A hat-trick of tries from Oscar Powell wasn't quite enough for Leek Colts as they went down fighting 26-24 at Longton.

The Leek youngsters gave a great account of themselves on their second trip to Trentham Fields already this season, having lost by a single score against the Longton black team in September.

The hosts scored first but, in a closely contested first period, Powell's converted try levelled things up after 25 minutes. Longton, fielding their amber squad, reclaimed the lead, but a Leek penalty made it 14-10 at the break.

Longton stretched their lead early in the second period, before a brace from Powell - younger brother of first-teamer Oli - saw the Moorlanders take the lead. But a late score snatched the points for the home side.