1:57pm Friday 19th March 2010
Wilmslow 27 Leigh 23
WILMSLOW has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for Leigh rugby union team in recent seasons and Saturday was no exception.
Leigh took advantage of an early sin-binning as they established a 13-3 lead with a penalty from Knapman and two tries from hooker Wood.
A disastrous spell either side of half time when three Leigh players were sin-binned handed the initiative back to the home side.
Playing for long spells with two forwards short inevitably took its toll and Wilmslow stormed into a 16-13 lead before Leigh returned to a full complement of players.
Astute kicking, taking full advantage of a stiff wind, put the Leigh defence under constant pressure but showing great tenacity Leigh moved the ball up field for captain Wood to crash in.
Having lost their centre Knapman to injury, the goal kicking duties were handed over to junior Wood who produced a superb conversion to extend Leigh's lead to four points.
Two penalties put Wilmslow back in the driving seat before Wood again restored Leigh’s lead with a beautifully struck penalty.
With minutes remaining Wilmslow again seized the initiative, testing Leigh’s defence to the full.
A lovely move on the blind side led to their winger squeezing in at the corner.
Leigh summoned up every last ounce of energy but a sustained tilt at the Wimslow line came to nothing.
Leigh 2nd 41 Macclesfield 0
LEIGH’s second string overcame a spirited Cheshire side with a workmanlike performance with the back-row trio of Welch, Crompton and Trumble particularly prominent.
Trumble made some outstanding runs, feeding the ever present Crompton, who scored two outstanding tries.
Brett, Southern and Riley also crossed for tries.
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