North Wales Crusaders U12s conquered the stifling conditions to emerge from their clash at Leigh East with a battling 18-16 success.

Despite the baking temperatures on Leigh's 3G pitch, the game started at a frantic pace, with the Cru making the breakthrough from an early scrum when loose forward Charlie Jones powered over from 10 metres out.

Iwan Hughes added the extras to give the Cru a 6-0 lead before Leigh quickly hit back with a converted try to level.

An evenly-contested first half ensued until Jones powered down the blind side for his second try, Hughes converting once more to restore the Cru's lead.

That advantage was quickly eroded with an unconverted Leigh score making it 12-10 at the break.

After gaining the upper hand after the restart, Leigh led for the first time with a neat try in the corner subsequently converted to make it 16-12.

But the visitors rallied and some strong forward drives saw the ball worked from right to left to allow fullback Hughes to storm beyond the home defence before converting to seal victory with minutes remaining.

Crusaders Head Coach, Allen Jones said: “Firstly, this we a tremendous game of Junior Rugby League, played hard with not an inch given by either team.

“The last few minutes showed what character these boys have got. They were on the wrong side of the ref but they kept turning up for each other in defence, showing real guts, determination and sheer bloody mindedness to hold East out.

“They will have learned so much from this contest, and it was some contest, and it should stand them well for future games. A fantastic team performance."

Flintshire Falcons U14s were outgunned in a 56-32 home defeat to South Trafford Raiders at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Raiders began strongly and built a steady lead before the hosts hit back through a converted Nate Brown score and two fantastic tries by Cam Walker to leave the Falcons trailing 20-16 at half-time.

Despite Brown running in his third try to complement further efforts from Kieran Mullen and Sam Chaloner, a late surge from the Raiders saw them pull clear and win by 24 points.

Falcons head coach Mike Dessington said: “Today’s match was a far superior performance to the one a few weeks ago (where we lost by two). Every one of the team played with passion, commitment and channelled aggression; which as coach is all I can ask. The performance may have deserved a win; but it should definitely be viewed as a positive morning and all should be happy with their performance."