NFP RD 18: YORK 12 LEIGH 14
By Dave Parkinson
An often scrappy and untidy encounter saw the York Wasps slip to a second consecutive home defeat, despite having the better of play for long spells and a dominant young scrum-half.
Darren Callaghan with just half a season of top grade experience was a constant threat to the visitors line and easily picked up the home man of the match award with a halfback display that bodes well for the Wasps.
Leigh by contrast played their "Get out of gaol" card and, for a second time this season, just managed to hold off an enthusiastic York challenge.
An opening quarter punctuated with penalties set the tone for the game as the physical Wasps interupted the visitors game pattern with a succession of crunching tackles that tried the patience of referee Shaw.
Leigh props Dave Whittle and Tim Street were warned and Wasps hooker Pallister was placed on report for an alleged high tackle in the first ten minutes.
Phil Kendrick kicked Leigh into an early lead with two penalties before Heath Cruckshank twisted over from close range in the 13th minute. Jamie Benn made the score 8-2 with a well struck penalty before Pallister was dispatched to the sin-bin for a second high tackle on Stuart Donlan. Kendrick missed the resulting penalty but was on target five minutes later following a further indiscretion from the home side.
Another penalty goal from Benn brought the Wasps within 6 points and they were level in the 36th minute following a fumble by Safraz Patel. Former Hull second row Paul Darley waltzed in after good work by Callaghan.
The game looked to be heading for 10-10 at the break but Kendrick missed touch from a penalty and York laid seige before Benn's fourth goal stung Leigh and gave his side a slender advantage.
In the second period defence was again prominent with Leigh fending off raids by Pallister, Callaghan and Austerfield. At the other end of the field David Ingram (twice), Cruckshank and Anthony Murray were stopped short and Ken Kerr bombed a great chance with a shocking pass to Alan Hadcroft.
York continued to soak up pressure and looked comfortable until a mistake deep in their own quarter gave Leigh a chance from the scrum. Cruckshank and Purtill combined to send Hadcroft searing in at the corner for a crucial 57th minute touchdown.
Benn was presented with a chance to equalise in the 65th minute but swung his penalty attempt wide.
As the game entered stoppage time a booming 40-20 kick gave York a final chance but good defence by the in-form Hadcroft put his opposite number into touch by the corner flag with a gamebreaking play.
York Wasps - 12
Tries: (minutes in brackets)
Darley (36)
Goals: Benn 4 (from 5)
Leigh Centurions - 14
Tries: (minutes in brackets)
Cruickshank (13), Hadcroft (57)
Goals: Kendrick 3 (from 6)
Half-time - York led 12-10 -
Attendance : 1147 @ Huntington Stadium, York.
Game Stars:
York: Austerfield / Callaghan = Centre / Scrum-half
Leigh: Hadcroft / Murray = Winger / Hooker
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