OLDHAM ST ANNES 24, LEIGH EAST 26: LEIGH East blasted their way out of the doldrums with an away win over National Conference League second placed side, Oldham St Annes.

Sadly other results went against them and East remain at the foot of the table.

But Saturday's victory over St Annes, formidable on their own difficult pitch, must be the morale booster needed to boost East's flagging spirits, especially as they battled their way back from 10-0 down through an heroic defence and gritty determination.

Mick Redford and Dave Rowland made an immediate impact, tightening things up in the middle and providing top support for East's strong running forwards Whiteside and Wingfield. St Annes, despite the outstanding efforts of hooker Johnson and loose forward Sweeney had to concede defeat at half back where Kilshaw and Gunning called the shots.

There was no-one in East's ranks braver than young Gavin Hunter last year's Under 18s hooker who was thrown straight into the lion's den with a spot out on the wing. But the youngster showed courage way beyond his experience as he scored a crucial try, saved two and showed no respect for St Annes, running the ball out coolly and confidently as the home side thundered at him.

East seemed to be following this season's pattern as they went 10-0 down after as many minutes before Kilshaw pulled four point back, scampering over from the base of the scrum, but failing to convert. Three minutes an error of judgement opened up a gap and St Annes stretched their lead to 14-4. By half time East had reduced the deficit to 14-8 with a good try from Coombes.

St Annes took advantage of East losing possession on the second tackle to go 20-8 up but then a try from Simon Stephens heralded a superb fight back from East. Good forward play ended when Kilshaw ran on to Wingfield's pass for his second try, Gunning adding East's only goal of the day, then Kay turned in the tackle to put Hunter in for the try which gave East the lead for the first time.

Minutes later a superb run from Hunter, continued by Kilshaw, ended with the try for Penkywicz which set the seal for East's victory. But there was still more to do as St Annes bombarded their line for 15 agonising minutes as East defended brilliantly to claim their second win of the season.