Saturday 6th December 2025

Regional 1 North West

Leek 29

Manchester 26

Leek edged a thriller in the gloom at Altrad Park on Saturday where they only led with the last play of the game. The win stopped a two-game losing away streak and at the halfway stage in the season, 5th place is their best league position at this level that Leek has ever achieved.

Jack Newton Taylor, Kin Critchlow and Sam Brereton made up the back 3 as Josh Nadin returned at 12, partnered by Joe Gorman in the centres.
Debutant, on loan, scrum half, James Milan came into the halves with Scott Rawlings.
Skipper Joe Newton Taylor, Ed Cheadle and Lewis Dunleavy made up the familiar front row, and Joel Hine and Joel Booth were at lock. Ollie Powell started at No.8 with Tom Hayes and Billy Kidd on the flanks.
The bench comprised Alex Fitzmaurice James, Elliot Anderson and George Hunt.

The match start was preceded by a one-minute silence for all to remember the passings of former president and player, Ian Spicer and former player Mark Hulme.

The game kicked off in the drizzle which persisted most of the afternoon and Leek was against the wind too, first half, as Manchester came out of the blocks to stun the Moorlanders with two early converted tries.
The first on 6 minutes after a clearance kick only found the speedy left wing who proceeded to dance his way around all would be tacklers to show a clean pair of heels to the posts. The conversion was good, and the visitors led 0-7.
4 minutes later and the lead doubled after a lineout in midfield then led to good phases and support and with swift continuity the flanker scored by the posts. The conversion was good, and it was 0-14.
Leek needed to retain some possession and find a way to dent the Manchester defence and on 17 minutes, Leek won a penalty at the first scrum and the kick for the lineout was 10 metres from the visitors’ line on the left. Billy Kidd caught the excellent Ed Cheadle throw, a consistent theme all afternoon, and the intelligent maul, keeping the ball safe and making swift yardage allowed, Tom Hayes to crash over for Leek’s first try. Scott Rawlings converted and Leek was in the game at 7-14.(see Leek’s maul approaching the Manchester line, attached)
On 29 minutes, a Leek attack was in motion across the backs when a loose one handed intercept from the Manchester No.8 led to a yellow card. Scott Rawlings converted the penalty attempt, and Leek drew nearer at 10-14.
Another opportunity arose on 38 minutes as Leek’s scrum won another penalty for release of bind, but the attempt went wide.
As half time approached a fracas ensued following a ruck and the referee warned the two captains about further transgression.

Half Time: Leek 10 – 14 Manchester

Manchester started the 2nd half as the first with an early try on 44 minutes, again after good rucking and quick support and although Leek’s defence was strong, the final overlap pass saw the centre score in the left corner. The conversion missed but Manchester led 10-19.
The 2nd Manchester try of the 2nd half came on 51 minutes after a penalty and the lineout win. The pass from the lineout went astray, but as sometimes happens in those circumstances, the defence wasn’t expecting it and the No.8 sped through the gap to score under the posts. The conversion was good; Manchester had their try bonus point and led 10-26.
Leek would need to score three times to overhaul the deficit and the fightback started on 55 minutes.
Leek won a penalty for not rolling away at the tackle and Leek kicked for the lineout in the Manchester 22. The maul started 15 metres from goal, but the Leek forwards kept the momentum and Joel Booth crashed over for Leek’s 2nd try. Scott Rawlings converted and Leek closed the gap to 17-26.

3 minutes later and having won a penalty, James Milan kicked for the lineout into the Manchester 22. It didn’t make it, but the Manchester defender knocked on, giving Leek a scrum. The scrum was solid for Leek and Ollie Powell picked up. Joel Booth took the ball on and Ollie Powell was on hand for the next drive to power over for the try by the posts. Scott Rawlings converted and the gap closed to 24-26. (See Ollie Powell’s touch down attached).
Then on 62 minutes, Joel Booth was yellow carded for a ruck clear out and Manchester piled the pressure on. They looked to have scored again in the left corner, but a foot in touch saved Leek. Having lost the lineout though, Manchester squandered a chance when they kicked in goal and dead.
Manchester committed another interception infringement on 76 minutes, and the wing was yellow carded.
Leek would have only a few minutes left to make the advantage tell and it went down to the final play as Leek upped their pace and drove hard at the visitor defence. Finally, inside the Manchester 22 on the right, Scott Rawlings spotted a wide-open Alex Fitzmaurice James on the left wing. Still, it would need a perfect kick to find him, and this he executed with aplomb with the outside of his boot. AFJ caught the ball and went over unopposed. The conversion missed but the referee blew his whistle for time and Leek had nicked the game at the end by 29-26. The Leek support was ecstatic as the squad showed resilience and courage against a tough opponent.

All players are to be congratulated on an uncompromising battle on soft ground in poor conditions with plenty of commitment and skill on show.

Leek’s 5-point win moves them up to 5th on 33 points as Bowdon (30 points) lost at Huddersfield (51 points).
Manchester won 2 points but remain 9th on 22 points as Blackburn moved up to 7th on 27 points after a win at Rochdale who remain 9th on 19 points.
Anselmians remain top on 53 points after an away win at Derby who remain 12th on 13 points. Wirral’s loss at home to Burton drops them a place to 8th on 22 points as Burton remain in touch in 3rd place on 46 points. Finally, Stockport won at home against Long Eaton. It keeps the Cheshire side 4th on 35 points with Long Eaton winning a point and remaining 11th on 15 points.

This Saturday sees Leek on its travels again as they try to dent the league leaders, Anselmians’ unbeaten run. It was a close match at Leek earlier in the season and the Moorlanders will be hoping to compete and win some points.

The final league match in 2025 will be on December 20th when Long Eaton visit Altrad Park. KO 2.15. Please try and come down and support the team as they bid to end the year on a high.

Elsewhere, Leek 2s had a super win at Longton 1sts by the margin of 12-38 with Jay Wilkinson, Harry Byrne and Oliver Manifold amongst the scorers. The win moves the 2s up to 6th place on 26 points and this week welcome Bridgnorth Bulls to Altrad Park. Please come and support the 2s It’s an exciting squad and playing some great rugby.

The 3s meanwhile ghosted past Village Spartans by 32-31 to maintain top spot in the NOWIRUL Division 5. Now with 45 points, they lead Marple 2s by 4 points, having played the same number of games. This Saturday the 3s entertain Trafford MV 3s on top field.

All KOs 2.15pm

Report Author: J.McDermott