Blackburn 7 Leigh 8

THEY say that revenge is a dish best served cold and Leigh turned the tables on Blackburn at icy Ramsgreave Drive.

A victory for ‘Burn would have wrestled the North Lancashire and Cumbria leadership away from title rivals Leigh, and boosted by their victory at Hand Lane last month, they were eager to land a league double.

However, the visitors had other ideas, adapting to the testing conditions better and by half time they had forged ahead by eight points to nil.

Blackburn began well, though, and after an early penalty opportunity, Sam Morgan’s kick falling just short, and some excellent controlled play, they allowed the visitors to draw first blood.

Leigh went through a few phases of play before danger man Olly Shepherd went over for the first try of the game. The conversion, taken by Rob Drake, was missed.

In the 20th minute, Mark Maher went to the bin with a Leigh opponent, and five minutes later the visitors nearly added to their lead when a penalty kick smashed against a post.

However, Drake made no mistake shortly before half-time, firing over a penalty.

Leigh started the better in the second half and on 50 minutes were camped in the Burn 22.

However the home side resisted the pressure and eventually managed to clear the danger. Leigh continued to keep the play in the Burn half as they kept the ball and gradually edged their way up the pitch, however the home defence held strong.

On theh our mark. Jordan Pearson and a Leigh player were both shown yellow cards.

Up to this point Leigh had had the better of the game, however it was Burn who were the stronger team in the last 20 minutes.

However, that sparked Blackburn into life.

Anton Garcia gathered the ball two metres out, and attempting to off load the ball went into touch.

From the line-out, the ball was tipped back, and the ever alert Sean Hall fell over the line with Sam Morgan adding the extras.

With only a point between the two sides, Blackburn continued their desperate search for victory, Leon Fifield and Pearson both going close.

However, it was Leigh who claimed the narrowest of wins. It give them some breathing space at the top in the race fot he title.

Burn have a game in hand but it is a tough trip away to De la Salle.