Saints let it slip late on

Waterhead's Jake Maher goes on the attack

DESPITE forging an impressive lead, Oldham St Anne’s were once again caught short in the final quarter as they lost 46-30 at Leigh East in Division Two of the National Conference League.

The signs looked good when the impressive Kendal Davies scooted in during the opening minutes for a try converted by Kiel Lancashire.

Leigh East soon replied with scores from Ben Horan and Ryan O’Toole, before Saints centre Chris Bell and Martyn Swaine linked-up well to give Davies his second touch down.

Lancashire converted to put Saints ahead 12-8, but when Leigh East’s man-of-the-match Aiden Holland put a kick through to the corner flag, Ian Jolly was on hand to complete the score. With Holland converting from the touchline, the hosts edged ahead at 14-12.

Either side of half-time Saints showed what they were capable of and piled on the pressure, with man-of-the-match Simon Topping and John Deakin proving a handful.

During this spell Bell touched down, Davies scored his third try, and a slick inside pass from the latter saw Michael Cadd barge over.

Lancashire kicked all three goals and Saints appeared in control at 30-14 in front.

However, they took their foot off the gas, and subsequently their defence crumbled.

Mid-table rivals Leigh East ran in five unanswered tries through Dale Allred (two), Horan, Dale Allred, O’Toole and Damon Fishwick.

Holland landed all five conversions, plus a penalty kick, to leave Saints empty-handed.