After some injuries last time out against Canterbury, Leigh managed to muster 13 men to take the field - and thanks to the hosts generously agreeing to share players to bring the numbers up to 15-a-side, the club motto ‘Nos Semper Ludere’ was in full effect.

The 138 mile round trip was a fruitful one last season, with Leigh coming out victorious in a 31-34 thriller, and from the outset, it seemed more of the same was in order.

Leigh came out of the blocks fast and aggressive in attack, taking a 5m lineout following a penalty deep in the hosts’ territory, and following a couple of line-busting carries from the loanees, Callum Erskine was able to snipe from the back of the ruck and drive 2 defenders over the line for the first score of the day, his second in as many matches. Hector Ashby added the conversion, and Leigh took the early 0-7 lead.

Charlie Parker very nearly added another quickly after, but could not beat the defenders to his chip and chase. Deal cleared their lines well from the goal line dropout, and after a few phases and a knock on from Leigh, used their scrum as a platform to kick a 50/22 and retain an attacking lineout. Poor discipline from Leigh gave the hosts a penalty 5 metres out, and they powered over the line, but could not get the ball down. Leigh bravely mounted a defence of their line against sustained pressure, but Deal eventually found space after a scrum to open their account for the day. A missed conversion meant Leigh still held the lead, 5-7.

Deal came straight back again, regathering a chip and chase to score in the corner. Another missed conversion saw the scores stand at 10-7.

A missed touch finder could not be regathered by Leigh, and Deal added another try with a show-and-go fooling the Leigh defence. This time the conversion sailed through the posts, making the score 17-7.

Leigh rallied again, and after a couple of penalties 5 metres from the Deal line, honorary Leigh player Sam crashed over to score. Hector Ashby was again accurate from the tee, with the conversion going through after hitting the right post. Leigh were right back in it, 17-14 the score.

Fast and hard carries brought Leigh straight back into scoring range, but a string of penalties for Deal flipped the field, and their quick-stepping winger cut inside to score and after the extras were added the scoreboard read 24-14.

An unfortunate collision then forced Jack Parker off of the field, reducing Leigh to 14 for the remainder of the afternoon.

On the stroke of half-time, Leigh were once again in scoring position, and Dominic Mitchell ran a disguised line close to the ruck, powering over to score his first try in a Leigh shirt. Hector Ashby converted the try, once again in off the post, and the score at the break read 24-21.

The second half started well for Leigh, with the squad looking to build on their strong finish to the first, however the fatigue, reduced numbers and injuries piled up, and the hosts proved too strong in the second half, running in multiple tries to bring the final score to 53-21.

There were plenty of positives to take from the match, and the squad will enjoy a much deserved rest week next week before being back in action in December, travelling to Gillingham Anchorians - we hope to see you there or following along on our livestream where we might have a bit more luck with phone signal!