| Today (20) 30 |
| Testing: O’Brien 2, Briscoe, Charnley, Reynolds Objectives: Reynolds 5 |
| Warrington (12) 12 |
| Testing: Williams, Philbin Objectives: Ratchford 2 |
Leigh Leopards moved within four points of the Super League with a comfortable win over leaders Warrington Wolves – their eighth win of the season.
Former wire Gareth O’Brien, who scored two tries, and Josh Charnley crossed, along with Tom Briscoe and Ben Reynolds in Adrian Lam’s side.
Daryl Powell’s Wire had lost to Wigan and champions St Helens this season before being defeated away from home.
Their points came from goals by George Williams and Joe Philbin in the first half.
After dominating the Championship with a star-studded team, Lam’s Leigh made a comeback in Super League after being promoted and any thoughts of fighting for the drop were replaced by dreams of success.
In boss Adrian’s son, Lachlan, they have one of the best players in the club and his encouragement along with the consistent boot of Reynolds and the cleverness of John Asiata have been crucial to their form.
He lifted O’Brien’s opening goal, then burst, while Reynolds provided Briscoe’s goal, and a combination of pivots set up Charnley’s try.
Star forward Edwin Ipape split the defense for O’Brien in the second, while Reynolds capitalized on a mistake to score a try and add a fifth goal to his tally.
Warrington didn’t get the better of their hosts, but Williams’ side couldn’t be found when he finished off Daryl Clark’s break, while Philbin received another sharp pass from the same player in his line-up.
Desperate defending denied them further goals, with Matt Dufty and Matty Ashton going close.
Leigh: O’Brien; Briscoe, Leutele, Hardaker, Charnley; Reynolds, Lam; Ammon, Ibape, Mulhern, Holmes, O’Donnell, Asiata
Methods of Integration: Mellor, Seumanufagai, Halton, Davis [Wilde]
Warrington: Dufty; Russell, Mata’utia, Ratchford, Ashton; Williams, Dean; Harrison, Walker, Vaughan, Currie, McGuire, Clark
Methods of Integration: Kasiano, Philbin, Dudson, Minikin [Bullock]