Leigh Centurions 56 Hunslet Hawks 18: Gallant Hawks prove their worth but can’t hold back Centurions

The Hawks made a superb start and took the lead after just two minutes when former Featherstone hooker Richard Chapman ran 30 metres to the posts after a wonderful run and off-load from Danny Grimshaw, allowing Danny Ratcliffe to add the goal.

The lead lasted 10 minutes, however, before Leigh overhauled the Hawks.

Steve Maden and Stuart Donlan scored quickfire tries and the impressive Jamie Ellis extended the advantage to 16-6 before debutant Dennis Tuffour raced 60 metres.

A penalty quickly came to the Hawks and they made the most of their pressure for John Oakes to drive over the line and to within six points.

With the game very much alive, Hunslet bombed a chance before Leigh clinically converted two of their own with Ellis sailing 30 metres for his second try before prop Steve Nash ended a flowing move under the posts.

Mick Nanyn’s fourth goal made it 28-10 but a Ratcliffe penalty after the half-time hooter made it 28-12.

Any hopes of a Hunslet revival were stopped by two tries in the first nine minutes of the second half through Nanyn and Donlan

Although the Hawks continued to battle, they conceded further tries to Adam Higson and Stuart Littler. Nanyn brought 50 points up on the scoreboard but Ratcliffe, Grimshaw and David March began to chance their arm and Hunslet deservedly claimed a third try when David Clayton found Tuffour and he finished a flowing move.

Ratcliffe added his third goal from the touchline but Leigh finished strongly and Maden crossed for their 10th try in the last minute for Nanyn to conver.

Leigh Centurions: Donlan, Maden, Higson, Nanyn, McGilvray; Ridyard, Ellis; Hill, Duffy, Mills, Littler, Goulden, Taylor. Substitutes: Pownall, Thornley, Govin, Nash.

Hunslet Hawks: Kain, Tuffour, Oakes, Clayton, Harding; Grimshaw, Ratcliffe; Sullivan, Chapman, Houston, Blakeway, Kelly, March. Substitutes: McLocklan, Dooler, Lowe, Yates.

Referee: C Sharrad (RFL).