DERBY RU rivals Leigh and Tyldesley provided a clash of the titans.

There was passion a plenty as both sides gave their all in a physical and explosive match at Well Street.

And, after being under the cosh, Leigh came out 13-10 winners - rocking the home side with a late and controversial length-of-the-field burst for a clinching try from second row Philip Hewitt.

Tyldesley felt aggrieved as the Sean Grainey Memorial Trophy game went down to the wire.

They had dominated for long periods, stunning the match favourites with an opening onslaught which, despite desperate and solid defence, led to a Lee Berrisford try goaled by Tim Brown who also added a penalty.

Late in the second half Tyldesley were still in there at 10-6, two Mark Hudspith penalties keeping Leigh in touch.

The loss of full-back Steve Palin saw Dave Sivill introduced for the home side and he was involved in the turning part of the game.

Sivill swept in on another swift Tyldesley build-up, crossing the line for what appeared to be a match-winning score.

But the referee ruled otherwise, and, from the resultant penalty, Hudspith hoofed the ball 80 metres down the pitch. Leigh won the line-out and ruck and Hewitt blasted in to score in the corner. Hudspith booted on the extra points from the touchline to ensure a thrilling 13-10 victory.

On Saturday Tyldesley travel to Ashton-u-Lyne for a crucial league encounter.

Tyldesley 2nds, with several enforced changes after FOUR players had cried off, won 13-6 at Leigh. Ian Worsfold landed a superb long-range penalty. Then, following a strong run by Howard Hughes and good support play from David Goulborne, winger Jimmy Shaw went in at the corner. Tyldesley withstood some good pressure before Goulborne touched down for the final score.

Tyldesley 3rds beat Leigh 13-3.

CULCHETH RU beat North Manchester 17-10 - thanks to their Pitt men!

Tries from Martin and Dave Pitt set Culcheth away and there was a cracking touchdown from Dave Walker, crossing in the corner. Gareth Warren impressed on his debut.

On Saturday (2.30pm) the Eagles entertain Burnage at Shaw Street.

Culcheth 2nds lost 29-24 at Warrington Vikings. Tries from White 2 and Welsby.

ATHERTON RU bounced back in the final five minutes to beat Preston Grasshoppers 13-10.

Two penalties from Lysons kept them in touch. Then, with Clough, Cleary, newcomer Johnson and Hankinson leading the charge, Lysons went in between the sticks, adding his own goal for victory.

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