Leigh 1st XV 57 Wirral 27: LEIGH RU opened their league programme with a convincing 57-27 win against Wirral.

A fine run by Lester allowed Wilcox to open the scoring, and a midfield break by Sinclair saw the same player finish off the move. Lester was on hand to complete another fine handling movement, and the two conversions by Fisher saw Leigh comfortably ahead at 19-0.

Wirral responded when Leigh conceded possession in midfield to scramble a converted try, followed by another breakaway to close the gap to 19-12.

Wilcox was on hand to complete his second touchdown just before the break for a 24-12 half-time lead.

Leigh conceded a penalty from the re-start but Wilcox completed his hat-trick when he chipped over the cover and won the race for the touchdown.

Second row Hampson backed up a forward drive to secure a rare touchdown again converted by Fisher before Wirral again took advantage of a gifted ball to score a converted try for a 36-22 scoreline.

In the later stages, Leigh emphasised their dominance and tries from Hunt, Lester and Wilcox, all converted by Fisher stretched Leigh's lead.

The Hawks put down a marker for the forthcoming league campaign with a comprehensive 73-7 victory over Congleton.

Leigh's tries came from Ashurst, Peters (4), Carson (2), M.Devall, Greenwood, Trumble and Billinge with Greenwood adding nine conversions.

Leigh Tofts got their season off to a winning start by beating Aldwinians 41-14.

Man of the Match Karl Lawrenson was at the heart of everything good the Tofts orchestrated. He scored three tries himself and set up three more for his backs as the Tofts went on a scoring spree. Centres, McKeever and Parkinson both crossed the whitewash as did hooker Ken Hilton. Porteous added three conversions.

Leigh Junior Cols got their season off to a winning start with a 22-19 win at Tarleton.