Leigh RU 18

Ashton-on-Mersey 6 LEIGH'S first XV fought back from a 6-3 half time deficit to beat Ashton-on-Mersey.

After Ashton had missed with an early penalty attempt an exchange of blows following a scrummage led to the visitor's prop being sin-binned for 10 minutes. Phil Lee kicked Leigh in front with a penalty.

Ashton continued to exert early pressure and poor kicking saw Leigh fail to clear their line on several occasions and eventually were pegged back by an equalising drop goal. Subsequently Ashton crept into a 6-3 interval lead with a penalty goal.

An inspired break by Lee set up a Leigh attack which was only foiled by the visitors' persistent offside tactics. Lee levelled the scores with the resulting penalty but missed a further chance to put Leigh ahead.

By now the Leigh pack was getting the upper hand and driving play from second rowers Robinson and Haste saw the Ashton defence start to buckle. Travers crossed following and combined forward drive and Lee converted for a 13-6 lead.

Indiscipline by the Leigh defence gave Ashton the chance of a lifeline but the penalty chance hit a post.

Leigh responded by setting up a forward drive from a lineout, Whittle claiming the touchdown.