Leigh Centurions 34 Sheffield Eagles 22: Battling Eagles show their credentials in defeat to Centurions

The Eagles kept going right until the end of the game and with better execution in the opening quarter could have been much closer than their eventual 12-point defeat that won a bonus point.

After losing 68-6 to Leigh in the Northern Rail Cup earlier this season, Eagles were keen to showcase their talents and even though they lost Quentin Laulu-Togagae in the warm-up, they bossed the opening 10 minutes playing an expansive style that stretched the home defence.

Misi Taulapapa went close while only a knock on from Peter Green relieved pressure for the Centurions.

There was surprise when Leigh took the lead against the run of play when Rhys Evans intercepted and ran 50 metres. Mick Nanyn added the first of five goals but the Sheffield response was quick with Taulapapa fending his way over the line after the Centurions lost possession.

Nanyn’s restart caught the Eagles out however and Leigh scored back-to-back tries from Tommy Goulden, Stuart Littler and Nanyn himself.

Eagles pulled a try back on the stroke of half-time when a handling error was swept up and Dane McDonald and Ryan Hepworth combined for Menzie Yere to race clear.

Trailing 24-10 the Eagles needed a good start to the second half but Nanyn tackled back to deny Vinnie Finigan. Leigh then scored two quick tries with Goulden and Nanyn both claiming their second touchdowns.

Sheffield rallied and despite losing Joe Hirst and Simon Brown to injury, claimed tries through Tim Bergin and McDonald with Brown adding his second goal and Bergin chipping in with a conversion.

Leigh: Donlan, Evans, Nanyn, Littler, Maden; Ridyard, Ellis; Hill, Hunter-Paul, Nash, Goulden, Thornley, Taylor. Substitutes: Mills, McCarthy, Higson, Armstrong.

Sheffield: Taulapapa, Bergin, Yere, Crookes, Finigan; McDonald, Brown; Howieson, Henderson, Stringer, Szostak, Green, Hirst. Substitutes: Hepworth, Rowe, Mills, Scott.

Referee: J Leahy (Dewsbury).