Leigh East 40

Castleford Lock Lane 10 CAN it be that Leigh East are starting to believe in themselves?

Hot on the heels of the splendid victory at Skirlaugh, East rattled up a convincing win over long-standing Premier Division club Lock Lane as they continue to establish themselves in the Conference's top division.

East made winning the game look so simple. They got their basics right, kept the moves accurate but uncomplicated and continued to defend strongly even when the game was in the bag.

But the win still had to be worked for and it was in the forwards where the roots of the success lay. Hooker John Taylor, prop Michael Whiteside and second rower Rob Bowdler grafted non-stop and with their packmates, set up seven great tries for East's backs.

Lock Lane's half-backs Darren Sims and man of the match Dave Probert, together with the Birdsall brothers, were always on a loser against East's star man Danny Kilshaw, again outstanding at stand-off, and centres Lee Penkywicz and Mick Redford. But what won the day more than anything was the superior commitment, fitness and eagerness.

Lock Lane began strongly and for 20 minutes appeared to be causing East all kinds of problems before taking the lead in the 14th minute with a try from winger Jason Walsh. It was to be their last score until the 76th minute consolation try from Probert, goaled by prop Hardy.

By half time East led 20-4. John Woods opened East's account in the 19th minute, Penkywicz touched down on 24 and 39 minutes. Radley converted all three - two from the touchline - and added a penalty.

Martin Meadows came on as a half time sub and within a minute was on the scoresheet when he chipped through and collected to score the cheekiest of opportunist tries. Speed merchants Darren Hall and Mark Kay coasted home from close on half way and Woods rounded the game off as he had begun it, with a try in the corner right on full time. Radley added two second half goals.