A frantic finish ,to say  the least as St Jude’s 1st Team prevailed in this local derby away at Leigh East the final score of 14-10 was in doubt for a period in the second half but Judes dramatically held on to secure the two points. Jude’s took the lead on 7 mins  when lively  Hooker Nathan Bevan took advantage of slack marking around the ruck area to create space tor Winger Joey Brady who shot down the wing and eventually ended up behind the sticks for a great opening try, Baz Rothwell goaled. The attitude to defend was spot on by Jude’s and it had to be as Leigh East continually pressed the Jude’s line , Olumide Oladele , Tom Owen , Paul Pendlebury , Gavin Rodden , Luke Barrett , Dave Fagan, Leon Harber and Nathan Bevan were outstanding snuffing out any Leigh attacks. Leigh East must have had 75% of possession but Judes always looked energetic in their defence and could handle the hosts threats across the park. Full Back Daz Ball was excellent at the back, always eager to to take the ball up and give his forwards a break . Late on in the first half a rare Jude’s attack involving  Rothwell, Fenney , McMahon  and Rodden resulted in a penalty for Judes, Gary McMahon stepped up and slotted over the two points, his first in the NCL competition and Jude’s had a 8-0 lead at the half, which considering the amount of possession  by the hosts was a good lead and from the onset Jude’s drive to win the Match was there for all to see. The second half was much like the first, all Leigh East pressure and once again Jude’s had to be strong on defence and mind as Leigh East came at them on wave after wave of attacks. On 57 mins the hosts finally got over the whitewash when a speculative high kick came off and they scored wide out , this was quickly followed by another try much like the first and Leigh had took the lead 10-8.  Judes never say die attitude, against a Leigh East side getting stronger was there for all to see when on 73 mins Judes got great field position in the Leigh quarter after strong work from Barrett, Marshall and Pendlebury who found Centre Connor Parkinson who wriggled his way way over for a great try, young Gary McMahon Cooley slotted over the two 14-10 to Judes . The final 5 mins wasn’t the best rugby as tempers spilled over and punches were exchanged and both teams had players  sent off . Injuries late on to Joey Brady and Baz Rothwell gave opportunities to young guns Leon Harber and first team debutant Gary McMahon to get more playing time, and boy o boy they did well. These are the wins that get promotion and Judes are right in the mix.