.critchley@nqnw.co.uk