Holders off to flying start

9:45am Thursday 4th September 2008

LEIGH RU began their defence of the Lancashire Trophy in fine style with an emphatic 38-17 win against old rivals Widnes.

In what was essentially an excellent team performance, it was the power of the Leigh forwards which proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The dangerous Widnes backs had their moments, scoring a superb try in the opening minutes, another after 16 minutes following untidy play by Leigh and a consolation try on full time.

However, the Leigh forwards completely dominated their opponents at the line out, scrum and in the loose. Tries from Eccles, Anthony and Baker with Knapman adding a penalty and a conversion produced a 20-10 lead at half time.

The second half was largely one way traffic with the Leigh side being able to give all seven substitutes a run out.

A push over try, skilfully marshalled by number eight Calvin Crompton and prop Anthony adding his second stretched Leigh's lead. However, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for evergreen winger Jimmy Bridge who made light work of sqeezing in at the corner.