Leigh East 8 West Bowling 10
WEST Bowling completed a league double over East, at the same time consolidating their claim for an end-of-season place in the Arriva Trains Premier Division Top Six play-offs.
But on a day when not a single goal attempt found the target, it took two field goals to decide the winner.
Glenn Barraclough popped the first over in the 67th minute when the scores stood a 8-8. Even then East had the chance to win it, but John Woods' 73rd minute penalty shot flew wide and then the Leigh side wasted a huge overlap. It was left to Lee Innes to give the Bradford side victory with a 79th minute one-pointer.
A heavy pitch at Grasmere Street played its part, suiting West's strong forward pack.
East made a good start when Mick Whiteside's tackle forced an error. Mark Starkie's running created a created a try for John Taylor. Intense West's pressure finally told when Paul Gardner went in for the first of his two tries to level the scores at half time.
Both defences were put to the test in the second half and it was only in the 52nd minute that the next try arrived, Gardner taking advantage of a missed tackle to score again.
Within three minutes it was all square again when John Gunning's kick was mishandled and Gary Molyneaux collected to send Liam Rowson racing to the line.
A draw may have been a fair result but West's two late field goals snatched victory.
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