Leigh Centurions 16 York Wasps12
By Dave Parkinson
Leigh finally won through in the Northern Ford Premiership opener with 2 tries in the final twenty minutes.
York had threatened an upset when leading 12-4 at half time thanks to 3 well taken tries. The pick of these came from York skipper John Strange who rode an attempted tackle and stepped the cover before accelerating into the gap for the score. Others came from wing Leigh Deakin and Chris Judge while eigh responded with two penalty goals from Phil Kendrick.
Fortunately for the Centurions, all three of York's tries were scored on the flanks and despite using two different kickers, the Wasps were unable to convert to what would've been an unassailable 18-4 lead.
Leigh lacked cohesion at halfback. Craig Dean's stand in, Safraz Patel sadly went through a catalogue of poor passes, kicks and missed tackles.
York defended their lead valiantly and until the hour looked like they would complete only their second victory at Hilton Park in 30 years.
It was at this point Patel was withdrawn and the impressive Anthony Murray switched to scrum-half, providing almost instant spark to a previously laboured midfield.
It was Murray who engineered Leigh's first try as his run and well timed pass sent Phil Kendrick over by the posts.
Despite this setback, York stuck to their gameplan, slowing the game down in the process.
It was powerful home loose-forward Andy Fairclough that was the Leigh hero as he charged 30 metres for the winning score. Deputy goal-kicker, Phil Kendrick provided the conversion to maintain his 100% record, 4 from 4.
Leigh clung on for victory but in truth York must feel aggrieved having outscored the home team 3 tries to 2.
For York, former Wakefield second row Chris Judge combined well with Australian Lambert, forming a formidable back row, while hooker Pallister weighed in with another consistent performance and in Richard Goddard the Wasps have one of the best centres in the Premiership.
LEIGH 16
Leigh Tries: Kendrick, Fairclough.
Leigh Goals: Kendrick (4 from 4)
YORK 12
York Tries: Strange, Deakin, Judge.
York Goals: - - -
Attendance: 1546.
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