Leek fell to another narrow loss in their final league game of the season, going down 19-22 at home to Bowdon.

It was a disappointing end to their best ever season, as they finished fifth in Regional 1 North West, despite losing their last four games.

A big St Edward's Park crowd saw a typical slow start from the blue and whites. Bowdon - needing a win to ensure they avoided the relegation playoffs - were on the board first and were 0-12 up after the first 20 minutes.

Leek got into their stride and all-action prop Lewis Dunleavy narrowed the gap with a try on 28 minutes. James Milan's score just before half time saw the sides go into the break level at 12-12.

The visitors retook the lead halfway through the second period, but continued infringements saw them receive their third and fourth yellow cards of the match to go down to 13 men. Oscar Powell took full advantage to give the hosts a 19-17 lead with less than ten minutes to go. But Bowdon weren't done, and claimed the spoils with a late try.

The Moorlanders will look to finish their season with a win against Burton in the Staffordshire county cup final - date and venue to be confirmed. And they will time to reflect on a highly successful season but nonetheless with room for improvement. Six of Leek's league defeats were by one score, so plenty to work on ahead of next season.

Leek 2s went down to another big defeat, 59-19 at Bridgnorth. Andy Thompson's men have found it tough in their first season in Counties 2 Midlands West, where they have come up against mostly first team squads. Lack of consistency in team selection has also been a constant challenge.

The team have slipped into the relegation places after five defeats in their last six games, but can still save themselves in the final leage games of the season - home to Willenhall next Saturday and then away to bottom club Newcastle on 25 April.

Leek 3s sit proudly atop Nowirul 5 East after closing out their league season with a thrilling 48-47 win against Manchester Village Spartans at St Edward's Park. A hat-trick from Tom Laverick plus tries from Kris Hallam, Rob Ewen, Neil Edge and Sam Booth, together with the trusty boot of Jack Winfield, were just enough to give them the win.

James Allcock and the lads must keep the champagne on ice, however, as second-placed Marple sit seven points back with two games still to play, home to third placed East Manchester and away at fourth placed Sale Norsemen.