Leigh east are delighted to announce that after a long hard season both open age teams are experiencing play off rugby league.

As is usually custom both teams have agreed sponsorship deals with local and national businesses for the play offs, but a decision was made by the coaches and players to not purchase new polo’s or match day itineraryfor the finals series. Instead a decision has been made to donate the money to the junior section, so that the money can be utilised as agreed by the junior section itself.

Paul Wingfield head coach at Leigh East commented “We already had polo shirts, shorts and kit bags which several local businesses had sponsored earlier in the year and I just thought that it was a complete waste of money to purchase anymore “go faster tops or shorts” when money is still so hard to come by.  Last week in the semi-final we fielded 15 players that come through the ranks at Leigh East and they are all a credit to their junior coaches and families that have supported them over the years. The sponsors will gain just as much recognition for their generous donations and all were impressed with our initiative and determination to work together as one club.  The junior section will be able to utilise the money anyway they see fit and will be presented with a cheque byclub captains Dean Balmer and Adam Holland, Ryan Holcroft and Ryan Hughes and Jim Parry, Area Build Director, Bovis Homes Northern on Saturday after the game”

Lee Rowley first team assistant and player coach commented “As a player who has come through the ranks froma 7 year old, I think it is important that there is a connection between the open age and junior section. We want the juniors at the club to aspire to be a Leigh East open age player and we want them to know that they have the full backing of the open age squad. We want to create a family culture throughout the club whereby we are all striving for one common goal – a successful, integrated club where all are welcome and encouraged to fulfil their potential. It’s also a nod and a thank you to the countless volunteers at each age group who often go unnoticed”.

Ryan King second team head coach also commented “It's a great idea as the junior section is close to my heart having played from being 9 years old. I’ve also coached a junior side for the past 4 and a half years also…. so to see the connection is brilliant and I'd like thank the junior section as a whole for their continued support of the open age…. Especially throughout my first year as second team coach and I know that Kevin Anderton echo’s my thoughts as well”.