Pownall undermines York who are overwhelmed by powerful Leigh

Chris Thorman’s side endured a seven-try loss after being totally outplayed by Paul Rowley’s men who, like their opponents, had lost their opening two fixtures.

Jonathan Pownall grabbed a hat-trick of tries to do most of the damage while ex-Huddersfield Giants half-back Gregg McNally also crossed along with Martin Ridyard.

Matt Gardner and Jon Duffy added further touchdowns while Ridyard contributed four goals. York – who had Nathan Freer making his second debut after a rapid return from Featherstone – had few answers to Leigh’s power and pace, their only response being Brett Turner’s try converted by player-coach Thorman.

They are now in eighth spot still searching for their first victory of the season.

Leigh Centurions: McNally, Maden, Littler, Gardner, Pownall, Ridyard, Duffy, Bibey, Beswick, Parker, Briscoe, Laithwaite, Taylor. Substitutes: Brierley, Hopkins, Nicholson, Gallagher.

York City Knights: Tansey, Bush, Garside, Elliot, Hellewell, Ford, Thorman, Sullivan, Lee, Benson, Houston, Haughey, Aldous. Substitutes: Turner, Sutton, Freer, Broughton.

Referee: Jamie Leahy.

Former Super League star Paul Cooke should return from injury to aid Doncaster’s hopes of securing a Championship One win against visiting South Wales Scorpions tomorrow.

Nathan Mossop (shoulder) faces a late fitness test before Scorpions coach Dave Clark can settle his team to travel to Doncaster.

But Clark’s squad will definitely include Alan Pope, who missed last week’s 24-22 win at Wath Brow after his wife gave birth.

Clark said: “It’s going to be a huge challenge for us at Doncaster. There are some big tests for us right across the field. We’ll have to be at our best.”