LEIGH RMI were made to sweat in Saturday's final drama. They were forced to endure almost 30 minutes of 'extra time' agony before claiming their place in history.

A 0-0 home draw with Gretna meant RMI had to bite their fingernails as players and officials anxiously awaited the final score to come in from Lincoln before the promotion party could begin.

With Radcliffe already confirmed as UniBond Division One champions following their 3-1 defeat of Matlock, RMI had to hope that third-placed Lincoln would not beat Whitley Bay by two clear goals and pip them to promotion.

The agony went on and on with the Lincoln game held up in the first half because of a serious injury to a player. And with Lincoln leading 1-0, RMI endured untold mental torture as the second half ran six minutes over.

But finally it proved to be Leigh's day. RMI became the first in UniBond history to regain a place in the top flight after relegation since the introduction of two divisions 10 years ago.

That one-goal difference now means they can mix it with the likes of Altrincham, Runcorn and Marine in next season's Premier Division.

After the drama relieved manager Steve Waywell was able to relax and start to look forward to next season.

"It's been a long hard slog," he said. "And then having to endure the wait at the end made it all the more nerve-wracking.

"The tension and importance of the occasion was evident in our performance. And, while it would have been nice to have clinched promotion in a more clear-cut way, I'm delighted for the players and the chairman who have worked so hard this season.

"Now we can start to plan for the Premiership and hopefully give Leigh a football team of which they can be proud."

That was a theme taken up by chairman Chris Healey.

"This is probably the most important day for this club in the last 10 or 15 years," he said.

"Better opposition, many derbies and increased interest should see bigger gates at Hilton Park next season.

"The public of the town have been magnificent in the closing weeks of the season and I know the players have been delighted by the way Leigh people have responded.

"Now we can go forward with the Rugby League club.

"If they could also clinch promotion it would be a great double."

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