LEIGH EAST remain amid the winter gloom after crashing 33-14 at home to Eccles.

They have now collected just one league point in the last six outings.

East struggled to find any attacking rhythm and were guilty of too many elementary defensive mistakes as Eccles took charge with their no-frills rugby.

Once again the opening was an East horror story. Within 10 minutes Eccles had two tries in the bag with a third wiped out for a forward pass.

East finally found someone awake when David Kay swooped on a loose ball to scurry over in the corner, John Gunning adding a touchline goal.

Another slip-up quickly followed as Eccles surged further in front.

Eight minutes after the break the game was well beyond East's reach.

But sub David Blinkhorn played well, Gary Fletcher constantly battled and MoM centre Lee Penkywicz added a 55th minute try to his five-star show.

Then three minutes from time East scored the best score of the afternoon when sub Keiron James ended a sparkling move started by Darren Hall.

East are at Wigan St Jude's on Saturday when the table-topping Seconds are at home to Lunts Heath in the NorthWest Counties Cup. Both games kick off at 2pm.

East U9s beat Leigh Rangers 38-18 in an explosive derby with tries from MoM Matthew Rozman, Martin Howard, Ben Hanson, David Hodgson, Kieron Williams and Danny Yarwood.

SCORES from ther NorthWest Counties ARL . . . Premier Division: Wigan Rose Bridge 18 Parkside Golborne 12; Division One: Leigh MR 20 Ulverston 25; Division Two: St Cuthbert's 13 Hindley 5; Division Three: St Jude's 31 Leigh Harriers 30; Division Four: Milnrow 6 Culcheth 22, Leigh Royal Oak 28 Burtonwood Bridge 24; Division Six: Waterhead 30 Leigh East 14.

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