Oldham St Annes 12 Leigh East 22 - GAMES will not come much harder for Leigh East than Saturday's National Conference Premier League toughie at Oldham St Annes.

St Annes, a big and powerful outfit who knew all the tricks of the trade, were no respecters of East's youth or reputation.

They tried all they could to intimidate Jim Taylor's side who answered the call to arms in the best possible way by keeping cool and staying focused.

East played the better rugby and defended stoutly, especially in the first half when St Annes applied tremendous pressure.

Gary Molyneaux and Danny Kilshaw were the gamestars at half back. Chris Penkywicz was superb in the second row, Stephen Tooze and John Taylor were outstanding and skipper Mick Redford, the man of the match, played like a true leader.

East opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Molyneaux drew his man to create a space for David Ellison to crash over, Kilshaw adding the goal. Ellison almost had a second but was beaten to a loose ball over the line.

Three minutes from the interval a clever kick from Kilshaw sent teenage winger Andrew Gregson over at the corner. East's defence was magnificent in keeping their line intact.

St Annes added an unconverted try and a penalty goal in the early stages of the second half but when Redford touched down in the 53rd minute and Kilshaw goaled, East were on their way to another memorable victory.

Much of East's attacking play revolved around Kilshaw and he was rewarded with a 74th minute try and goal which put the seal on a top personal performance.

Just before the end St Annes picked up a consolation try.

East are at home to Oulton Raiders on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.