SHAW CROSS SHARKS 22

By Dave Parkinson

 

Leigh East made a winning start to their National Conference League campaign after hitting back from 6-16 down to claim victory.

 

So often in recent years, close games have gone the way of the opposition. This time it was Leigh East's day.

 

Shaw Cross Sharks came to play and buoyed by the performance of starting front-rowers Zach Parkinson and Matthew West, set about their task. Callum Barker shot through a gap for the visitors and Brad Baines converted.

 

East hit back quickly when they went left and Ben Mercer held the ball long enough for the defence to bite and Joe Digby shot through for the try. Ben Woods added the first of four goals.

 

Shaw Cross responded with two tries. First second row Ryan Chalkley dived over from dummy half, and then Tom Ashen got on the outside of Ben Wharton from a scrum to score. Baines second goal opened the 6-16 lead.

 

Cameron Clark ensured the hosts were in touching distance at halftime with a Woods improved score to make it 12-16.

 

Clark had a superb game and continued his form into the second half when he supported Cobyn Fletcher to crash in for his second score after Kieron Prescott chased down Woods kick from a scrum.

 

The decisive try went the way of East when the outstanding Prescott zipped through the middle from Mercer's pass and Woods fourth goal made it 24-16.