Wirral come back to draw (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral come back to draw

9:17am Sunday 15th April 2012 in Rugby By Richard McNeil

WITH both teams still with the threat of relegation in mind, the game started with both teams looking to play open rugby.

However, Leigh recognised where Wirral's strengths lie and kept the ball in the forwards for the majority of the game thereafter.

With the advantage of the wind in the first half, Leigh built up a 6-0 lead with two penalties before the Leigh No 8 crossed for a controversial try on the stroke of half time to give them a 11-0 lead.

Using the wind more effectively in the second half, Wirral had Leigh penned in their own 20m area for long periods.

But it was a quickly-taken penalty which gave Colin Dyer the opportunity to crash over and this was converted by captain, Craig Harvey.

In the 70th minute, Wirral took the lead when Danny Harvey sliced through the Leigh defence to score and this was also converted.

In the final few minutes, Wirral were reduced to 13 men and Leigh took the opportunity to tie the scores with a penalty from in front of the posts.

Even with 13 men Wirral almost stole the game with two long range drop kicks just missing the target.

The draw eases Leigh’s relegation worries but Wirral go into the final match with their future in this league still in the balance.