2007 Season Reports: WHITEHAVEN 12 LEIGH 28

WHITEHAVEN 12

LEIGH CENTURIONS 28
Dave Parkinson at the Recreation Ground, Whitehaven

Leigh’s new breed of hungry heroes continue to grow in stature following a memorable win at a ground that has seen just three other Leigh victories in seventeen years.

Odds were lengthened on the eve of the game when both Sam Butterworth and Dana Wilson were ruled out. That gave a starting spot to impressive Adam Thomas while Mailangi Styles, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday moved up to prop in a youthful looking pack.

Styles in particular gave a stand-out showing at prop but there were also sound performances from the recalled John Clough and loose forward James Taylor.

Leigh made an aggressive start to the game and had Whitehaven pinned deep within their half with Martin Ainscough stepping inside before Gary Broadbnt moved in with a try-saving tackle to deny the Leigh stand-off a try his run perhaps deserved. Craig Calvert then scored a try of real quality, running on the outside of the defence and out-stripping Leroy Rivett for pace on a 90 metre run to the line. After eight minutes, the game was held up when Aaron Heremaia appeared to recoil to the ground following an attempted tackle. Thankfully for the Centurions, the skipper was able to recover to play a prominent role. Carl Rudd converted but Leigh were soon on level terms when Ainscough changed the direction of the attack and Adam Rudd ran straight through the paper thin defence of Spencer Miller to score his third try for the club.

It was Haven that fashioned the next couple of chances when Rudd kicked forward only to see the ball shadowed dead, then John Duffy chipped over the top for Calvert to go 40 metres on a diagonal run before the defence caught him. The hosts briefly lay siege to the Centurions line but valiant defence; a major feature of Leigh’s play, frustrated Whitehaven.

Patiently Leigh hunted the error and after ring-fencing Gary Broadbent it was Calvert who came up with the error. On the second tackle Aaron Heremaia looked up and spotted who was in front of him before three delightful steps took him away from the defence and under the posts for his 13th of the season. Damian Couturier added his second goal and Leigh held a 12-6 half-time advantage despite another late rally from the hosts.

Whitehaven attempted to up the tempo of the game and the home support were incensed as Leigh crowded Calvert out of contention after the winger had kicked on. After 48 minutes, with Haven on the attack, Duffy’s pass rebounded into the arms of David Alstead, he raced upfield to score from eighty metres. Couturier again tagged on the extras before hitting the post with a drop-goal attempt.

Richard Fletcher went closest to breaking Leigh’s stranglehold defence but a typical three man tackle held out a player that has so far claimed 14 tries this season.

Leigh drove into range again following fine yards from the likes of Taylor, Richardson and Styles which presented a drop-goal opportunity for Heremaia, but he snapped at the attempt before the Centurions scored the clinching try 12 minutes from the end.

Ainscough stabbed a grubber kick through the defence from 30 metres and Alstead collected a favourable bounce to touch the ball down for his 9th try of the season despite an all or nothing tackle from Craig Benson.

Whitehaven once again closed on bonus point territory when Hull loanee Matty Dale crashed through on his debut three minutes from time with Rudd improving but in truth Leigh deserved full points for their tenacity. Such defensive ferocity saw Scott Teare come up with a loose carry. Rivett moved in, picked the ball up, pirouetted and beat Derry Eilbeck to the line. Couturier added his 50th goal of the season and the young Centurions were home and dry with the final siren bringing celebrations on and off the pitch alike for a proud team and their supporters.

Man-of-the-Match: Leigh’s young pack steam-rolled their more experienced opponents.

WHITEHAVEN:
1 Gary Broadbent
2 Craig Calvert
3 Spencer Miller
4 Derry Eilbeck
5 Craig Benson
6 Carl Rudd
7 John Duffy
8 Steve Trindall
9 Aaron Smith
10 David Fatialofa
11 Matty Dale
12 Richard Fletcher
13 Aaron Lester
SUBS (ALL USED)
14 Graeme Mattinson
15 Leroy Joe
16 Marc Jackson
17 Scott Teare

Tries: Calvert (6), Dale (77).
Goals: Rudd 2/2.

LEIGH:
1 Miles Greenwood
2 Leroy Rivett
3 Damian Couturier
4 Anthony Stewart
5 Dave Alstead
6 Martin Ainscough
7 Aaron Heremaia
8 John Cookson
9 John Clough
10 Mailangi Styles
11 Adam Rudd
12 Adam Thomas
13 James Taylor
SUBS (ALL USED)
14 Chad Isles
15 Matt Astley
16 Chris Hill
17 Sean Richardson

Tries: Rudd (12), Heremaia (33), Alstead (48, 68), Rivett (80).
Goals: Couturier 4/5.

Referee: Ian Smith.
Penalties: 4-8 to Leigh
Half-time: 12-6 to Leigh
Attendance: 2,065.

Progressive Score:
6-0; 6-6; 6-12; 6-18; 6-22; 12-22; 12-28.