Leigh East 18 Wigan St Patricks 16: A LATE try from Peter Clark snatched a Leigh East victory in a tense, close thriller to end a three-game losing streak and ease their worries of slipping into the relegation zone.

But it was victory at a price for East with serious injuries to key Players John Woods, John Taylor, Craig Dean and Craig Graham. Withe players like Mark Kay and Phil Marsden carrying knocks, planning this weekends derby clash with Leigh Miners will be a nightmare for the coaching staff.

St Pat's can be justified in arguing that a draw would have been a fairer result in a game which kept everyone guessing until the final whistle.

With Andy Parker a constant threat at centre, Damien Charnock outstanding and Alker and Atherton shining in the pack, Pat's probably played the better attacking rugby.

But it was East who produced the heroics with a performance full of guts and courage as injury followed injury and re-organisation followed re-organisation. Yound players such as Gary Greenhough and Clark showed such heart and determination. Mark Kay was class at full-back; cool, safe and inspiring confidence; Marsden tackled like an extra forward while Hayes, Gregson, Wingfield and Rowley give it everything.

Neither side looked like scoring until the 14th minute when East los possession in their own half and a superb turn of speed from Selby brought him his first try which Peet goaled.

Four minutes later Parker took a difficult pass and scored with a fine finish to give Pats a 10-0 lead. They could have had a third try five minutes later but a crunching tackle from Clark spiled their chances and it was East who scored at the other end when Wingfield shrugged off teh defence to score, Gunning adding the goal.

Peet stretched East's lead with a penalty kick but good work from Clark sent Hayes scattering defenders for a try goaled by Gunning.A draw seemed likely but the stage had been set for a grand finale.

Three minutes from timeclever play by Rowley put Clark away and the young forward twisted out of two tackles to touchdown, Gunning again goaling.

But it wasn't over. With only seconds to go a carefully-thought re-start saw the Wigan side regain possession and Selby flashed in at the corner. Peet missed the conversion as East gratefully accepted the points.