TYLDESLEY RU have won the Sean Grainey Memorial Cup for the first time.

Victory came in a thrilling 28-27 derby clash against Leigh, Dave Sivill keeping his cool to strike the winning goal.

Neither side fielded their strongest line-up, but a big crowd was treated to an open and exciting encounter at Well Street with the home pack dominating and the visitors impressive on the counter.

Leigh began in a big hurry with a penalty from stand-off Chris Lee and the first of three spanking tries from centre Ross Bullough.

Undaunted Tyldesley marched back with a solid forward drive for Stewart Ashurst to crash over assisted by Craig Pulman, Rob Harrop and James O'Connor.

A last-gasp tackle stopped prop Howard Hughes forcing his ample frame over, but a penalty gave Sivill the chance to level.

And they sped clear after winning good scrum ball for Lee Cunliffe to dart in. Leigh responded with Bullough's second following a uncharacteristic error by Dave Peet.

Another Sivill penalty restored the lead before Bullough completed his hat-trick.

Tyldesley then worked the ball deep, and a set tap penalty move allowed Lee Berrisford in for a try converted by Sivill for a 25-24 lead with 10 minutes remaining.

The scene was set for a dramatic finale and the crowd were not disappointed.

Lee's long-range penalty edged it for Leigh; then, with less than a minute to go, Chris Plimley found the hard-working MoM Lee West with a lineout throw.

Leigh were caught trying to kill the ball, and, before a hushed crowd, Sivill hit home the clinching goal.

On Saturday (3pm) Tyldesley are at home to Crewe & Nantwich.

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