The Moorlanders' first team struggled in Lancashire, falling behind early to pacesetters Dale. They conceded four first half tries and another seven after the break. Will Midwinter converted Oli Drew's late first half score and his own try in the second period, but it was never going to be enough on a difficult day for the blue and whites. Final score 71-14.

The good news for Leek is that fellow strugglers Kendal lost at home to Anselmians. The next three weeks' fixtures look critical, with tenth placed Leek hosting 11th placed Stoke next week. Kendal, currently sitting ninth, travel to Stoke the following week and then host Leek on 1 March.

The Leek second string continued their push for promotion with a hard-fought win at Handsworth. Tries from youngster Elliott Anderson and the big man Gregor Hayes saw them take a 12-0 lead into the break. Another youngster, Lucas Ford-Rowley, stretched the advantage in the second half before the hosts claimed a late consolation score. Final score 7-19.

Leek stay second in Counties 3 Midlands West North, level on points with Newcastle 2s and seven points behind leaders Barton, with a game in hand. Newcastle visit Barton next week while the Moorlanders travel to bottom club Stoke.

Earlier in the day we saw a welcome return to form for our Colts, 50-0 winners at Burntwood.