Skirlaugh 18

Leigh East 19 MICK Redford doesn't drop many goals. But he won't forget Saturday's cheeky effort which guaranteed a memorable Leigh East victory on Humberside.

But the victory wasn't just about Redford's one-pointer. It was centred on a superb team performance on a ground which has often been a graveyard for many teams in the past.

Skirlaugh, although not at their best this season, were certainly no slouches and East showed great spirit and commitment in engineering the win they wanted after disappointing defeats against Thornhill and Saddleworth.

East staggered Skirlaugh by taking a 12-0 lead after six minutes. Mick Whiteside made three storming drives to set up a try for leading scorer Lee Wingfield.

John Gunning's boots are difficult to fill but young Danny Kilshaw did a first class job at stand-off, creating much attacking play with partner Phil Gunning and setting up the move for John Woods' try in the corner. Dave Radley added both goals, one a superb touchline effort.

Defensive lapses saw Skirlaugh pull level at half time but then Redford's 58th minute drop goal and a sliding try from top-tackling hooker John Taylor, again goaled by Radley, put East firmly in the driving seat.

Skirlaugh's hat-trick hero Phil Thacker scored right on full time but it came too late to rob East of victory.

On Saturday East are at home to Castleford Lock Lane, kick off 2.30pm.