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)
Sunday, 10 January 2010
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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