Wirral RUFC 1st XV 30pts – Leigh RUFC 1st XV 20pts

Leigh

travelled hopefully after an excellent week’s training and despite some good

attacking spells were undone by poor concentration in defence and some

decisions by the local referee going against them.

The early

penalty exchanges strongly favoured the home side who quickly led 12-3 before

scoring a well worked try to take a commanding 14 point lead. Leigh however hit

back with a fine forward try by Matt Newton from close range.

Leigh began a

dominant phase but were denied 2 crucial scores. Hooker Iain Wood was within

inches of the line as the home side were awarded a penalty. Then Newton fed Mark Welsh for

a try by the posts, but to the astonishment of both sides the final pass was

ruled forward.

Wirral broke

away but were denied a score by Darren Leach who went to the sin bin. Wirral

kicked the penalty to lead 20-8. Then Leigh were reduced to 13 men when T J

Knapman was sent to the bin. Despite these setbacks Leigh hit back with a try

from Iain Wood who also converted. At this crucial point Leigh conceded a try

from the kick off as their shortage of numbers began to tell.

Leigh

continued their attacks as the players returned and scored a fine try from

Calvin Crompton. However a string of penalties culminating in a penalty goal

for the home side and Leigh’s 3rd sin binning - this time of prop

Tom Baker, denied Leigh a crucial bonus point in their battle against

relegation.

Coach Naylor

praised the side for their efforts in what had been a frustrating afternoon.