AFTER three wins in their last four games played, Leigh Fourths had to settle for a more modest return in a home game against Wigan.

The visitors batted after winning the toss and amassed 191 for 6 in 45 overs.

Leigh's bowlers always struggled to take control, the best return coming from Adam Roussak with two wickets for 30, both taken in his final over. Kieran Grundy bowled tidily without reward, whilst Pete Dugdale and Tim Edwards picked up one wicket each, the other two being run outs.

Two or three missed catches and many shots narrowly clearing fielders did not help Leigh's cause.

In reply, Leigh lost the early wicket of Matthew Hibbert, but Dave Grayson and Anthony Bentham then put on 76 for the second wicket, leaving 110 to score from the last 20. With nine wickets in hand, given Bentham's current form and Grayson looking solid, this target seemed achievable, but the immediate departure of Bentham for 41 in the first of the last 20 made the task significantly more difficult.

The loss of three further wickets with the score still only on 96, then seemed to turn the game Wigan's way, and when Grayson was eventually bowled for 43 the visitors sensed the prospect of victory.

However, after a series of tight overs, Phil Edwards and Kieran Grundy steered the team to a batting point, taking 21 from the last three overs, and an ultimate total of 123 for 6.

Orrell vs Leigh U15's 11/8/04 and Westleigh vs Leigh U15's 12/8/04