THEY'RE getting up a head of steam down at Hand Lane.

Leigh RU were again in top form as they beat Kirkby Lonsdale 18-13 on whirlwind Saturday.

Architects of a classic show were half-backs Chris Marsh and Ross Bullough, the double act a constant danger to the Cumbrians.

Against a strong wind in the first half, Leigh defended with stout hearts, producing a series of try-saving tackles and clearing their line with some fine kicking. But a determined Kirkby went clear with two penalties and a converted try.

Chris Lee pegged them back with a penalty, then he added the points to a super solo try from Bullough. The half-back collected the ball in midfield, chipped the defence and then gathered to score.

At 13-10 down Leigh were back in the picture.

And, with the wind at their backs, they pushed the opposition back to their own lines for long periods and should have added to their total.

Eventually the crucial score came when winger Jim Bridge blasted down the wing from half-way to touch down in the corner.

Leigh's pack were now totally in control of the match, but they failed to break the line again and it was left to Lee to slot in the final points with another penalty.

Minis & Juniors...U12s beat West Park 35-5 (Matthew Ashbrooke, Michael Harrison, Patrick Walton, Paul Morgan 2); U8s beat Sedgeley Park 65-50 and 30-20 (Alex Marrow 8, Alan Whittle 2, Dale Parkinson 2, David Sale, Daniel Tustin 4, Gavin Critchley).

ATHERTON RU were impressive as they blasted Eccles 3rds 45-17.

Joe Dolan backed up well for his two tries, Jonathan Sutton side-stepped his way through for a fine touchdown, Ian Lysons bagged a couple of scores and Ian O'Donnell - playing the best rugby of his career - outsprinted the defence for his double.

Lysons hit five conversions.

TYLDESLEY RU made their usual slow and sloppy start at Furness, finally going down 23-21. They finally woke up with Lee West winning good lineout ball and Darren Edge driving the pack and Lee Berrisford crashed over, Tim Brown goaling.

Two minutes later Lee Cunliffe set up Brown for the try and goal. A penalty try for Brown with the goal tagged on had them at a healthy 21-12. But Furness battled back for victory with Tyldesley penalised at the death for going over the top.

The Seconds took Furness to the cleaners with a 53-8 victory, winger Dave Peet grabbing three tries, while the Thirds won 91-5 at Lostock.

On Saturday (2.30pm) Tyldesley entertain Ormskirk.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.