White too hot to handle as Saints topple high-fliers

St Anne’s, pounce on a Leigh East player in the National Conference League Division Two clash at Higginshaw Road. PICTURE: PAUL STERRITT

St Anne’s, pounce on a Leigh East player in the National Conference League Division Two clash at Higginshaw Road. PICTURE: PAUL STERRITT
IT’S been a long time coming, but the borough’s rugby fans can at last celebrate victory in the Kingstone Press National Conference League.

The honour goes to Oldham St Anne’s, who beat Division Two high-fliers Leigh East 26-18 at Higginshaw Road.

Saints, under new coach Mick Worrall, dominated the first half with man-of-the-match Jordan White at the heart of all the action.

Tries came from Dane English and Lawrence Girvan, and with Kiel Lancashire managing a touchline conversion, the home side were 10-0 in front at the break.

Immediately after the restart, Leigh grabbed a try when Alan Langtry charged down a Saints kick before touching down. Adam Holland converted.

Saints were soon back on the attack and a neat Sean Garrett pass saw the impressive Chris Clarke burst through to score. Matt Whitehead converted.

The hosts wasted two chances to stretch their advantage before Clarke broke from halfway, and the supporting Jordan White was on hand to dive in. Whitehead kicked the goal and at 22-6 Saints were in control. A Whitehead penalty took them further ahead at 24-6, but then came the Leigh fightback.

With Simon Topping in the sin bin, the visitors saw their star player, winger Josh Adudwumaa, breeze through to score. Holland converted and then bagged a try for himself, which he also goaled.

At 24-18 the game was up for grabs, but White grabbed his chance to seal Saints’ first victory of the campaign with two late field goals.



THE wait goes on for Waterhead Warriors in Division Three. Leading 12-0 against a team with only three replacements, the Peach Road side must have thought they were heading for victory at Dewsbury Moor Maroons. But the hosts roared back to clinch a 38-22 success.



SADDLEWORTH Rangers had high hopes of breaking their duck at fellow strugglers Milford Marlins in National Conference League Division One — but they only had a Ben Whitehead try and conversion to show for their efforts.

It was another tough afternoon for Craig Farrimond’s outfit, who saw Josh Parle (three), Ryan Oxtoby, David Warren and Josh Nathaniel go over in a 36-6 loss. Oxtoby also kicked half-a-dozen goals.