GLORIOUS failure.

Leigh took the honours in this cracking divisional play-off to decide promotion to North One West although Liverpool St Helens ran them very close.

It might have been even closer if the home side had not got off to a flying start scoring three tries in the opening half hour to go 21-0 up.

The opening try came straight from the kick off; the second from a catch and drive and the third from a quickly taken free kick.

During this thirty minutes LSH had plenty of possession without making it pay whilst Leigh crossed LSH’s 22 metre line four times and scored on three occasions.

Then, just as the sizeable crowd were reconciling themselves to witnessing a one-sided affair, LSH produced a tremendous fightback beginning with stand- off John Pape breaking through the Leigh defensive line to score and convert his own try. This was followed by more pressure from LSH on the stroke of half time leading to a moment of drama as the referee called for the help of one of his assistants to confirm the award of a try from Mark Potter amidst a pile of bodies over the line. Converted by Pape to put LSH back in the game at 21-14.

No-one has given more for the cause this season than Jake Hodson and six minutes into the second half the young winger, filling in at full back and having spent part of the first half receiving treatment for an unfortunate injury, set off on a run from midway in his own half.

Running forwards, sideways and forwards again, outran everyone on the park and scored in the right hand corner.

Leigh landed a penalty, before LSH pressed again and following a scrum close to the Leigh line, skipper Phil Kearns, as he has been doing all season, picked up and burrowed through to touch down for a try which with John Pape’s conversion took LSH into a two point lead with just over 20 minutes to go.

This had been a supreme effort by the Moss Laners showing huge character and application, much appreciated by their supporters and neutrals alike.

It had however, taken its toll as Leigh, having scented victory after 30 minutes were not to be denied and came back strongly to register a penalty and then a try from a strong drive converted to leave the score at 34-26 with ten minutes to go.

In keeping with the game, LSH finished strongly and Mark Devine almost broke through down the left wing but was stopped a few yards short as time eventually ran out.

As both sides left the field to loud applause Leigh can look forward to a season at the next level and LSH can reflect on a proud display and a successful season. They have all to play for next year.