AFTER showing early promise against undefeated league leaders Caldy, Leigh slipped to defeat.

Wilcock was narrowly wide with a long range penalty and Liku was stopped just short of the try-line by a crunching tackle, but from a scrum close to the visitors line, the ball was moved smartly across the backline for winger Bridge to score the opening try.

Caldy responded with a series of forward drives, taking advantage of Leigh's endless generosity in conceding penalties, and crossed for a converted try with the cover defence caught napping.

With full-back Bentham consigned to the sin-bin, a Caldy penalty attempt saw Leigh fail to clear the ball on their own line. The resultant five-metre scrum allowed Caldy to move the ball wide for their winger to squeeze in at the corner for a 12-5 lead. Wilcock struck a long range penalty to reduce the half-time deficit.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Caldy stretched their lead to 21-8 with three penalties for offside offences.

A fine midfield break by Pertil, however, split the Caldy cover and the ball was moved wide for Bridge to cross for his second try, well converted by Wilcock from the touchline.

With the score at 21-15 and Leigh pressing to get on terms, a handling error gifted the ball to the Caldy winger to sprint in for the winning try.

Tofts 36 Trafford Metrovick 19

The home side began in determined mood but gave away three early tries after uncharacteristic defensive errors. Slowly Leigh seized the game by the scruff of the neck. Centre Fairclough opened their account with a typical surging break through the Trafford defence. Prop Osborn lurched over for a second from seven yards out.

Yates scored the first of his brace of tries as his partnership with Number 8 Smith paid dividends once again. Fairclough added his second and Barry Green got a well deserved try. Fairclough tagged on three conversions and the win was assured.

Vets 24 Caldy 0

In a tough encounter Leigh took the lead through Thompson who pounced on a loose ball close to the visitors line and dribbled his way over for a score in the corner. The rest of the half both sides battered away against each other in vain with Leigh's defence uncompromising. The Vets got their act together and from a jinking run by Unsworth, he released the ball to the Leigh wing forward, who scored. Cummings added the conversion. Leigh were now in complete control and further tries were added through Dainty and Marsden with Cummings adding a conversion.

U14s 7 Altrincham U14s 29

Against a side unbeaten for three seasons, the Leigh lads gave them a terrific contest. Tackling everything that moved they contained their much bigger opponents. Altrincham eventually scored two tries late in the first half.

The second half mirrored the first for action. Altrincham scored first, but good pressure gave Leigh a deserved score through Middleton- Adams. Two late tries gave Altrincham victory, but they certainly had to work hard against an inspired Leigh side.

U13s 0 Altrincham U13s 51

Leigh entered into the Christmas spirit early this year, handing out gifts throughout the game to a good Altrincham team.

Leigh actually started strongly and in the first 10 minutes they played well and tackled strongly, but some poor passing led to the first of Altrinchams tries. At this point Leigh decided to throw away their early good work, they stopped tackling and passing. Altrincham took advantage, scoring a further eight tries.

Altrincham U12s 0 Leigh U12s 7

Leigh's ball handling proved superior and allowed Joe Harrison in for the first try. The first half try was to be the only score in a hard fought match, as Leigh ran out deserved winners. Joe Harrison scored the only try, with David Taylor adding the conversion.

Altrincham U10s 10 Leigh U10s 10

Tries from Daniel Kidd and Jordan Orrell gave the U10s a draw at Altrincham.

Altrincham U8s 10 Leigh U8s 20

Playing their last game of 2002, Leigh carried on the good work with a hard fought win over a previously unbeaten Altrincham side.

Tries came from Elizabeth Farley, Matty Wilkinson, Chris Smith and Craig Town. Player of the Match was Elizabeth Farley and Most Improved Player was Matthew Quinn.

Altrincham U7s 10 Leigh U7s 10

Leigh's youngsters produced some good rugby in a tight game. Tries came from George Lythgoe and Matthew Wilkinson. Player of the Match was Thomas Jones and Most Improved Player was Michael Odweyer.