Leigh East Lions 36-40 Crosfield Cobras
HT 16-16
TRIES Regan (2), Charlie, Josh A(2), Joe, Sam, Lewis, Finn, Spencer
WOW! This was an absolute corker of a rugby league game, an end to end game with both teams never being separated by more than one try. It started slowly for the Soap, while the clocks moved forward the Soap defence stayed back, conceding in the first set of the game. However, the boys woke up with a roar, Regan Parkman with a brace and Charlie Rooney being put in for a scorcher as the Lions were pegged back. Finley Haigh making his debut impressed with some strong carries, while I panicked, was there enough space to record all of Spencer Bullers 1st half tackles? It was close, just like the scoreline. Josh Ackerley rounded off a great 1st half performance sending the soap in 16-16 at halftime.
While some fans at HT of Widnes V Salford made their excuses and went home, this was a barnstormer nobody was going to risk missing this game in its entirety.
Joseph Gough got the Soap off to a great start in the 2nd half edging the boys in front. The two teams then exchanged try after try, Josh Ackerley bagging another, Sam Perry powering in and Lewis Spencer with a great step around a raging lion to power down the wing to score a beauty. This was a game no team wanted to lose, no team taking a backward step, the lobby gobblers started to lose their discipline but our boys did not back down.
Josh York was showing some great tackle technique, the game was reaching fever pitch, and tackle counts were forgotten as the scores were tied 32-32 with 5 minutes to go. The immense Josh Ackerley then took an epic run, there was carnage and bodies on the ground, the ferocity of the game was taking its toll.
Finn Hammill bravely powered over as the Cobras struck again, however, this Leigh team is not used to losing and the scores were soon level again with just minutes left on the clock. Move over Chico, this was ‘Spencer Buller time’ a great try putting the Soap in front, could they hang on? The Lions had one last go to try to maul a draw from this epic encounter, however, they ran into the lion tamer, Finn Hammill who produced a great last-ditch tackle to ensure a hard-fought victory.
A big shout out to all the lads who did not get a mention in the match report, it was great to see how ALL our boys put their bodies on the line for their mates.
Parents MOM: Josh Ackerley
Away Team MOM: Lewis Spencer
Coaches Award: Finley Haigh
Top Tackler: Josh Ackerley
Tackle Champ: Finn Hammill
Donkey award: Chris Gough