WINGER Mark Jones' 75th minute try forced a 14-14 draw for Leigh East against a better organised Barrow Island outfit.

But the game was one to forget - not quite the thriller the scoreline might suggest.

Jones' try kept the East's National Conference home record intact against a side which had chalked up only three other league points.

Barrow took a 6-0 lead after four minutes. But East drew level when starman Gary Fletcher danced through, off-loading to John Gunning who scored a try which he also goaled.

By half-time Barrow were two points back in front with a penalty.

Substitute Sean Maloney, back from a two-year spell in Australia, injected much needed life into East and boosted their fortunes with a try.

East's lead was short-lived as another penalty levelled the scores, then they went clear with a try.

Jones' timely touchdown meant Barrow travelled home disappointed not to have taken two points from Grasmere Street. East 2nd stormed to a 34-2 lead after 40 minutes of a blockbusting Lancashire Cup tie - but they were lucky to come away with a 42-40 win.

Against Lunt's Heath Lions, a side placed mid-way in a division higher, East looked on course for their biggest win of the season.

But complacency and a hint of arrogance almost cost them dear.

East were trailing 40-38 when hat-trick hero Kevin James, returning after a three-year absence, scored a last-minute clincher.

Along with James, Craig Holmes and Nicky Addi were outstanding, with good support from coach Bobby Hoey. East will hopefully have learned a few lessons for Saturday's home league encounter with Rose Bridge.

East Tigers U10s beat Halton Hornets 18-0 (Andrew Keating, Adam McGuire, Lyndon Robertson; MoM Karl Morris with TT Ben Taylor and much improved performances from Richard Pettitt and Gareth Hulme); East U9s beat Waterhead 28-18 (D Hodgson 3, M Howard, M Rozman, D Yarwood).

Latest from the North West Counties . . . BARLA Lancashire Cup, 2nd round: Wigan St Patrick 22 Parkside Golborne 18, Blackbrook 0 Leigh Miners 18, Haydock 40 Hindley 4, Leigh Royal Oak 22 Folly Lane 35; Division Three: Spotland Rangers 68 Leigh Harriers 4; Division Four: Culcheth 26 Shevington 20; Alliance: Heysham Atoms 18 Leigh Miners 0.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.