1998 Season Reports: HULL KR 48 LEIGH CENTURIONS 14

Hull K R 48 - 14 Centurions
Hull Kingston Rovers made a flying start to their league campaign with an eight-try victory over division one new boys, Leigh Centurions.

Playing with a strong wind in the first half, Leigh began brightly, missing the first scoring opportunity when scrum half Chris Wilkinson hooked his attempted field goal wide of the posts.

The bright start faded when the impressive Stanley Gene marched through a static defence to score Rovers first try after four minutes. Visiting spectators earlier fears were confirmed as six - nil soon became 14-0 when fine interpassing worked an overlap in the corner and veteran packman Paul Fletcher crashed past two defenders. Mike Fletcher added the conversion and a penalty in the 12th minute for offside.

The visitors were shell-shocked. On twenty minutes Leigh's plight worsened when John Gunning was sin-binned after interference at the play-the-ball. Fletcher again added a penalty.

Two minutes later, Hull KR were on the board again. A 50-metre surge from Gene brought a converted try to former Hull centre Rob Danby. The Robins led 22-0 in as many minutes. The game was all but over.

Leigh hit back with their best spell of the half and scored a try on 31 minutes. David Ingram linked with Tim Street before cutting inside and waltzing around the full back. Wilkinson converted and Leigh were finally on the scoreboard.

It looked like it would remain 22-6 at halftime. Gene had over ideas, drawing the cover before a quick play the ball to Mike Bibby saw the winger plunge over in the corner. Fletcher was unable to convert but Rovers took a commanding lead to the break.

From the restart, the Robins took just 36 seconds to add to their tally as Leigh's defence was caught unaware again. Big forward Alex Thompson drove into the heart of the line before a swift play-the-ball unleashed Gene, leaving three defenders clutching thin air. The diminutive half back put a long ball out to Bibby who showed pace on the flank for his second score.

Centurion coach Latham tried to raise his team, introducing substitutes David Smith and Scott Hilton to the fray in the 45th minute.

Hilton's first touch brought a good move as his slick inside ball sent second row forward Costello charging 30 metres upfield.

Leigh's attack took a more dynamic appearance with Hilton linking well with Gunning. Hardworking centre Stuart Donlan crossed on 56 minutes after Hilton's quick step and pass worked an opening. Wilkinson was unable to convert against the wind but Leigh finally had reward for some concerted pressure.

Hull KR were shocked into action and another forward barrage ended with former Halifax scrum half Wayne Parker sending Gene through the Leigh cover, unopposed. Rovers hit form, but their attacks were foiled by an injury ravaged defence. A clever interception from John Gunning brought some much needed relief. From this possession, Leigh worked the ball wide, testing the robins' defence. Substitute Mark Kay was twice hauled down close to the try line. Hull KR stood firm and Leigh could not convert field position into points.

Rovers began to capitalise on Centurion fatigue, hooker Mike Dixon making lots of ground. Mounting pressure from Rovers led Bibby to collect his hat-trick on 73 minutes, taking Hull KR past forty points. The Robins posted their final try five minutes later when Rouse finished a John Okul break. Mike Fletcher added his eighth goal to complete Rovers scorecard.
Leigh grabbed a consolation when Fletcher fumbled a Gunning bomb and Matt Nixon dived on the loose ball deep into injury time.

Despite the disappointment of a 48-14 drubbing, Leigh had good performances from John Costello, Matt Nixon and young Scott Hilton. Unfortunately the centurions lacked direction. Too many missed tackles ruined the visitors day as they allowed Rovers halfbacks to dictate play, making gaps for the rest of the team to exploit. With another seven injuries sustained in this match, coach Keith Latham faced a selection headache for the cup clash with Super league Sheffield Eagles.