Kells Under-16s kept up their winning ways in their North West Counties League campaign with a hard-fought victory over a tough Leigh Miners Rangers side.

Kells opened up the scoring early with an Ellis Selkirk try but they failed to land the conversion.

Their visitors hit back with a well-worked try to take the lead for the first time after adding the extras.

But it was Kells who took the lead in at the break as Selkirk burst over the line for his second of the afternoon.

Again, the conversion was missed but Kells had the upper hand at 8-6.

Both teams were displaying some good football as the second half opened and James Ennis was next on the scoresheet for Kells with a well-worked try for a 12-6 lead.

Leigh hit the try-line next with a converted touchdown and the game was once more on level pegging at 12-12.

That was how the game remained for the last 20 minutes with both teams testing each other and a healthy crowd on edge, watching some stars of the future.

Then, with only a minute to go, Kells were awarded a penalty for a ball steal in front of the sticks.

Kieran Fleming held his nerve and kicked the penalty that give Kells a hard fought 14-12 victory, with William Ennis named man-of-the-match.

Kells coach and ex-Whitehaven player, Craig Chambers, added after the game: “I was proud of the lads today.

“We held our nerve and our goal line defence was good, so we deserved the points.”