Leigh East 34 Thatto Heath 18: DESPITE a tough tussle with Thatto Heath Crusaders, Leigh East opened up their home National Conference Premier League campaign with a good win.

East were no angels - they conceded numerous silly penalties and had Paul Hayes sin binned for holding down on the 60th minute. But Thatto often spoiled their unquestionable ability and had prop Dave Smith dismissed in the 59th minute while technical offences saw Honey and Lloyd serving cooling off spells.

The path to victory was laid by a combination of East's forwards and by the commanding half back partnership of John Gunning and Danny Kilshaw.

By half time Easts had a 16-4 lead and looked as if they might be onto a run-away victory. The score was 4-2 up to the 26th minute courtesy of penalty goals from John Woods and Mike Woods. The first touchdown came when Hayes was on hand as the ball bounced off a defender, Woods goaling.

Mike Woods added a penalty for Thatto but two minutes from the break forwards Clark and Man of the Match Wingfield worked well for a move finished off by Kilshaw, Woods again goaling.

Eight minutes into the second half Crusaders were right back in it after stand off Brown completed a brilliant handling move under the posts, Mike Woods converting and adding a penalty. But Thatto were never in the reckoning again until the injury time try for Hull.

A neat slipped pass from Taylor put Wingfield over after breaks from Woods and outstanding hooker Paul Hayes, Woods scored a typical try after a superb break from Kilshaw and finally hard working prop Whiteside touched down for a well-deserved try. Woods converted all three and Easts were home and dry.