NFP RD 17: BRAMLEY 8 LEIGH 39
By Dave Parkinson
A brave display by twelve man Bramley, directed by former international halfbacks Garry Schofield and Mike Ford, failed to halt Leigh's charge before a sparse crowd at Headingley.
The 37th minute dismissal of Anthony Gibbons following a high tackle on replacement hooker Murray turned the game in the visitors favour after Bramley's centre had earlier squared the game at 4-4.
The Centurions began the game in confident fashion when captain Fairclough crossed for his 15th of the season after just three minutes.
Bramley were soon on level terms when a flowing Leigh passing movement was adjudged forward and Ford and Schofield pushed the ball wide from the scrum which allowed Gibbons the room he needed.
Breaks from impressive fullback Mark Sibson put Leigh on the back foot before Purtill hoisted a towering crossfield kick that was palmed back by Hadcroft. Kennedy did well to control the ball, Hadcroft was again involved and Kerr dived over for his second try in Leigh colours.
The left wing trio of Kennedy, Kerr and Hadcroft were at the heart of Leigh's third try before Kerr repaid the favour and sent Hadcroft in at the corner.
Kendrick missed the conversion and a long range penalty attempt before Gibbon's sending off gave him the first of five goals.
Another penalty on the stroke of half-time gave the Leigh centre an easy opportunity to put twelve points between the sides at the break.
Bramley made an enthusiastic opening to the second period as Donlan twice made try-saving tackles on Freeman and O'Reilly.
Leigh weathered the storm and produced an excellent counter-attack over 50 metres involving Bowker and Kerr that led to Hadcroft giving Kennedy the try-scoring pass. Kendrick's conversion made the score 22-4 but Bramley were rewarded for a spell of pressure when former Hull forward Mae David scored in the corner.
Leigh hit back with a second try from Hadcroft before a 66th minute field goal from Keiron Purtill put the game beyond Bramley at 29-8.
In the final ten minutes the Villagers tired defence was breached twice more. A rare scrum win against the feed put Leigh in good field position and a neat inside pass from Purtill saw David Whittle touch down beneath the posts. The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for substitute prop Andy Pucill when he carried two men over in a 10 metre run of strength and determination.
Kendrick missed the conversion but coach Ian Millward could be pleased his side were league leaders for at least 48 hours.
Played 11/06/99
Bramley = 8
Tries (minutes in brackets)
A Gibbons (6), David (61)
Goals: Sibson 0 (from 2)
Lost to
Leigh Centurions = 39
Tries (minutes in brackets)
Fairclough (3), Kerr (21), Hadcroft (29, 63), Kennedy (52), Whittle (71), Pucill (73).
Goals: Kendrick 5 (from 9).
Field Goal: Purtill 1
HT = 4-16
FT = 8-39
Attendance : 679 @ Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Starmen:
Bramley: Schofield / Ford (stand-off / scrum-half)
Leigh: Pucill / Purtill (substitute prop / scrum half)
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