ASKAM 22 LEIGH EAST 34

Leigh East made the trip up the M6 to take on relegated Askam and came away with a brilliant triumph, scoring six tries in all. 

Two of those came in the opening ten minutes to give the visitors a foothold. First exciting fullback Keiron Prescott touched down before big prop Joe Togher got in on the act and Adam Holland added the first of five goals.

Askam responded with a self converted try from Brad Jackson but two tries either side of half-time put the game firmly in Leigh East's control with Nathan Gaskell and Alex McPolin touching down with Holland goaling both. Zak Steel hauled the Cumbrians back into the contest after 48 minutes and Kier Shepherd made it even closer with Askam's third try for Jackson to goal and close the deficit to 16-22. East's Louis Else was sinbinned for contact with the head after 55 minutes and Askam substitute Lee Alexander suffered the same fate on the hour. East took advantage with Gary Taylor going over. Once more  Askam hit back with Sam Broadley touching down and Jackson adding his third goal, but the visitors had the final word with Else atoning for his yellow card with a crucial try. Holland added his fifth goal and although halfback partner Ellis Noon was sinbinned for a trip with a couple of minutes remaining, East held out for a solid win.

Loose forward Ben Atkinson was adjudged the hosts man-of-the-match, with East's Pat Rainford getting the nod for the visitors.