Siddal 8, Leigh East 25: THIRD-PLACED Leigh East stay right on target for a coveted place in the National Conference end of season play-offs with a vital victory over top three challengers Siddal.

And the fact that East never once went behind in one of the most vital games of the season is indicative of the form that East are in.

Siddal, one of the toughest sides on their own turf, boast a big, powerful set of forwards capable of intimidating anyone. But with the Whiteside brothers in blockbusting form at prop, Simon Warhurst smoothly making the transition from backs to forwards and Rob Bowdler afraid of nothing, the foundations were laid for a crucial victory.

By half time East only led 10-8 but were patiently wearing down Siddal's challenge, going on to dominate the second half.

Chris Dootson, back after a spell in the professional game, opened the scoring on his first team debut with a 12th minute penalty goal. Within seconds East were 6-0 up after drives from the Whitesides created space for Lee Penkywicz's lightning pass to send Mark Kay hurtling in at the corner. Dootson's conversion went in off the upright.

Siddal closed the gap in the 24th minute when East's first missed tackle of the day let them in for a converted try. They later added a penalty but not before Dootson had clocked up two more points for the East.

It was in the second half that East finally came into their own. The forwards finally ground down Siddal's thrust and the backs went on to produce some superb attacking moves. Dootson shone at full-back, linking superbly to pave the way for three tries from Penkywicz. John Gunning, who had his usual creative game at stand-off, popped over a field goal and East's superiority was complete.