Wilmslow 24 Leigh 3

WILMSLOW secured their first bonus-point win of the season with a second-half display against Leigh which was arguably their best 40 minutes of the season so far.

It followed an uninspiring first half during which they made only fleeting appearances in the Leigh 22.

Wolves coach Rick Jones was smiling at the end though it remains to be seen how much of a start it will be to an enduring improvement.

Next up in North West One on Saturday, October 22, will be a trip to Vale of Lune, who similarly to Leigh have won only once so far and are struggling in the bottom three.

Jones had, by both force of circumstances and design, run changes in his side that now sits fourth on the ladder, albeit nine points behind a Northwich side they will face in the semi finals of the Cheshire Vase on a date yet to be confirmed.

Max Harvey, brought in from the wing into the number seven spot, immediately had the crowd gasping at the force of his 'kamikaze' tackling, which earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Wilmslow cricketer Ethan Harding did not disappoint after being given a start at number 12.

When his cricketing teammate Toby Rowe was brought on as a second-half substitute in the other centre shirt, it did look as though Jones had a midfield partnership with the potential to develop.

Ben Day, given the nod at fullback, could equally have been awarded the man-of-the-match accolade after crucially being involved in three of the four Wolves tries.

But some disappointing kicking out of defence, coupled with handling errors and a one-sided penalty count against the Wolves, allowed Leigh to spend at least 30 minutes of the first half in Wilmslow territory.

As it was, the Wolves defence held out and the scoring was opened after Harry Patch took a quick throw.

Day powered through the middle and when the ball was recycled to the right, there were men over for scrum half Nick Barker to get the opening converted score.

Whatever was said at half time, it had the desired effect.

The pack shoved Leigh off their own put-in for prop Ayrey to get a touch down.

Ryan Elliott slotted an attempt at goal in reply but the force was now with the home side.

Day joined the line and his offload left Harry Patch with an easy run-in.

A simple backs move put Day in for the last try.