OLDHAM 26 LEIGH 31
By Dave Parkinson.
The Centurions proved victorious for a fifth time in the Arriva Trains Cup, holding off a spirited challenge from Oldham to eventually win 31-26. The win was all the more applaudable considering Leigh went into the game missing the go forward of injured prop duo David Bradbury and Sonny Nickle. In their place Rob Ball and Bryan Henare turned in great efforts against a big home pack. It wasn't all plain sailing however and at times the Centurions did ride their luck and cop some strange calls referee Ronnie Laughton.
It was certainly edge of the seat rugby league that showed the Centurions ability to capitialise on opposition errors.
With a 62-4 defeat to Salford still fresh in their minds, Oldham predictably started like a house on fire and took the lead when Hough sped over from acting half-back in the fifth minute. The Roughyeds went close to increasing that lead moments later but dogged try-line defence stopped Molloy and Doran. At the other end Leigh were desperately unlucky as Adam Bristow and Sean Richardson combined only for Michael Watts to go touch in goal behind the corner flag.
Leigh equalised in the 22nd minute and quite fortuitous it was too. Patrick Weisner appeared to lose the ball from his grasp in a one-on-one tackle and while the home side seemed to pause, awaiting the referee's whistle, Weisner collected and sped over from 15 metres. Turley converted and the Centurions were in business. Four minutes later Paul Rowley scored when a bouncing kick from Damian Munro and a superb chase from Weisner caught Oldham napping and Munro fed the Leigh hooker.
At this stage Leigh looked comfortable but Oldham gained good momentum and this resulted in a try for Gareth Barber. Much to the annoyance of the Leigh coaching staff and supporters, Oldham penalties continued to rise and Barber levelled the game on the stroke of half-time.
Turley drew first blood in the second half with a penalty and the Leigh fullback was at his predatory best moments later, slicing through the cover to touchdown a skewed kick to the posts by John Duffy. From being all square the Centurions now held an 8 point advantage before Duffy was sinbinned after falling foul of the referee and bearing the brunt of several offside decisions. If Oldham expected to take charge in this period, they were mistaken as Turley converted a penalty for Leigh.
On 66 minutes however, Oldham blew the game wide open again when a kick down-field stood up behind the tryline and Chris Irwin raced past a nonchelent Watts to score. Then followed the defining period of the game. With the Roughyeds pressing Leigh were stretched only for Dave Alstead to intercept a low pass and race 90 yards to the posts for a sensational try. Turley converted, then added a drop goal to open a 13 point advantage but Oldham weren't done.
The home side rallied well. First Brennan touched down following a mistake from Turley behind his line then fullback Gavin Dodd collected a pass to race in at the corner. The final word was with Leigh and Turley however as he kicked his 7th goal after a high tackle prevented a try by Dale Holdstock.
Man-of-the-match - Top efforts from front row men Ball and Henare just shaded Rowley and 19 point Turley.
Leigh: Turley, Rivett, Munro, Cardoza, Watts; Weisner, Duffy; Ball, Rowley, Henare, Richardson, Bristow, Swann; Holdstock, Alstead, Andrews, Kendrick.
Attendance: 1,945.
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