2004 Season Reports: Swinton 6 Leigh 22

Scrappy Centurions bag first win!


Swinton Lions 6
Leigh Centurions 22
By Dave Parkinson

The opening game of the season produced a typically disjointed performance from both teams as rugby league came to Sedgley Park RUFC for the first time. Swinton's new home attracted an encouraging gate of 1,351, swelled by a travelling army of Leigh fans. Unfortunately they had little to discuss at half-time with quality rugby at a premium between handling errors, stoppages and the whistle of Wigan referee Peter Taberner. One thing that could not be questioned was the spirit and commitment of the home side which contained 5 former Leigh players in their ranks.

The first half started dourly with the Lions keen to slug it out in midfield with the Leigh pack. Swinton's bigger forwards dominated for long spells as Leigh struggled to put pressure on their hosts. Despite their lack of pressure, the Centurions created the two best chances of the opening half hour but Dave McConnell and Neil Turley were both brought back because of knock-ons. Much of the Centurions game relied on the boot of Tommy Martyn and often lone charges of skipper Ian Knott and David Bradbury. By comparison former Leigh player Safraz Patel was on his game and with Paul Ashton involved in everything, Swinton built steadily and there was little surprise when Patel fashioned the opening try of the game for former Wigan, St Helens and Halifax centre Chris Maye to score. Ashton converted after missing an earlier penalty and the Lions headed for the interval with a 6-0 advantage.

Thankfully things improved after the resumption and Leigh were soon on equal terms when Neil Turley raced away in support of Dave Larder and Tommy Martyn. Moments later it was Turley to the rescue again as he finished a superb Martyn pass and kicked a second conversion for the Centurions to lead 12-6, then in the 61st minute his flat pass to Andy Isherwood saw the big sub crash over.

Swinton rallied breifly but much of their effectiveness and enthusiasm was lost when first Patel was hurt and had to leave the field, then Ashton took a heavy hit in a nasty looking clash with Martyn that saw the Lions awarded a penalty. In contrast the Centurions picked up when Mick Coates entered the fray as a replacement for John Duffy. His introduction and the use of Richard Marshall and Simon Knox helped turn the game and bolster a tiring defence. The contest was finally ended twelve minutes from time when Dan Potter scored for Turley to add his third goal of the afternoon and confirm a 22-6 victory.

MOTM - David Bradbury proved a tower of strength during his time on the field and looked like he enjoyed the game.

Gamebreaker - Turley's flat pass to Isherwood that saw the second row crash over and give Leigh a 16-6 lead.

Line-up and marks from 10: Turley 7, Madden 6, Potter 6, Percival 6, Munro 6, Duffy 6, Martyn 6, Cruckshank 6, McConnell 6, Bradbury 8, Larder 6, Wilkes 6, Knott 7, Coates 7, Isherwood 6, Knox 7, Marshall 7.