Drighlington 26 Leigh East 22

By Dave Parkinson.

Bernard Aboagye scored two tries but it wasn't quite enough as Leigh East went down to a narrow defeat at Drighlington.

East gave themselves plenty to do after the hosts blasted into a 20-4 half-time lead, but fought back superbly to ultimately fall just short.

Cain Crotty scored the first try for the hosts after just three minutes and hooker Steve McIntyre crossed for Drighlington's second 14 minutes later. When fullback Joe Sheldon grounded after 21 minutes, Leigh East trailed 14-0.

The visitors struck after 24 minutes when Aboagye got his first try but Ben Woods couldn't convert.

Drighlington ended the first half strongly with Lucas Hallas touching down on the half-hour and Kieron Hallas kicked his second goal to establish that commanding lead. Just like their first game against Shaw Cross Sharks, East hit back in rapid fashion.

Kieron Prescott scored in the 50^th minute and Woods converted before Jamie Bond crossed on the hour and a Woods conversion saw East trail by just four points.

Then with ten minutes to go East scored again through Aboagye and Woods third goal gave the visitors the advantage. But time was still on the hosts' side and Ethan Hallas was the hero with a try and Kieron Roche kicked his third goal to condemn Leigh East to a narrow loss.