Fourth-place Melbourne had run the boys in blue and white close when the sides met at Esterchem Park earlier in the season, and it promised to be another close game at Cockshut Lane.

In a tight first half, Leek twice came from behind, with tries from Joe Byrne and Joe Gorman sending the sides into the break all square at 14-14.

Liam McDemott's opening score in the second half took the Moorlanders into the lead for the first time, before a penalty and try restored the advantage to the home side.

A try from Will Midwinter, who also made all four conversions, put Leek back ahead and the champions held on for the win despite a late score for the hosts that made it 27-28.

Leek finish their season at home next Saturday with the rearranged fixture against old friends Silhillians.

Meanwhile, Leek 2nds were awarded a walkover win after their Nowirul Division 2 South opponents Altrincham Kersal cried off. This secured the league runners-up spot for the Moorlanders behind Manchester, emulating the first team with back to back promotions.