East Leeds strengthened their NCRL Division One top four claims after coming to life in the second half at Leigh Miners Rangers.
The hosts' got the scoreboard moving after a couple of minutes when the ball went right and winger Brad Lewis touched down at the corner. Callum Ashurst converted to hand Miners Rangers an early 6-0 advantage.
East Leeds struck back with two tries in ten minutes from their centres. First Jordan Russell finished a flowing play on the right and then James Duckworth barreled over at the left corner despite the attentions of a couple of defenders.
Attacking moments for Miners Rangers were fleeting over the remainder of the first half with East Leeds enjoying plenty of territory and possession only to be held at bay. The half-time score of 6-8 gave the home side hope heading into the second half, but a steely determination to improve by the visitors saw them take control and put five tries on the board before a late response from Miners Diego Walker.
Winger Ajay Wilson started the half in promising fashion for East Leeds as they first attacked down the left before neat hands released the winger into the right corner. Luke Littlewood converted brilliantly and was again on target from the tee after 46 minutes when Duckworth scored his second try.
Leigh Miners Rangers were reeling with East Leeds now holding a 6-20 advantage. Next a towering kick from Kane Riley was taken in by the visitors before the pass inside reached dynamic hooker Alfie Crawford and he finished by the posts on the hour.
Four minutes later strong forward play took East Leeds into range and experienced second row Ryan Wooffitt showed great strength to touch down.
As the final ten minutes approached Ajay Wilson dived over in the right corner for his second try and Littlewood added his second try.
Miners Rangers responded well in the closing stages, claiming that consolation score through Walker but it was East Leeds day, and they are now four points clear of the chasers in fourth with four games to go.
Full-time: Leigh Miners Rangers 10 East Leeds 36
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro Am Community RL
