Askam 15 Leigh East 30 LEIGH East couldn't have asked for a better start to life in the National Conference First Division, coming just a week after their Champions Challenge success.

Askam, relegated from the Premier Division, opened strongly but had no real answer to the pace of the East backs or the strength of the Grasmere Street side's forwards.

There was nothing spectacular about East's play, but they showed plenty of character and a willingness to work as a unit.

They took a third minute lead with a penalty from man of the match Tony Gredecki and even when they fell 12-2 behind to two converted tries, there was no sign of panic.

In the 22nd minute Gary Fletcher, outstanding at loose forward and celebrating his inclusion in the GB squad to play in the forthcoming Emerging Nations tournament, burst out of a three-man tackle to score. Gredecki, who set up Fletcher with a slick pass, added the goal points. Three minutes later East restored their lead when John Taylor touched down and Gredecki added another goal. Mick Redford broke clear at a scrum, Tony Sanderson scattered the defence and Lee Penkywicz, looking sharper than ever, touched down for another six-pointer to make it 20-12 at the break.

Askam had a purple patch after the re-start, adding a penalty and a drop goal, but it was a shortlived revival and classy tries from Redford and John Woods, Gredecki converting one from the touchline completed the scoring.

Gredecki worked hard to secure the MOM award but was pushed close by Fletcher, James Macaree, Sanderson and three of the best prospects East have had for years - Redford, Lee Wingfield and Stephen Tooze.

Tomorrow East are at home to Featherstone Lions, kick off 2.30pm.