Leigh East 10

Shaw Cross Sharks 15 IT IS more than three seasons since Leigh East progressed beyond the first round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

On Saturday they had only themselves to blame for failing to bring a halt to their dismal run.

No matter how good, bad or indifferent it will inevitably be the side that makes and takes the chances that come out on top. Shaw Cross had no more than two clear-cut try scoring chances and they took them both; East had six or seven good opportunities but only managed two touchdowns.

East did look the better of the two sides for long spells but they lost far too much possession and when some ill discipline and lost concentration began to cloud their play in the second half, there were even more opportunities for Shaw Cross to go on and earn a place in the second round.

Yet there were some fine moments from East. There was a superb break from prop Tony Sanderson which led to an opening sliding try from Mark Kay. And then there was amove involving Lee Penkywicz and Kay which brought Phil Gunning a 48th minute try.

There were outstanding performances from Gary Fletcher, chosen as man of the match by the referee and awarded the Silk Cut medallion, centre Mick Redford, the two Gunning brothers and young forward Robert Bowdler.

But overall this was a major disappointment and was a game East should have won quite comfortably.

It's back to league business tomorrow, ironically with a fixture at Shaw Cross.