Hull KR 18
Leigh Centurions 22
Dave Parkinson from Bloomfield Road.
It was a case of Grix and determination in the Blackpool sun as Leigh went to the seaside, and came back with the Northern Rail Cup following an unstinting defensive effort.
Back in February, Leigh began their season at Bloomfield Road and it was somewhat ironic that they should return, claim the first piece of National League silverware and end a 24-match unbeaten run from Hull Kingston Rovers.
Key to their victory was a magnificent performance from fullback Scott Grix and the often unheralded work of forwards Ricky Bibey, Paul Rowley, Dana Wilson, Tere Glassie, Chris Hill, Robert Roberts, James Taylor and Warren Stevens.
Despite arriving in the Blackpool cauldron with a couple of niggling injuries, Leigh took the lead after 9 minutes after Rovers had been pinned deep in their quarter by Aaron Heremaia’s kicking. Robins fullback Ben Cockayne then charged into the tackling Heremaia and up stepped Mick Govin to strike the penalty home via the post.
That lead lasted just five minutes as Rovers clinically marched downfield, inspired by former Leigh winger Leroy Rivett who spun away from two tacklers on a brave kick return. Rovers then moved the ball quickly and accurately through several pairs of hands for Jon Goddard to support Byron Ford and race away from a despairing Dean Gaskell. Gareth Morton tagged on the conversion. Rovers then saw a chance frittered away by French centre Damien Couturier but Morton was back in the kicking groove after 21 minutes when Ford was awarded a try by the video referee following an awful pass from Adam Hughes.
There was some contention to the score as former Leeds junior Tommy Gallagher appeared to deliberately knock the ball out of the arms of James Taylor in the build-up.
Typically, Taylor put that behind him and alongside Glassie and Roberts was one of the key figures in turning the Centurions defence around. The changes only began to take place after 25 minutes and by that time; Rovers had claimed another try when Ben Fisher, Dwayne Barker and Scott Murrell worked an opening for Cockayne to race through for his 22nd try of the season. Morton missed the kick but even the most optimistic of Leigh fans were questioning whether the Centurions could reply from a 16-2 deficit.
The answer came from the team; an emphatic yes!
With the ante upped in defence, Leigh restricted Rovers to a 30 metre gain on their next set and hurried Murrell into the kick.
What happened next was sheer poetry.
Grix took possession and passed to Lee Greenwood before looping for the return. He then stepped on the inside and raced into the hole. With Rowley on his inside, Grix cleverly drew 3 defenders and sent the captain haring under the posts from 40 metres. Govin converted before an almighty mix-up between Rivett and Cockayne saw Grix chase through his own kick, collect and dive in at the corner.
With all the pressure on their line, Hull KR wilted and Leigh went close through Hughes and Heremaia before turning over possession. Enthusiastic tackling from Roberts then trapped Iain Morrison in-goal and the Centurions laid the platform for a third try. Tere Glassie was the scorer as he showed good strength to go over despite having 3 defenders clinging to him. Referee Jamie Leahy referred the decision upstairs and after an agonising wait benefit of doubt went with the Cook Island international.
It meant that the teams headed to the break all square, 16-16 with the prospect of another intriguing half ahead.
The first ten minutes of the second half saw Leigh camp on the Rovers line where the commitment in the tackle was excellent. The Centurions had the first scoring opportunity of the new half when Glassie got Adam Hughes in a great position and the centre thundered down the wing for the second time in the game. Unfortunately Hughes was injured in the move and had to be replaced.
Rovers then launched the ball into the Centurions 20’ and two tackles later Gaskell lost the ball after a typically brave run in midfield that saw him bounce off three tacklers including Robins favourite Makali Aizue.
Leigh then conceded a penalty for offside and the tall Morton slotted his third goal over the bar to give the Rovers an 18-16 lead.
The chase from the kick-off and defence was good again and it wasn’t long before the Centurions turned this into possession. Unfortunately Grix couldn’t take Bibeys one handed offload and instead took a crunching tackle from Murrell.
Aggressive running from Danny Halliwell three minutes later bought the Centurions a penalty and they pushed forward to score a decisive try on the hour. Rock-like Dana Wilson was the scorer, taking an inside passes from Heremaia at pace before touching down from close range. Govin added his third goal and it was 22-18.
Cue the drama.
Seeing their long unbeaten run slipping in front of them, Rovers became increasingly desperate. A 65th minute opportunity went to ground from Goddard when the centre knocked on following Govin’s unsuccessful intercept and the Robins came forward again four minutes later. A lofted kick from Murrell was knocked inside by Ford but Morrison couldn’t collect with the line wide open.
Leigh returned to the basics that had served them so well and when Ford fumbled Halliwell’s hammered kick downfield, the kick chase got their man. Rovers made good ground and a threatening attack saw man-of-the-match Grix save a try with an all or nothing tackle on Cockayne. Couturier thought that he’d scored an all important try seconds later when Murrell flicked the ball out of a tackle. Again the decision went to video referee Bob Connolly who ruled that the tackle on Murrell had been completed and awarded a hand-over to the Centurions.
This all but ended Rovers challenge as Leigh wound the clock down to claim victory in an error-strewn yet compelling final that had every one of the 7,547 crowd on the edge of their seats.
Hull KR:
1 Ben Cockayne
2 Leroy Rivett
3 Damien Couturier
4 Jon Goddard
5 Byron Ford
6 Tommy Gallagher
7 Scott Murrell
8 Makali Aizue
9 Ben Fisher
10 David Tangata-Toa
11 Iain Morrison
12 Gareth Morton
13 Dwayne Barker
14 Francis Stephenson
15 Andy Ellis
16 Gareth Price
17 Michael Smith
Tries: Goddard (14), Ford (20), Cockayne (25)
Goals: Morton 3/4
Leigh Centurions
1 Scott Grix
2 Dean Gaskell
3 Adam Hughes
4 Danny Halliwell
5 Lee Greenwood
6 Mick Govin
7 Aaron Heremaia
8 Ricky Bibey
9 Paul Rowley
10 Dana Wilson
11 Chris Hill
12 Tere Glassie
13 Robert Roberts
14 Carl Forber
15 Danny Speakman
16 James Taylor
17 Warren Stevens
Tries: Rowley (28), Grix (31), Glassie (38), Wilson (60).
Goals: Govin 3/5.
Progressive Score:
0-2; 6-2; 12-2; 16-2; 16-8; 16-12; 16-16; 18-16; 18-22.
Referee: Jamie Leahy
Penalties: 6-6
Attendance: 7,547
Thursday 14 January 2010
Sunday 10 January 2010
1999 Season Reports: August: LEIGH CENTURIONS 32 LANCASHIRE LYNX 20
NFP RD 26: LEIGH CENTURIONS 32 LANCASHIRE LYNX 20
By Dave Parkinson
Leigh took top spot in the Northern Ford Premiership for the first time this year with a hard fought victory over a brave Lancashire Lynx outfit.
Led from the front by halfbacks Alexander and Flanagan, Lynx were never far away and Leigh had to rely on three touchdowns in the final quarter to seal their win.
Early on there was little to choose between the sides as both packs cancelled each other out. Leigh lost captain Jamie Kennedy after just 3 minutes when the second-row damaged an ankle while tackling Horton.
Graeme Close, signed earlier in the week from Workington Town, tried to spark Leigh's attack but his team mates didn't make the best of his lively running and Lynx hit back when Flanagan hit a 40-20 kick.
Lancashire had their best spell moments after Heath Cruckshank was sin-binned for obstruction on Parsley. Alexander tagged on a penalty and scored the game's first try after 25 minutes with an individual effort.
Eleven minutes later, Stuart Donlan dragged Leigh back into the game with a ghosting run, Anthony Murray supported on his inside and Leigh were level with Paul Wingfield's first goal of the afternoon.
Close then went 40 metres from the scrum before a flying tackle prevented the halfback scoring on his debut. Not to be outdone, Leigh put the ball wide and Ken Kerr finished a four pass movement, making up for an earlier spillage with the line beckoning.
Six minutes into first half stoppage time, Donlan was felled by a "dangerous throw" that was missed by the officials. Momentarily dazed, Donlan passed the ball to Purtill without making an attempt to play it. Referee Shaw harshly chose to penalise the fullback and Alexander kicked the points to a crescendo of boos and jeers.
The first 10 minutes of the second half followed much the same pattern as Lynx pack again went toe-to-toe with the Leigh six. Hard working Solomon and Walsh were prominent but they were equalled in the Leigh pack by Tim Street.
Murray grew in stature as the game wore on, controlling the play-the-ball area and repeatedly asking questions of the Lynx defence.
It was from one of these typical bursts that Leigh stretched their lead to 6 points when Murray's pass was intercepted by a Lynx defender in an offside position and Wingfield converted the penalty.
Lynx reply came quickly when a 70-metre move ended with former Wakefield and Oldham winger Dave Jones crossing on the hour. Alexander's conversion tied the scores.
Leigh had to win this game again, and set about their task with relish as Lynx tried to slow it down. Cruckshank capitalised on good approach play by Murray, Close and Keiron Purtill to score by the posts and give Wingfield an easy goal.
Wingfield had his sights set again eight minutes later, striking another penalty after a high tackle on Cruckshank.
Until the final quarter, Keiron Purtill was having a quiet afternoon, allowing his new half-back partner to dictate, but he stamped his authority on the game with the final two tries. Sandwiched between these, "Doc" Murray kept Leigh on their toes with an opportunist score, but it turned out to be little more than consolation as the home sides superior teamwork won through.
Leigh Centurions: 32
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Kendrick, Kerr, Ingram
Half-backs: Purtill, Close
Forwards: Street, Anthony Murray, Whittle, Cruickshank, Kennedy, Fairclough
Substitutes: Halliwell, Norman, Pucill, Higham
Tries: Murray (36), Kerr (40), Cruickshank (64), Purtill (74, 83)
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from 7).
Defeated
Lancashire Lynx: 20
Threequarters: Parsley, Ratcliffe,"Doc" Murray, Abram, Jones
Half-backs: Alexander, Flannagan
Forwards: Horton, Bennett, Prest, Solomon, Walsh, Hodgkinson
Substitutes: Roberts, Geritas, Fisher, Gee
Tries: Alexander (25), Jones (60), Murray (78)
Goals: Alexander 4 (from 5).
Halftime: 12-8 to Leigh.
Full-time: 32-20 to Leigh.
Attendance: 1,846 @ Hilton Park, Leigh
Gamestars:
Leigh: Murray / Close - Hooker / Scrum-half
Lynx: Alexander / Flannagan - Stand-off / Scrum-half
By Dave Parkinson
Leigh took top spot in the Northern Ford Premiership for the first time this year with a hard fought victory over a brave Lancashire Lynx outfit.
Led from the front by halfbacks Alexander and Flanagan, Lynx were never far away and Leigh had to rely on three touchdowns in the final quarter to seal their win.
Early on there was little to choose between the sides as both packs cancelled each other out. Leigh lost captain Jamie Kennedy after just 3 minutes when the second-row damaged an ankle while tackling Horton.
Graeme Close, signed earlier in the week from Workington Town, tried to spark Leigh's attack but his team mates didn't make the best of his lively running and Lynx hit back when Flanagan hit a 40-20 kick.
Lancashire had their best spell moments after Heath Cruckshank was sin-binned for obstruction on Parsley. Alexander tagged on a penalty and scored the game's first try after 25 minutes with an individual effort.
Eleven minutes later, Stuart Donlan dragged Leigh back into the game with a ghosting run, Anthony Murray supported on his inside and Leigh were level with Paul Wingfield's first goal of the afternoon.
Close then went 40 metres from the scrum before a flying tackle prevented the halfback scoring on his debut. Not to be outdone, Leigh put the ball wide and Ken Kerr finished a four pass movement, making up for an earlier spillage with the line beckoning.
Six minutes into first half stoppage time, Donlan was felled by a "dangerous throw" that was missed by the officials. Momentarily dazed, Donlan passed the ball to Purtill without making an attempt to play it. Referee Shaw harshly chose to penalise the fullback and Alexander kicked the points to a crescendo of boos and jeers.
The first 10 minutes of the second half followed much the same pattern as Lynx pack again went toe-to-toe with the Leigh six. Hard working Solomon and Walsh were prominent but they were equalled in the Leigh pack by Tim Street.
Murray grew in stature as the game wore on, controlling the play-the-ball area and repeatedly asking questions of the Lynx defence.
It was from one of these typical bursts that Leigh stretched their lead to 6 points when Murray's pass was intercepted by a Lynx defender in an offside position and Wingfield converted the penalty.
Lynx reply came quickly when a 70-metre move ended with former Wakefield and Oldham winger Dave Jones crossing on the hour. Alexander's conversion tied the scores.
Leigh had to win this game again, and set about their task with relish as Lynx tried to slow it down. Cruckshank capitalised on good approach play by Murray, Close and Keiron Purtill to score by the posts and give Wingfield an easy goal.
Wingfield had his sights set again eight minutes later, striking another penalty after a high tackle on Cruckshank.
Until the final quarter, Keiron Purtill was having a quiet afternoon, allowing his new half-back partner to dictate, but he stamped his authority on the game with the final two tries. Sandwiched between these, "Doc" Murray kept Leigh on their toes with an opportunist score, but it turned out to be little more than consolation as the home sides superior teamwork won through.
Leigh Centurions: 32
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Kendrick, Kerr, Ingram
Half-backs: Purtill, Close
Forwards: Street, Anthony Murray, Whittle, Cruickshank, Kennedy, Fairclough
Substitutes: Halliwell, Norman, Pucill, Higham
Tries: Murray (36), Kerr (40), Cruickshank (64), Purtill (74, 83)
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from 7).
Defeated
Lancashire Lynx: 20
Threequarters: Parsley, Ratcliffe,"Doc" Murray, Abram, Jones
Half-backs: Alexander, Flannagan
Forwards: Horton, Bennett, Prest, Solomon, Walsh, Hodgkinson
Substitutes: Roberts, Geritas, Fisher, Gee
Tries: Alexander (25), Jones (60), Murray (78)
Goals: Alexander 4 (from 5).
Halftime: 12-8 to Leigh.
Full-time: 32-20 to Leigh.
Attendance: 1,846 @ Hilton Park, Leigh
Gamestars:
Leigh: Murray / Close - Hooker / Scrum-half
Lynx: Alexander / Flannagan - Stand-off / Scrum-half
1999 Season Reports: August: LEIGH CENTURIONS 66 OLDHAM 6
NFP RD 25 LEIGH 66 OLDHAM 6
By Dave Parkinson
Leigh put their narrow defeat at Widnes behind them and returned to form with a resounding 12 try victory over struggling Oldham.
Anthony Murray, recalled at hooker after completing a three game suspension had an excellent game, crossing for a try hat-trick and he was instrumental in many of Leigh's best moves.
Following a disjointed opening by both teams, Murray stamped his authority on the game after 12 minutes with a forty metre sprint from dummy-half.
Paul Wingfield added the first of his 9 goal haul, but Oldham hit straight back when Brown and Leuila opened the defence and speedy centre Mead set sail for the line.
The flying Oldham back was tracked down by Stuart Donlan who pulled off a copybook tackle to put Mead into touch a metre from the line.
Returning captain Andy Fairclough split the defence in the 19th minute, putting Kennedy over for the games second try before Leigh hit injury problems.
Jamie Kennedy was forced off with a shoulder injury and James Arkwright was carried off after an innocuous looking tackle.
The rugged visiting pack tried to get the better of their opponents and succeeded in temporarily knocking them off their game with Round, Nadiole and Perrett in the thick of things.
Sandwiched between tries from Wingfield and Fairclough, Stuart Donlan set Hilton Park alight with an electrifying break that left a host of defenders in his wake but Leuila and Mead combined to haul the fullback into touch just of a deserved short.
With stand-off Webster in the sinbin for disputing Fairclough's first try, Oldham's task was made almost impossible as Leigh romped over for 3 tries in his absence.
Murray added his second try before halftime for a 28-0 scoreline and Phil Kendrick and Fairclough extended the score to forty points. Those early second-half tries for Leigh proved how costly a sinbinning can be.
In previous games, Leigh could be accused of slowing down, but for Oldham there was no respite.
Kendrick crashed over for his second try and was quickly followed by Ken Kerr, finishing a move started by Keiron Purtill.
Brown tried a short kick-off that forced a mistake. From the resulting scrum, Oldham worked the ball wide for Mead to display his pace and brush past Donlan in a try scoring run. Brown added the conversion and Oldham's loyal band of supporters finally had something to cheer.
Murray replied in typical fashion on the hour with his third, before Donlan grabbed a deserved try, supporting Ingram's break from the scrum.
Leigh's final try came 13 minutes from time when Andy Pucill and Fairclough
created the opening and substitute Mick Higham nipped over to end another fruitless day for the Roughyeds.
Leigh Centurions: 66
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Kendrick, Kerr, Halliwell
Halfbacks: Arkwright, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Murray, Whittle, Cruickshank, Kennedy, Fairclough
Substitutes: Pucill, Ingram, Norman, Higham.
Tries: (Mins in Brackets)
Murray (12, 40, 60), Kennedy (19), Wingfield (28), Fairclough (39, 43), Kendrick (41, 50), Kerr (54), Donlan (63), Higham (67).
Goals: Wingfield 9 (from 12)
Defeated
Oldham: 6
Threequarters: Leuila, Brassington, Meade, Jackman, McNicholas
Halfbacks: Webster, Brown
Forwards: Casey, Hough, Clegg, Round, Nadiole, Perrett
Substitutes: Crook, Brennan, Guest, Peralta.
Tries: (Mins in Brackets)
Meade (56)
Goals: Brown 1 (from 1)
Halftime: 28-0 to Leigh
Attendance: 1691 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Game Stars:
Leigh: Murray / Donlan - Hooker / Full-back
Oldham: Meade / Webster - Centre / Stand-off
By Dave Parkinson
Leigh put their narrow defeat at Widnes behind them and returned to form with a resounding 12 try victory over struggling Oldham.
Anthony Murray, recalled at hooker after completing a three game suspension had an excellent game, crossing for a try hat-trick and he was instrumental in many of Leigh's best moves.
Following a disjointed opening by both teams, Murray stamped his authority on the game after 12 minutes with a forty metre sprint from dummy-half.
Paul Wingfield added the first of his 9 goal haul, but Oldham hit straight back when Brown and Leuila opened the defence and speedy centre Mead set sail for the line.
The flying Oldham back was tracked down by Stuart Donlan who pulled off a copybook tackle to put Mead into touch a metre from the line.
Returning captain Andy Fairclough split the defence in the 19th minute, putting Kennedy over for the games second try before Leigh hit injury problems.
Jamie Kennedy was forced off with a shoulder injury and James Arkwright was carried off after an innocuous looking tackle.
The rugged visiting pack tried to get the better of their opponents and succeeded in temporarily knocking them off their game with Round, Nadiole and Perrett in the thick of things.
Sandwiched between tries from Wingfield and Fairclough, Stuart Donlan set Hilton Park alight with an electrifying break that left a host of defenders in his wake but Leuila and Mead combined to haul the fullback into touch just of a deserved short.
With stand-off Webster in the sinbin for disputing Fairclough's first try, Oldham's task was made almost impossible as Leigh romped over for 3 tries in his absence.
Murray added his second try before halftime for a 28-0 scoreline and Phil Kendrick and Fairclough extended the score to forty points. Those early second-half tries for Leigh proved how costly a sinbinning can be.
In previous games, Leigh could be accused of slowing down, but for Oldham there was no respite.
Kendrick crashed over for his second try and was quickly followed by Ken Kerr, finishing a move started by Keiron Purtill.
Brown tried a short kick-off that forced a mistake. From the resulting scrum, Oldham worked the ball wide for Mead to display his pace and brush past Donlan in a try scoring run. Brown added the conversion and Oldham's loyal band of supporters finally had something to cheer.
Murray replied in typical fashion on the hour with his third, before Donlan grabbed a deserved try, supporting Ingram's break from the scrum.
Leigh's final try came 13 minutes from time when Andy Pucill and Fairclough
created the opening and substitute Mick Higham nipped over to end another fruitless day for the Roughyeds.
Leigh Centurions: 66
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Kendrick, Kerr, Halliwell
Halfbacks: Arkwright, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Murray, Whittle, Cruickshank, Kennedy, Fairclough
Substitutes: Pucill, Ingram, Norman, Higham.
Tries: (Mins in Brackets)
Murray (12, 40, 60), Kennedy (19), Wingfield (28), Fairclough (39, 43), Kendrick (41, 50), Kerr (54), Donlan (63), Higham (67).
Goals: Wingfield 9 (from 12)
Defeated
Oldham: 6
Threequarters: Leuila, Brassington, Meade, Jackman, McNicholas
Halfbacks: Webster, Brown
Forwards: Casey, Hough, Clegg, Round, Nadiole, Perrett
Substitutes: Crook, Brennan, Guest, Peralta.
Tries: (Mins in Brackets)
Meade (56)
Goals: Brown 1 (from 1)
Halftime: 28-0 to Leigh
Attendance: 1691 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Game Stars:
Leigh: Murray / Donlan - Hooker / Full-back
Oldham: Meade / Webster - Centre / Stand-off
1999 Season Reports: August: WIDNES VIKINGS 9 LEIGH CENTURIONS 6
NFP Round 24 Widnes Vikings 9 Leigh Centurions 6
By Dave Parkinson
Widnes stepped up their "Super League Challenge" with a third tense game against Leigh in front of a bumper 5000 crowd at the Autoquest stadium.
Narrowly defeated in both Challenge Cup and League meetings this term, Leigh wanted to make amends while Widnes were looking to maintain their recent run into the play-offs.
The game was barely a minute old when Mark Hewitt forced a drop out with a clever kick that almost fooled Paul Wingfield.
A ferocious opening spell was punctuated with handling errors as both teams struggled to gain advantage.
The Centurions first real chance of the game came from the boot of Keiron Purtill as his lofted kick swirled in the breeze and fell to Ken Kerr who in-turn fed Paul Wingfield only for the Widnes cover to deny a score.
Former Kiwi international and Leigh player George Mann was a thorn in the Centurions side all afternoon with an influential pack performance and it was he who intercepted a loose ball and charged before a great tackle by Stuart Donlan halted the big man.
Dave Ingram had a try disallowed for Leigh while at the other end Chris Percival was held short as the Centurions stepped up their defensive efforts.
Purtill's kicking game continued to cause problems for the home side but Jmes Arkwright couldn't hold a well placed grubber kick that would have certainly given the former Saint a 32nd minute try.
Three minutes later, the Centurions should have again taken the lead when Purtill was obstructed during a scything run, but the usually dependable Wingfield hooked his penalty attempt wide of the uprights.
Widnes hit back with hooker Cantillon (an increasingly dominant figure in the midfield) making good ground and Hewitt gave the home side the narrowest of leads with his 6th field goal of the season a minute from the break.
The Vikings made a great start to the second half and thought they had scored when James Briers sent Simon Verbickas over in the corner, but referee Presley spotted a forward pass and the try was ruled out.
Leigh's pattern changed with the introduction of Safraz Patel in the 49th minute, a tactical replacement for the hardworking Higham. This move reaped dividends when Patel latched onto a loose pass from Cruckshank, and slipped through for a Wingfield converted try after 51 minutes.
As Leigh entered the final quarter Patel attempted a long pass from within his own half. Hero turned villain when the predatory Paul Mannson intercepted the pass and raced under the posts unopposed. Hewitt's simple conversion gave Widnes a 7-6 lead with 19 minutes left.
Widnes looked to have scored a second try five minutes later but this was disallowed on the intervention of a touch judge. However, from this incident the Vikings were awarded a penalty and Hewitt converted.
Purtill's boot created late chances for Wingfield and Kerr but the Centurions lacked a clinical edge as Widnes scrambling defence held firm for a third close victory of the season over Leigh for the Vikings.
Widnes Vikings: 9
Threequarters: Munro, P. Smith, Percival, Briers, Verbickas
Halfbacks: Mannson, Hewitt
Forwards: Hansen, Cantillon, Savelio, Mann (c), Adams, Hulme
Substitutes: Myler, D. Smith, Hassan, Hill
Try: Mannson (61)
Goals: Hewitt 2 (from 2)
Drop Goal: Hewitt
Defeated
Leigh Centurions: 6
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Ingram, Kerr, Arkwright
Halfbacks: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Higham, Cruickshank, Anderson, Kendrick, Kennedy (c)
Substitutes: Norman, Halliwell, Patel, Whittle
Try: Patel (51)
Goals: Wingfield 1 (from 2)
Halftime: 0-1 to Widnes.
Attendance: 5230 @ The Autoquest Stadium, Widnes (Largest crowd in the Premiership this season)
Gamestars:
Widnes: Cantillon / Mann - hooker / 2nd Row Forward
Leigh: Purtill / Cruickshank - Scrumhalf / Prop Forward
By Dave Parkinson
Widnes stepped up their "Super League Challenge" with a third tense game against Leigh in front of a bumper 5000 crowd at the Autoquest stadium.
Narrowly defeated in both Challenge Cup and League meetings this term, Leigh wanted to make amends while Widnes were looking to maintain their recent run into the play-offs.
The game was barely a minute old when Mark Hewitt forced a drop out with a clever kick that almost fooled Paul Wingfield.
A ferocious opening spell was punctuated with handling errors as both teams struggled to gain advantage.
The Centurions first real chance of the game came from the boot of Keiron Purtill as his lofted kick swirled in the breeze and fell to Ken Kerr who in-turn fed Paul Wingfield only for the Widnes cover to deny a score.
Former Kiwi international and Leigh player George Mann was a thorn in the Centurions side all afternoon with an influential pack performance and it was he who intercepted a loose ball and charged before a great tackle by Stuart Donlan halted the big man.
Dave Ingram had a try disallowed for Leigh while at the other end Chris Percival was held short as the Centurions stepped up their defensive efforts.
Purtill's kicking game continued to cause problems for the home side but Jmes Arkwright couldn't hold a well placed grubber kick that would have certainly given the former Saint a 32nd minute try.
Three minutes later, the Centurions should have again taken the lead when Purtill was obstructed during a scything run, but the usually dependable Wingfield hooked his penalty attempt wide of the uprights.
Widnes hit back with hooker Cantillon (an increasingly dominant figure in the midfield) making good ground and Hewitt gave the home side the narrowest of leads with his 6th field goal of the season a minute from the break.
The Vikings made a great start to the second half and thought they had scored when James Briers sent Simon Verbickas over in the corner, but referee Presley spotted a forward pass and the try was ruled out.
Leigh's pattern changed with the introduction of Safraz Patel in the 49th minute, a tactical replacement for the hardworking Higham. This move reaped dividends when Patel latched onto a loose pass from Cruckshank, and slipped through for a Wingfield converted try after 51 minutes.
As Leigh entered the final quarter Patel attempted a long pass from within his own half. Hero turned villain when the predatory Paul Mannson intercepted the pass and raced under the posts unopposed. Hewitt's simple conversion gave Widnes a 7-6 lead with 19 minutes left.
Widnes looked to have scored a second try five minutes later but this was disallowed on the intervention of a touch judge. However, from this incident the Vikings were awarded a penalty and Hewitt converted.
Purtill's boot created late chances for Wingfield and Kerr but the Centurions lacked a clinical edge as Widnes scrambling defence held firm for a third close victory of the season over Leigh for the Vikings.
Widnes Vikings: 9
Threequarters: Munro, P. Smith, Percival, Briers, Verbickas
Halfbacks: Mannson, Hewitt
Forwards: Hansen, Cantillon, Savelio, Mann (c), Adams, Hulme
Substitutes: Myler, D. Smith, Hassan, Hill
Try: Mannson (61)
Goals: Hewitt 2 (from 2)
Drop Goal: Hewitt
Defeated
Leigh Centurions: 6
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Ingram, Kerr, Arkwright
Halfbacks: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Higham, Cruickshank, Anderson, Kendrick, Kennedy (c)
Substitutes: Norman, Halliwell, Patel, Whittle
Try: Patel (51)
Goals: Wingfield 1 (from 2)
Halftime: 0-1 to Widnes.
Attendance: 5230 @ The Autoquest Stadium, Widnes (Largest crowd in the Premiership this season)
Gamestars:
Widnes: Cantillon / Mann - hooker / 2nd Row Forward
Leigh: Purtill / Cruickshank - Scrumhalf / Prop Forward
1999 Season Reports: July: LEIGH CENTURIONS 32 BARROW 26
NFP RD 23 LEIGH 32 BARROW 26
By Dave Parkinson
Barrow Raiders arrived in Leigh hoping to clinch a tenth victory of the campaign and avenge two previous defeats to the Centurions in 1999.
Despite missing the skills of Tane Manihera, Barrow made a good opening and were rewarded when Magorian cut through after just four minutes.
Leigh were soon on level terms when Paul Anderson proved unstoppable near the line.
As mistakes crept into the home sides game Barrow upped the tempo and were rewarded when Hughes chipped through and collected Stuart Donlan's fumble for a second Raiders score in the 20th minute.
Leigh needed to reply quickly and were twice denied as first Phil Kendrick lost the ball in the tackle after a 25 metre break and Anderson was pulled back for a forward pass.
Outstanding home forward Tim Street showed a good turn of speed to power through a gap and carried fullback Salmon over the line in a 20 metre scoring run. Wingfield converted to tie the game.
Leigh were content to run the half down but Barrow had other ideas, forcing numerous errors before entertaining the crowd with some excellent support play that eventually saw Holt regather his own chip forward for a 37th minute touch down. The diminutive halfback also converted to give his team an 18-12 lead at half-time.
Barrow punished a sloppy start to the second half by the Centurions and stretched their lead when Luxon offloaded to Salmon who had too much speed for Donlan. Holt was unable to convert but the Raiders had a ten point cushion.
Leigh then took the game to their Cumbrian visitors. Darting runs by Donlan and Mick Higham set the position and the ball was swept wide for Jamie Kennedy to send David Ingram over for a Wingfield improved score in the 46th minute.
From their next possession Leigh almost scored but James Arkwright's inside pass went to ground and, when Ken Kerr knocked on with the line at his mercy in the 50th minute, even some of Leighs most optimistic fans must have feared it wasn't going to be the Centurion's day.
Leigh kept chipping away and were within two points when Wingfield added a 53rd minute penalty for a high tackle on substitute Whittle. Two minutes later Leigh's comeback was completed when Donlan supported a
midfield break from the sponsors man-of-the-match, Paul Anderson.
Barrow piled forward with punishing running from Rhodes and prop Blanchard, testing the Leigh defence before a set move from a scrum gave Atkinson an unconverted score to level the game.
Having worked hard to get back into the game Leigh weren't about to go down lightly and substitute Cruickshank typified the home teams spirit with a forceful charge to the line.
Wingfield added his 6th and final goal but Barrow attacked with venom only to be denied by Leigh's scrambling defence.
Leigh Centurions: 32
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Ingram, Kerr, Arkwright.
Halfbacks: Bowker, Patel
Forwards: Street, Higham, Pucill, Anderson, Kendrick, Kennedy
Substitutes: Cruickshank, Hadcroft, Whittle, Norman
Tries: (Min in Brackets)
Anderson (13), Street (24), Ingram (46), Donlan (55), Cruickshank (64).
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from 6)
Defeated
Barrow Raiders: 26
Threequarters: Salmon, Hutton, Atkinson, Magorian, Marshall
Halfbacks: Kavanagh, Holt
Forwards: Whiteley, Clarke, Barchard, Rhodes, Luxon, Hughes
Substitutes: Warwick, Gardner, Jackson, Spencely
Tries: (Min in Brackets)
Magorian (5), Hughes (20), Holt (37), Salmon (42), Atkinson (60)
Goals: Holt 3 (from 5)
Half-time: Barrow led 18-12.
Attendance: 1720 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Gamestars:
Leigh: Street / Anderson - Prop / Second-Row Forward
Barrow: Holt / Rhodes - Scrum-half / Second-Row Forward
By Dave Parkinson
Barrow Raiders arrived in Leigh hoping to clinch a tenth victory of the campaign and avenge two previous defeats to the Centurions in 1999.
Despite missing the skills of Tane Manihera, Barrow made a good opening and were rewarded when Magorian cut through after just four minutes.
Leigh were soon on level terms when Paul Anderson proved unstoppable near the line.
As mistakes crept into the home sides game Barrow upped the tempo and were rewarded when Hughes chipped through and collected Stuart Donlan's fumble for a second Raiders score in the 20th minute.
Leigh needed to reply quickly and were twice denied as first Phil Kendrick lost the ball in the tackle after a 25 metre break and Anderson was pulled back for a forward pass.
Outstanding home forward Tim Street showed a good turn of speed to power through a gap and carried fullback Salmon over the line in a 20 metre scoring run. Wingfield converted to tie the game.
Leigh were content to run the half down but Barrow had other ideas, forcing numerous errors before entertaining the crowd with some excellent support play that eventually saw Holt regather his own chip forward for a 37th minute touch down. The diminutive halfback also converted to give his team an 18-12 lead at half-time.
Barrow punished a sloppy start to the second half by the Centurions and stretched their lead when Luxon offloaded to Salmon who had too much speed for Donlan. Holt was unable to convert but the Raiders had a ten point cushion.
Leigh then took the game to their Cumbrian visitors. Darting runs by Donlan and Mick Higham set the position and the ball was swept wide for Jamie Kennedy to send David Ingram over for a Wingfield improved score in the 46th minute.
From their next possession Leigh almost scored but James Arkwright's inside pass went to ground and, when Ken Kerr knocked on with the line at his mercy in the 50th minute, even some of Leighs most optimistic fans must have feared it wasn't going to be the Centurion's day.
Leigh kept chipping away and were within two points when Wingfield added a 53rd minute penalty for a high tackle on substitute Whittle. Two minutes later Leigh's comeback was completed when Donlan supported a
midfield break from the sponsors man-of-the-match, Paul Anderson.
Barrow piled forward with punishing running from Rhodes and prop Blanchard, testing the Leigh defence before a set move from a scrum gave Atkinson an unconverted score to level the game.
Having worked hard to get back into the game Leigh weren't about to go down lightly and substitute Cruickshank typified the home teams spirit with a forceful charge to the line.
Wingfield added his 6th and final goal but Barrow attacked with venom only to be denied by Leigh's scrambling defence.
Leigh Centurions: 32
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Ingram, Kerr, Arkwright.
Halfbacks: Bowker, Patel
Forwards: Street, Higham, Pucill, Anderson, Kendrick, Kennedy
Substitutes: Cruickshank, Hadcroft, Whittle, Norman
Tries: (Min in Brackets)
Anderson (13), Street (24), Ingram (46), Donlan (55), Cruickshank (64).
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from 6)
Defeated
Barrow Raiders: 26
Threequarters: Salmon, Hutton, Atkinson, Magorian, Marshall
Halfbacks: Kavanagh, Holt
Forwards: Whiteley, Clarke, Barchard, Rhodes, Luxon, Hughes
Substitutes: Warwick, Gardner, Jackson, Spencely
Tries: (Min in Brackets)
Magorian (5), Hughes (20), Holt (37), Salmon (42), Atkinson (60)
Goals: Holt 3 (from 5)
Half-time: Barrow led 18-12.
Attendance: 1720 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Gamestars:
Leigh: Street / Anderson - Prop / Second-Row Forward
Barrow: Holt / Rhodes - Scrum-half / Second-Row Forward
1999 Season Reports: July: FEATHERSTONE ROVERS 18 LEIGH CENTURIONS 24
NFP RD 22 FEATHERSTONE 18 LEIGH 24
By Dave Parkinson
Back in March, Leigh ground out an important 16-12 home victory over Rovers, a result that contributed to the downfall of then Featherstone coach, Kevin Hobbs.
Four months on this was a key game for both sides, Leigh needed a win to maintain second spot while Featherstone were looking to force their way into the top five after going eight matches unbeaten with impressive wins over Oldham, Barrow and Widnes in the sequence. Leigh named a side that was a little short on preparation due to a flu virus in the camp.
Rovers largest home crowd of the season witnessed an exciting and full blooded game of Rugby League in which both scrum-halves were instrumental. An apprehensive opening by both teams set the tone before Rovers gained the upper hand. Okesene and Amone went close on two occasions with Alan Hadcroft and Keiron Purtill making try saving tackles. Home centre Martin Law was also sent clear by Handley only to be brought back for a forward pass.
Despite their early pressure Featherstone could only register a penalty from the boot of Rooney.
Leigh almost had the first try of the game in the 19th minute when a bone-shaking tackle from Purtill dislodged the ball deep in the Featherstone half and Radney Bowker combined with Ken Kerr to send Paul Wingfield in at the corner. As the Leigh fans celebrated the referee consulted his touch judge and disallowed the score.
Ian Millward then produced his ace card and brought Mick Higham from the bench into the hooking role. This had an almost immediate effect as the young hooker created space and sent the supporting Stuart Donlan over for a converted try in the 24th minute.
Rooney added another penalty before the tricky halfback carved through the defence with a 15 metre arcing run to put Rovers in front.
The Centurions hit back just before the break when Bowker supported Heath Cruckshank's wide running to cross by the posts. Wingfield's conversion gave Leigh an unlikely 12-8 lead.
Missing the influences of Okesene and Amone at the start of the second half, Featherstone were penned in their own territory. Leigh took full advantage in the opening 10 minutes, Purtill was denied a try on the intervention of the touch judge before Bowker grabbed his second try from a Paul Anderson break. The former Saint was also heavily involved in the next scoring move, Wingfield adding the finish to a Kerr offload. The winger converted both tries.
Featherstone replied quickly with Heptinstall darting over from a play the ball after a good spell of pressure.
On the hour Leigh had a third try disallowed before the reintroduction of Okesene brought Rovers back into contention. The Centurions held Rovers at bay for 18 consecutive tackles but spirited Featherstone were unable to break the rearguard, despite the best efforts of hardworking skipper, Slater.
As the game entered the last 10 minutes, exciting winger Jamie Stokes broke away, only to be chased down by Donlan who then completed an equally important tackle on Chapman. With the visitors defence still stretched, Rooney showed vision and pace, chipping through for an opportunist try.
Surprisingly the half-back hooked his conversion attempt wide.
Leigh missed a field goal opportunity and had another charged down, but held on for arguably their most important victory of the season.
Featherstone Rovers: 18
Threequarters: Bramald, Stokes, Law, Coventry, Horsley
Half-backs: Handley, Rooney
Forwards: Okesene, Chapman, Clarkson, Evans, Amone, Slater
Substitutes: Padgett, Lowe, Heptinstall, Dickens
Tries (Mins in brackets)
Rooney (35, 72), Heptinstall (53)
Goals: Rooney 3 (from 5)
were Defeated by
Leigh Centurions: 24
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Hadcroft, Kerr, Ingram
Half-backs: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Arkwright, Whittle, Anderson, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Substitutes: Higham, Pucill, Patel, Norman
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Donlan (24), Bowker (39, 44), Wingfield (50)
Goals: Wingfield 4 (from 4)
Half-time: 12-8 to Leigh.
Attendance: 2145 @ Lionheart Stadium (aka Post Office Road), Featherstone.
Gamestars:
Featherstone: Rooney / Slater - Scrum-half / Loose forward
Leigh: Purtill / Cruickshank - Scrum-half / Second-row forward
By Dave Parkinson
Back in March, Leigh ground out an important 16-12 home victory over Rovers, a result that contributed to the downfall of then Featherstone coach, Kevin Hobbs.
Four months on this was a key game for both sides, Leigh needed a win to maintain second spot while Featherstone were looking to force their way into the top five after going eight matches unbeaten with impressive wins over Oldham, Barrow and Widnes in the sequence. Leigh named a side that was a little short on preparation due to a flu virus in the camp.
Rovers largest home crowd of the season witnessed an exciting and full blooded game of Rugby League in which both scrum-halves were instrumental. An apprehensive opening by both teams set the tone before Rovers gained the upper hand. Okesene and Amone went close on two occasions with Alan Hadcroft and Keiron Purtill making try saving tackles. Home centre Martin Law was also sent clear by Handley only to be brought back for a forward pass.
Despite their early pressure Featherstone could only register a penalty from the boot of Rooney.
Leigh almost had the first try of the game in the 19th minute when a bone-shaking tackle from Purtill dislodged the ball deep in the Featherstone half and Radney Bowker combined with Ken Kerr to send Paul Wingfield in at the corner. As the Leigh fans celebrated the referee consulted his touch judge and disallowed the score.
Ian Millward then produced his ace card and brought Mick Higham from the bench into the hooking role. This had an almost immediate effect as the young hooker created space and sent the supporting Stuart Donlan over for a converted try in the 24th minute.
Rooney added another penalty before the tricky halfback carved through the defence with a 15 metre arcing run to put Rovers in front.
The Centurions hit back just before the break when Bowker supported Heath Cruckshank's wide running to cross by the posts. Wingfield's conversion gave Leigh an unlikely 12-8 lead.
Missing the influences of Okesene and Amone at the start of the second half, Featherstone were penned in their own territory. Leigh took full advantage in the opening 10 minutes, Purtill was denied a try on the intervention of the touch judge before Bowker grabbed his second try from a Paul Anderson break. The former Saint was also heavily involved in the next scoring move, Wingfield adding the finish to a Kerr offload. The winger converted both tries.
Featherstone replied quickly with Heptinstall darting over from a play the ball after a good spell of pressure.
On the hour Leigh had a third try disallowed before the reintroduction of Okesene brought Rovers back into contention. The Centurions held Rovers at bay for 18 consecutive tackles but spirited Featherstone were unable to break the rearguard, despite the best efforts of hardworking skipper, Slater.
As the game entered the last 10 minutes, exciting winger Jamie Stokes broke away, only to be chased down by Donlan who then completed an equally important tackle on Chapman. With the visitors defence still stretched, Rooney showed vision and pace, chipping through for an opportunist try.
Surprisingly the half-back hooked his conversion attempt wide.
Leigh missed a field goal opportunity and had another charged down, but held on for arguably their most important victory of the season.
Featherstone Rovers: 18
Threequarters: Bramald, Stokes, Law, Coventry, Horsley
Half-backs: Handley, Rooney
Forwards: Okesene, Chapman, Clarkson, Evans, Amone, Slater
Substitutes: Padgett, Lowe, Heptinstall, Dickens
Tries (Mins in brackets)
Rooney (35, 72), Heptinstall (53)
Goals: Rooney 3 (from 5)
were Defeated by
Leigh Centurions: 24
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Hadcroft, Kerr, Ingram
Half-backs: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Arkwright, Whittle, Anderson, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Substitutes: Higham, Pucill, Patel, Norman
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Donlan (24), Bowker (39, 44), Wingfield (50)
Goals: Wingfield 4 (from 4)
Half-time: 12-8 to Leigh.
Attendance: 2145 @ Lionheart Stadium (aka Post Office Road), Featherstone.
Gamestars:
Featherstone: Rooney / Slater - Scrum-half / Loose forward
Leigh: Purtill / Cruickshank - Scrum-half / Second-row forward
1999 Season Reports: July LEIGH CENTURIONS 34 ROCHDALE HORNETS 20
NFP Rd 21 LEIGH CENTURIONS 34 ROCHDALE HORNETS 20
By Dave Parkinson
A sunbaked crowd saw a sparkling first half of attacking rugby that set Leigh on their way before a spirited Hornets lifted their game in the second half.
18 year old hooker Mike Higham, making his first start for the Centurions and Paul Anderson, a recent loan recruit from Sheffield contributed fully to the game with a try apiece.
The Centurions made a slow start, falling behind to an early penalty from Rochdale halfback Winrow.
Within minutes Leigh went in front when Keiron Purtill sent David Whittle over from a tap-penalty. Phil Kendrick converted before another penalty from Winrow reduced the arrears to just two points.
A neat move down the right wing by former Salford centre Coussons put Eyres clear, only for a tackle by Stuart Donlan and Alan Hadcroft to put the winger over the sideline. From the scrum Leigh worked the ball wide. With the defence still unsettled Higham fed Heath Cruckshank who charged 40 metres and offloaded for Kendrick to outpace the cover and cross by the posts.
Surprisingly, Kendrick missed the kick.
10-4 quickly became 22-4 as Higham ended a freeflowing move and Anderson showed his speed following smart distribution from Radney Bowker.
Hornets almost registered tries when Bunce was bundled out of play in the corner and his impressive centre Cooper was pulled back for a forward pass in another move.
Just before half-time, Rochdale were reduced to 12 men when full-back Bradbury was sinbinned for holding down. Leigh spurned the opportunity of two points and switched play right before Purtill took the ball down the left and Bowker's swerve opened the visitors defence. Kendrick converted and Leigh were cruising at 28-4.
Rochdale started the second half well with prominent charges from Matty Knowles and Danny Sculthorpe before Aston punished slack defence from a tap penalty.
Leigh seemed flat after the double halftime substitution of Higham and Purtill.
The Hornets continued to press, Bunce was again denied by a forward pass while at the other end Donlan had a similar effort disqualified after an inside pass by Murray.
It was left to home skipper, Jamie Kennedy, an industrious performer, to put the result beyond doubt, taking a great pass from Safraz Patel to stride over.
Kendrick added his 5th goal of the game before a late charge from the Hornets resulted in tries to substitute Hudson and hardworking scrum half Kelly.
This result helped Leigh move into 2nd spot again following Hull KR's defeat of Hunslet.
Leigh Centurions: 34
Tries: Whittle, Kendrick, Higham, Anderson, Bowker, Kennedy.
Goals: Kendrick 5 (from 6).
Backs: Donlan, Ingram, Hadcroft, Kendrick, Arkwright.
Halfbacks: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Higham, Whittle, Anderson, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Subs: Murray, Halliwell, Patel, Pucill
Defeated
Rochdale Hornets: 20
Tries: Aston, Hudson, Kelly
Goals: Winrow 4 (from 5).
Backs: Bradbury, Eyres, Coussons, Cooper, Bunce
Halfbacks: Winrow, Kelly
Forwards: Knowles, Stephenson, Sculthorpe, Aston, McKinney, Newell.
Subs: Hudson, Marsh, Coult, Robinson.
Attendance: 1568 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Gamestars:
Leigh: Kennedy / Higham - Loose Forward / Hooker
Rochdale: Knowles / Cooper - Prop / Centre
By Dave Parkinson
A sunbaked crowd saw a sparkling first half of attacking rugby that set Leigh on their way before a spirited Hornets lifted their game in the second half.
18 year old hooker Mike Higham, making his first start for the Centurions and Paul Anderson, a recent loan recruit from Sheffield contributed fully to the game with a try apiece.
The Centurions made a slow start, falling behind to an early penalty from Rochdale halfback Winrow.
Within minutes Leigh went in front when Keiron Purtill sent David Whittle over from a tap-penalty. Phil Kendrick converted before another penalty from Winrow reduced the arrears to just two points.
A neat move down the right wing by former Salford centre Coussons put Eyres clear, only for a tackle by Stuart Donlan and Alan Hadcroft to put the winger over the sideline. From the scrum Leigh worked the ball wide. With the defence still unsettled Higham fed Heath Cruckshank who charged 40 metres and offloaded for Kendrick to outpace the cover and cross by the posts.
Surprisingly, Kendrick missed the kick.
10-4 quickly became 22-4 as Higham ended a freeflowing move and Anderson showed his speed following smart distribution from Radney Bowker.
Hornets almost registered tries when Bunce was bundled out of play in the corner and his impressive centre Cooper was pulled back for a forward pass in another move.
Just before half-time, Rochdale were reduced to 12 men when full-back Bradbury was sinbinned for holding down. Leigh spurned the opportunity of two points and switched play right before Purtill took the ball down the left and Bowker's swerve opened the visitors defence. Kendrick converted and Leigh were cruising at 28-4.
Rochdale started the second half well with prominent charges from Matty Knowles and Danny Sculthorpe before Aston punished slack defence from a tap penalty.
Leigh seemed flat after the double halftime substitution of Higham and Purtill.
The Hornets continued to press, Bunce was again denied by a forward pass while at the other end Donlan had a similar effort disqualified after an inside pass by Murray.
It was left to home skipper, Jamie Kennedy, an industrious performer, to put the result beyond doubt, taking a great pass from Safraz Patel to stride over.
Kendrick added his 5th goal of the game before a late charge from the Hornets resulted in tries to substitute Hudson and hardworking scrum half Kelly.
This result helped Leigh move into 2nd spot again following Hull KR's defeat of Hunslet.
Leigh Centurions: 34
Tries: Whittle, Kendrick, Higham, Anderson, Bowker, Kennedy.
Goals: Kendrick 5 (from 6).
Backs: Donlan, Ingram, Hadcroft, Kendrick, Arkwright.
Halfbacks: Bowker, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Higham, Whittle, Anderson, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Subs: Murray, Halliwell, Patel, Pucill
Defeated
Rochdale Hornets: 20
Tries: Aston, Hudson, Kelly
Goals: Winrow 4 (from 5).
Backs: Bradbury, Eyres, Coussons, Cooper, Bunce
Halfbacks: Winrow, Kelly
Forwards: Knowles, Stephenson, Sculthorpe, Aston, McKinney, Newell.
Subs: Hudson, Marsh, Coult, Robinson.
Attendance: 1568 @ Hilton Park, Leigh.
Gamestars:
Leigh: Kennedy / Higham - Loose Forward / Hooker
Rochdale: Knowles / Cooper - Prop / Centre
1999 Season Reports: July: WHITEHAVEN 22 LEIGH 16
NFP RD 20 WHITEHAVEN WARRIORS 22 LEIGH CENTURIONS 16
By Dave Parkinson
A determined Warriors side brought an abrupt halt to Leigh's four game winning run with a last gasp victory before a vocal crowd at The Recreation Ground.
Despite missing scrum-half and organiser Leroy Joe due to suspension and skipper Dave Seeds with injury, Whitehaven turned in one of their best displays of the season with Lee Kiddie an influential figure at stand-off and Craig Chambers an eager worker in the pack.
Both teams started apprehensively with Wingfield and Hetherington swapping missed penalty attempts before Kiddie broke the deadlock with an 18th minute touch down, slicing through a static defence from 15 metres. Hetherington converted via the upright.
Leigh replied 6 minutes later when good approach play from Alan Hadcroft and Keiron Purtill saw Safraz Patel dive under the posts for a converted try.
The Centurions pinned the home side deep in their own half with a good spell of pressure before Haven hooker Aaron Lester was sin-binned for a late tackle after Purtill had kicked the ball.
Leigh made their advantage count two minutes later when a planned move from the scrumbase led to scrum-half Purtill darting over in the corner. The Cumbrians were quick to reply when a towering crossfield bomb from Kiddie forced a scrum and former Workington halfback Wayne Kitchen scampered
over. Hetherington again hit the post but his attempt bounced away.
Just before the break Leigh almost imploded when Jame Arkwright fielded an innocuous kick and threw a terrible pass across his own goal face that was fumbled by the usually safe Donlan. As Whitehaven went to
pack down the half-time whistle went and the game was locked at 10-10.
Whitehaven then took the lead in the 55th minute with a penalty before Anthony Murray was sent off for an illegal challenge on kicker Wesley Wilson.
Despite having to alter their pattern with injuries to Nick Jenkins and Patel (and the sending off), Leigh almost took the lead but Dave Ingram failed to collect a pass from Purtill following a storming midfield break by Street.
Ingram bombed a second chance when bundled into touch before it was third time lucky for the Leigh centre in the 68th minute, taking the scoring pass from the in form Purtill.
A moment earlier Whitehaven were again reduced to 12 men with Lewthwaite sin-binned for holding down.
The Warriors piled forward, determined to avenge their narrow loss to the Centurions earlier in the season. Wilson reaped the rewards, snatching the ball from Burrows to cross in the corner for a 79th minute try. Hetherington missed the kick and the game looked destined for a draw.
Whitehaven had other ideas and were awarded a scrum on half-way after a fumbled Leigh penalty. Kiddie spotted all the defenders close to the scrum and launched a deep kick for his backline to chase.
Mark Burrows looked to be in control of the situation but the winger could only look on in horror as he parried the deceiving bounce into the grateful arms of Lewthwaite, making up for his earlier indiscretion with the matchwinning try. Hetherington converted from the touchline to send the Haven fans home delighted.
Whitehaven Warriors: 22
Threequarters: Wilson, Frazer, K. Hetherington, Lynch, Lewthwaite,
Halfbacks: Kiddie, Kitchin
Forwards: Cox, Lester, Fatialofa, Chambers, Morton, Bone
Subs: Purdham, Walsh, G. Hetherington, Suafoa
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Kiddie (18), Kitchin (38), Wilson (79), Lewthwaite (80).
Goals: G Hetherington 3 (from 5)
Defeated
Leigh Centurions: 16
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Hadcroft, Ingram, Arkwright
Halfbacks: Patel, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Jenkins, Whittle, Kendrick, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Subs: Murray, Pucill, Burrows, Liku
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Patel (24), Purtill (34), Ingram (68)
Goals: Wingfield 2 (from 5)
Halftime: 10-10
Attendance: 953 @ The Recreation Ground, Whitehaven.
Gamestars:
Whitehaven: Kiddie / Chambers.
Leigh: Purtill / Street.
By Dave Parkinson
A determined Warriors side brought an abrupt halt to Leigh's four game winning run with a last gasp victory before a vocal crowd at The Recreation Ground.
Despite missing scrum-half and organiser Leroy Joe due to suspension and skipper Dave Seeds with injury, Whitehaven turned in one of their best displays of the season with Lee Kiddie an influential figure at stand-off and Craig Chambers an eager worker in the pack.
Both teams started apprehensively with Wingfield and Hetherington swapping missed penalty attempts before Kiddie broke the deadlock with an 18th minute touch down, slicing through a static defence from 15 metres. Hetherington converted via the upright.
Leigh replied 6 minutes later when good approach play from Alan Hadcroft and Keiron Purtill saw Safraz Patel dive under the posts for a converted try.
The Centurions pinned the home side deep in their own half with a good spell of pressure before Haven hooker Aaron Lester was sin-binned for a late tackle after Purtill had kicked the ball.
Leigh made their advantage count two minutes later when a planned move from the scrumbase led to scrum-half Purtill darting over in the corner. The Cumbrians were quick to reply when a towering crossfield bomb from Kiddie forced a scrum and former Workington halfback Wayne Kitchen scampered
over. Hetherington again hit the post but his attempt bounced away.
Just before the break Leigh almost imploded when Jame Arkwright fielded an innocuous kick and threw a terrible pass across his own goal face that was fumbled by the usually safe Donlan. As Whitehaven went to
pack down the half-time whistle went and the game was locked at 10-10.
Whitehaven then took the lead in the 55th minute with a penalty before Anthony Murray was sent off for an illegal challenge on kicker Wesley Wilson.
Despite having to alter their pattern with injuries to Nick Jenkins and Patel (and the sending off), Leigh almost took the lead but Dave Ingram failed to collect a pass from Purtill following a storming midfield break by Street.
Ingram bombed a second chance when bundled into touch before it was third time lucky for the Leigh centre in the 68th minute, taking the scoring pass from the in form Purtill.
A moment earlier Whitehaven were again reduced to 12 men with Lewthwaite sin-binned for holding down.
The Warriors piled forward, determined to avenge their narrow loss to the Centurions earlier in the season. Wilson reaped the rewards, snatching the ball from Burrows to cross in the corner for a 79th minute try. Hetherington missed the kick and the game looked destined for a draw.
Whitehaven had other ideas and were awarded a scrum on half-way after a fumbled Leigh penalty. Kiddie spotted all the defenders close to the scrum and launched a deep kick for his backline to chase.
Mark Burrows looked to be in control of the situation but the winger could only look on in horror as he parried the deceiving bounce into the grateful arms of Lewthwaite, making up for his earlier indiscretion with the matchwinning try. Hetherington converted from the touchline to send the Haven fans home delighted.
Whitehaven Warriors: 22
Threequarters: Wilson, Frazer, K. Hetherington, Lynch, Lewthwaite,
Halfbacks: Kiddie, Kitchin
Forwards: Cox, Lester, Fatialofa, Chambers, Morton, Bone
Subs: Purdham, Walsh, G. Hetherington, Suafoa
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Kiddie (18), Kitchin (38), Wilson (79), Lewthwaite (80).
Goals: G Hetherington 3 (from 5)
Defeated
Leigh Centurions: 16
Threequarters: Donlan, Wingfield, Hadcroft, Ingram, Arkwright
Halfbacks: Patel, Purtill
Forwards: Street, Jenkins, Whittle, Kendrick, Cruickshank, Kennedy
Subs: Murray, Pucill, Burrows, Liku
Tries: (Mins in brackets)
Patel (24), Purtill (34), Ingram (68)
Goals: Wingfield 2 (from 5)
Halftime: 10-10
Attendance: 953 @ The Recreation Ground, Whitehaven.
Gamestars:
Whitehaven: Kiddie / Chambers.
Leigh: Purtill / Street.
1999 Season Reports: June: LEIGH CENTURIONS 24 DEWSBURY RAMS 10
NFP Rd 19 LEIGH CENTURIONS 24 DEWSBURY RAMS 10
By Dave Parkinson
Close games seem to be commonplace at Hilton Park these days, a stark contrast to 1998 when Dewsbury inflicted a record 18-54 home defeat on the Centurions.
Leigh came into the game on the back of a three game winning streak but were hit early in the week by injury, 15 try captain Andy Fairclough was ruled out for 8 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Another couple of knocks saw Ian Millward start the game with three of his substitutes, much to the disgust of Dewsbury's Neil Kelly.
Dewsbury Rams were looking to regain a little momentum after their title challenge faltered following recent losses to Widnes and Rochdale.
Both sides made a determined start but it was Leigh who gained the early advantage in the eleventh minute when Paul Wingfield added his first goal of the afternoon after the visitors were caught offside.
Two minutes later a clearing kick from Keiron Purtill was fumbled by Dewsbury winger Wood giving Leigh possession from the scrum. Two tackles later, a clever kick from Purtill unlocked the Rams defence and James Arkwright sped through to touch down.
Mistakes by the home side gifted Dewsbury a lot of possession inside Leigh territory but halfbacks Eaton and Agar were unable to capitalise as punishing defence by that man Purtill prevented two scores.
The Rams best chance of the half came when Flynn powered through and chipped over the advancing Tim Street, only for the ball to defeat everyone and roll dead in the 27th minute.
Dewsbury centre Brendan O'Meara was sinbinned for disputing an incident earlier in the move. but Alan Hadcroft evened things up when he received a yellow card three minutes later for an over enthusiastic tackle on Rams skipper Williams.
A further loss of composure by Dewsbury saw loose forward Wood sinbinned just before the break and Wingfield increased the home lead to 10-0 with two penalties.
The Rams made a great start to the second half when two penalties in five minutes brought them within six points of Leigh. Paul Wingfield missed a drop goal attempt before the exciting Godfrey raced forty metres after good work by Williams.
Barry Eaton converted from the touchline to tie the scores as Dewsbury seemed to take a strangle hold on the game while Richard Agar tormented Arkwright then Wingfield with 40-20 kicks.
Leigh's scrambling defence held firm before a 62nd minute penalty by Wingfield edged the Centurions ahead. As the half wore on, Dewsbury seemed to fade slightly despite the best efforts of Flynn and Medley.
It was Anthony Murray, so often a pivotal figure for Leigh this season, who turned the game with a crucial 75th minute score after good approach play by Purtill and Street.
A 35 metre break by Godfrey kept Leigh on their toes as Donlan was forced to make a try saving cover tackle. Leigh were not to be denied and finished strongly when a charge by Pucill set the position for Phil Kendrick to score and present Wingfield with his 6th and final goal of the day.
Leigh Centurions - 24
Tries (Minutes in Brackets)
Arkwright (13), Murray (75), Kendrick (81)
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from7)
Defeated
Dewsbury Rams - 10
Tries (Minutes in Brackets)
Godfrey (56)
Goals: Eaton 3 (from 3)
Half time: 10 - 0 to Leigh
Attendance : 2049
Game Stars
Leigh:
Purtill / Street (Scrum half / Prop forward)
Dewsbury:
Agar / Flynn ( Stand off / Second Row forward)
By Dave Parkinson
Close games seem to be commonplace at Hilton Park these days, a stark contrast to 1998 when Dewsbury inflicted a record 18-54 home defeat on the Centurions.
Leigh came into the game on the back of a three game winning streak but were hit early in the week by injury, 15 try captain Andy Fairclough was ruled out for 8 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Another couple of knocks saw Ian Millward start the game with three of his substitutes, much to the disgust of Dewsbury's Neil Kelly.
Dewsbury Rams were looking to regain a little momentum after their title challenge faltered following recent losses to Widnes and Rochdale.
Both sides made a determined start but it was Leigh who gained the early advantage in the eleventh minute when Paul Wingfield added his first goal of the afternoon after the visitors were caught offside.
Two minutes later a clearing kick from Keiron Purtill was fumbled by Dewsbury winger Wood giving Leigh possession from the scrum. Two tackles later, a clever kick from Purtill unlocked the Rams defence and James Arkwright sped through to touch down.
Mistakes by the home side gifted Dewsbury a lot of possession inside Leigh territory but halfbacks Eaton and Agar were unable to capitalise as punishing defence by that man Purtill prevented two scores.
The Rams best chance of the half came when Flynn powered through and chipped over the advancing Tim Street, only for the ball to defeat everyone and roll dead in the 27th minute.
Dewsbury centre Brendan O'Meara was sinbinned for disputing an incident earlier in the move. but Alan Hadcroft evened things up when he received a yellow card three minutes later for an over enthusiastic tackle on Rams skipper Williams.
A further loss of composure by Dewsbury saw loose forward Wood sinbinned just before the break and Wingfield increased the home lead to 10-0 with two penalties.
The Rams made a great start to the second half when two penalties in five minutes brought them within six points of Leigh. Paul Wingfield missed a drop goal attempt before the exciting Godfrey raced forty metres after good work by Williams.
Barry Eaton converted from the touchline to tie the scores as Dewsbury seemed to take a strangle hold on the game while Richard Agar tormented Arkwright then Wingfield with 40-20 kicks.
Leigh's scrambling defence held firm before a 62nd minute penalty by Wingfield edged the Centurions ahead. As the half wore on, Dewsbury seemed to fade slightly despite the best efforts of Flynn and Medley.
It was Anthony Murray, so often a pivotal figure for Leigh this season, who turned the game with a crucial 75th minute score after good approach play by Purtill and Street.
A 35 metre break by Godfrey kept Leigh on their toes as Donlan was forced to make a try saving cover tackle. Leigh were not to be denied and finished strongly when a charge by Pucill set the position for Phil Kendrick to score and present Wingfield with his 6th and final goal of the day.
Leigh Centurions - 24
Tries (Minutes in Brackets)
Arkwright (13), Murray (75), Kendrick (81)
Goals: Wingfield 6 (from7)
Defeated
Dewsbury Rams - 10
Tries (Minutes in Brackets)
Godfrey (56)
Goals: Eaton 3 (from 3)
Half time: 10 - 0 to Leigh
Attendance : 2049
Game Stars
Leigh:
Purtill / Street (Scrum half / Prop forward)
Dewsbury:
Agar / Flynn ( Stand off / Second Row forward)
1999 Season Reports: June: York Wasps 12 Leigh Centurions 14
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
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
1999 Season Reports: June: BRAMLEY 8 LEIGH CENTURIONS 39
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)
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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