EAST Hull coach John McCracken labelled the superb 20-4 win away to league leaders Leigh East as "probably the best performance of the year", this despite almost failing to arrive at all for the National Conference game.

Easts' bus broke down three times on the way to the game and they turned up just half an hour before kick off.

On top of this, McCracken had three players pull out at the last minute, meaning he travelled with just 14 players and had to play many people out of position.

Captain Mike Docherty, who usually lines up in the front row, started at stand-off, while second row duo of Ash Johannessen and Jamie Edwards started at full-back and centre respectively.

But McCracken's men produced a dominant display and never looked in danger of losing the game as they move up to eighth spot in the league after their second straight victory, having been in the bottom three a few weeks ago.

Johannessen's try after 10 minutes, converted by Carl Puckering, put them ahead and a Puckering drop goal then gave them a 7-0 half-time lead.

Ten minutes into the second period, Mark Moore then outstripped the defence from a scrum to run in 70 metres to score, again converted by Puckering.

Leigh responded to make it 13-4, before Puckering sunk another drop goal.

GB Community Lions prop Lee Brown then rounded off the victory with the final try, converted by Puckering.

"The desire to play for themselves was evident and we dominated from the start," said McCracken.

"I felt we were in control for the full 80 minutes and it was only after 68 minutes that they managed to score their only try.

"To score 20 points at Leigh East, who are one of the best teams in the league, showed great character and we are really starting to believe in ourselves at the minute.

"We are getting more confident all the time and playing to our potential."