Kingstone Press Championship Round 10

Transcription

1 THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE OF LEIGH CENTURIONS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB CENTURION 7/2015 Sunday April Leigh Sports Village Kick off 3.00pm Kingstone Press PRICE 2.50 Championship Round 10 LEIGH CENTURIONS v BATLEY BULLDOGS Match Sponsor Associate Sponsor

2 WHO S WHO AT LEIGH CENTURIONS Hon Life President Mr Tommy Sale MBE Hon Vice President Mr Andy Burnham MP Hon Life Members Mr Brian Bowman Mr Tommy Coleman Mr Michael Latham Mr John Massey Mr Alan Platt Mr Frank Taylor Dr M Doublet-Stewart Board of Directors Mr Michael Norris- Chairman Mr Steve Openshaw- Acting CEO Mr Derek Beaumont- Head of Rugby Mr Michael Latham- Media and Communications Mr Allan Rowley- Operations Commercial Executive Mrs Amanda Lee Retail Outlet Manager Mrs Gillian Jolley Finance Manager Ms Jane Smith IT & Ticket Sales Mr Andrew Parkinson Lottery Manager Ms Christine Brown Lottery Co-ordinator Mr Johnathan Simpkin Social Media Manager Mr Darren Lilly Official Club Photographer Paul McCarthy Amanda Lee - Commercial Executive Sponsorship & Commercial Sales Telephone: amanda.lee@leighrl.co.uk Jane Smith - Accounts Manager Telephone: jane@leighrl.co.uk Christine Brown - Lottery Manager Telephone: lottery@leighrl.co.uk Jonathan Simpkin - Lottery Co-ordinator Telephone: johnny@leighrl.co.uk Leigh Centurions TV Mr Fred Parkinson- Senior Producer Mr Dave Parkinson - Head Commentator Mr Joe Wood - Match Summariser Club Ambassador Mr Alex Murphy OBE FOOTBALL AND SUPPORT STAFF Head Coach Mr Paul Rowley Assistant Coaches Mr Neil Jukes Mr Paul Anderson (also Reserves Team Coach) Mr Simon Finnigan (also Player Welfare Manager) Statistician Mr Cliff Sumner Reserves Team Assistant Coach Mr Steve Mayo Reserves Team Manager Mr Don Boyle Strength and Conditioning Coaches Mr Nathan Pennington Mr Dave Bell Club Doctor Dr John Morgan, Bucket & Sponge Medical Services Physiotherapists Ms Emma Fletcher Ms Hannah Lloyd Mr Ryan Douglas (Reserves Team) Masseur Mr Robert Stewart Assistant Trainer Mr Steve Maden Training Assistant Mr Thomas Wood Kit Managers Mr Sean Fairhurst, Mr Frank Taylor and Mr Tommy Mather KEY CONTACTS Gillian Jolley - Retail Outlet Manager Telephone: gillian.jolley@leighrl.co.uk Andrew Parkinson - Ticketing & IT Telephone: andrew@leighrl.co.uk Mike Latham - Press & Media Enquiries mike.latham@leighrl.co.uk Fax Number: Write to us: Sporting Club Leigh Ltd., Leigh Sports Village Stadium, Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY HONOURS Winter era ( to ) Championship Winners: , Division Two Champions: , , Challenge Cup Winners: 1921, 1971 Lancashire Cup Winners: 1952, 1955, 1970, 1981 (runners-up 1909,1920, 1922, 1949, 1951, 1963, 1969) BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Winners: 1969, 1972 (runners-up 1968, 1976) South West Lancashire & Border Towns Cup Winners: 1901 ITA TV Trophy runners-up 1955 Summer era (1996 to date) League Leaders: Premiership 2001, National League One 2004, Championship 2014 Grand Final Winners: National League One 2004, Championship 2014 (runners-up: Premiership 2000, 2002, National League One 2003) National League Cup Winners: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2013 (runners-up 2003) Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: 2001 (runners-up 2000) CLUB RECORDS Highest Score For: 92-2 v Keighley, 1986 Highest Score Against: 4-94 v Workington Town, 1995 Highest Home Attendance: 31,326 v St Helens, 1953 Highest Home Attendance at LSV: 7,449 v Bradford Bulls, 2015 GAME RECORDS Tries: 6 by Jack Wood in 1947 and Neil Turley in 2001 Goals: 15 by Mick Stacey in 1976 Points: 42 by Neil Turley in 2004 SEASONAL RECORDS Tries: 55 by Neil Turley in 2001 Goals: 187 by Neil Turley in 2004 Points: 468 by Neil Turley in 2004 CAREER RECORDS Appearances: 503 by Albert Worrall Tries: 189 by Mick Martyn Goals: 1043 by Jimmy Ledgard Points: 2492 by John Woods Telephone: General Enquiries enquiries@leighrl.co.uk Facebook: Twitter: twitter.com/leighcenturions or tweet 2 THE CENTURION

3 FROM THE TOP LEIGH CENTURIONS CHAIRMAN MICHAEL NORRIS WELCOME TO BATLEY BULLDOGS On behalf of everyone at Leigh Centurions I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Batley Bulldogs to the LSV for this afternoon s match in the Kingstone Press Championship. Batley is one of my favourite places to visit for a rugby league match - eating cheesy chips with a pint of lager in the suntrap of a beer garden is without doubt a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and without fail the subsequent game always lives up to the setting! It can be a bit fresh on a Thursday evening in February though! LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP HEROES I m writing this piece late on Sunday night, still basking in the warm glow of the incredible victory against Salford Red Devils in the Cup. It was a great day to be a Leyther and the atmosphere created by the North Stand (and the West at times!) made it feel like there were 60,000 in the ground rather than 6,000! What stood out to me though was the fact that, despite going behind twice to a top four Super League side, there was never a moment when I thought we wouldn t win. I spoke to Paul Rowley the day before the game and he was quietly calm and confident, and the demeanour of the players on the morning of the match gave a strong indication of how they would approach the game. In the end it was a great game and we didn t change the exciting, attacking style that has seen us do so well in the last 18 months. In fact the Sky commentary team were effusive in their praise of the Centurions flair. You should be proud I am! In the words of Fatboy Slim (almost) - We ve come a long way baby SQUAD DEPTH The injuries to Sars, AJ, Fui, Penky etc have shown the value of the strong and deep squad which Paul and Derek have put together this season. In order to win a competition you have to be able to deal with those periods of adversity when the toil of professional rugby decimates the squad and matches continue to come thick and fast. Hopefully those doubters now understand why the guys worked so hard to get 25 first team players on the roster Fail to plan - Plan to fail MADE IN LEIGH On the same weekend that our cup adventure continued Leigh Miners fronted up to a strong York City Knights team but unfortunately fell at this hurdle. This has been a great year so far for Rugby League in the town as well as their run in the Challenge Cup, Miners are unbeaten at the top of the NCL Premier and Leigh East are pushing for promotion from Division 2. LIAM KAY goes for the line What gives me most satisfaction though is the increased interest in the game amongst young people. I walked along Bradshawgate during the Easter holidays and, where once it would have been Man Utd, Wigan and Saints shirts, I saw Leigh Centurions shirts of every type being worn by the people of the town. This is reflected in the changing demographic of our fan base on matchdays it was a big commitment by the club to offer free junior season tickets and to keep free access for u-12s but I believe it is paying dividends as a new generation of fans get to see the great rugby being played! Long may it continue. CENTURIONS RESERVES Paul Anderson s Reserves side were in action at Leigh East last Thursday against York and entertain Sheffield Eagles at the same venue next Thursday. If you get chance come along and support the lads and watch some of the stars of the future in action. DAVID ECKERSLEY We are delighted to welcome David Eckersley and his wife Maureen as guests of the Club this afternoon. They are over on a whistle-stop tour from their home in Australia where they have lived for 30 years. David was a hero of the 1971 Wembley Cup-winning side and was a fantastic player, very similar in style to Gregg McNally. We hope David and Maureen have a lovely afternoon with us and enjoy watching the game and our hospitality while they meet up again with many old friends. MILESTONES Ryan Brierley was the latest Centurions player to reach the 100-game milestone in the game against Salford and received a lovely framed poster from Leigh Community Trust afterwards. It is very pleasing to see important milestones being recognised by the Club and I know it is appreciated by the players. Looking through Dave Parkinson s excellent statistics I see that Adam Higson and Sam Hopkins are also both closing in on becoming members of the 100 Club, a select group of players, just over 160 in the Club s long history. AND FINALLY April has been a busy and rewarding month and May promises to be very exciting, including as it does the next round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup and the Summer Bash at Blackpool. It s a great time to be a Centurions fan and with the good weather of recent weeks, Summer Rugby seems to have finally arrived. THE CENTURION 3

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5 COACH S CORNER LEIGH CENTURIONS RECENTLY EXTENDED THEIR WINNING RUN TO 21 GAMES. DAVE PARKINSON CAUGHT UP WITH PAUL ROWLEY AFTER THE CENTURIONS REPEATED THEIR 2001 CHALLENGE CUP HEROICS WITH VICTORY OVER SALFORD. DP: CONGRATULATIONS PAUL ON ANOTHER FINE VICTORY. I'M GUESSING THEY DON'T COME MUCH BETTER THAN THAT DO THEY? PR: Well a lot of people asked would this be a yardstick and I rubbished that really to be fair because I thought if we were playing Wakefield, or someone like that, it would be a good yardstick. But we were playing a top of the table Super League side with an embarrassment of riches. I said it was more of an opportunity than a yardstick and we took the opportunity and got a fantastic victory. I think we've got a lot more in us as well, which is interesting to say when you've just beaten a top side. We came in and we all felt we could have given so much more in terms of our execution and what we did out there. What we couldn't give any more of is the effort and commitment. I think I said in the build-up that Salford are trying to create a team spirit - we've already got one. It's one that's hard to beat at the minute. It's our 21st win in a row and we continue that home record that we are very, very, very proud of. Anyone who is going to take that off us is going to have to work very hard for it. I thought Salford looked wounded from about twenty minutes into the game. There was a story when they made a break with about ten minutes to go - they went eighty metres and at the end put that last kick into touch. That summed up their endeavour and energy whereas we were willing to play right til the death and you get your rewards out of that. The curtains have been opened on Summer rugby with the three games that were on Sky Sports. It was down to us to keep that going after the Wigan and Leeds victories and I think we did that. I think we've done really well and everyone got their money s worth. DP: I THOUGHT IT WAS CONTRASTING STYLES TO BE HONEST PAUL? I THOUGHT LEIGH HAD THAT ABILITY TO PUT THE BALL WIDE AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN DOING THAT, SALFORD DIDN'T HAVE THAT SAME CONFIDENCE. PR: Yeah, in that first half we spoke about it. We were going wide but we weren't really keeping the middle accountable, it was pass, pass. We needed to keep the middle tied in a bit more. They lost Dobson and the game was very much played back on the inside against our defence and we knew the only threat to our defence would be through that middle. We spoke about that in the week and it became more apparent after Dobson went off. In losing Dobson it meant that they lost quite a lot of shape to their attack. It made them a little bit more predictable and defending inside shoulders became more crucial and not worrying too much about the back. Paterson is not quite the same animal coming off the back; not only that but they lost Dobson's kicking game which has been a key element. It was always going to be contrasting styles anyway and like I said, I thought we could have executed a lot better at times and a lot of Salford s good work came off the back of a gift from us. We made life hard for ourselves but I suppose it adds to the drama and again a packed stadium all went home happy, all having been entertained. DP: ANOTHER 6,000 CROWD HERE, IT'S JUST GETTING BETTER AND BETTER ISN'T IT? PR: Yeah and it's all Leigh people really; the other side wasn't packed and in the Leigh side there was no gaps. It was all red and white, all enjoying it. I know Fuifui Moimoi and Jamie Acton stood in there and Fui said he's never seen anything like that before. He's loving it; so I've told him it will get even better so we've got a bit of a challenge there for everybody to keep cracking on. Neither Jamie of Fui are from here but the club is now in their blood. They have become adopted Leythers and they want to be there and share that experience. That's once in a lifetime stuff. We speak often about making memories and we continue to do that. GARETH HOCK offloads against Salford THE CENTURION 5

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7 CAPTAIN S CORNER MIKE LATHAM CAUGHT UP WITH CLUB CAPTAIN OLIVER WILKES AFTER THE SALFORD RED DEVILS GAME. ML - Your thoughts on the Salford game? OW - It was fantastic, a stunning performance. The players worked really hard and got the better of a very good Salford side who went into the game fourth in Super League. They had their issues injurywise but we beat what was in front of us. I thought Salford played really well. They missed Rangi Chase and then Michael Dobson got injured but they were hard and tough. We matched them in all departments and were better in certain areas. ML - How much belief is there in the side just now? OW - It s massive, we ve gone one-and-a-half years without losing at home and the belief and desire in the squad is there for all to see. We are striving for a Super League spot and that is our main goal, but we want to win the Challenge Cup- that s our goal as well. The belief in the team goes through the squad, from the first man to the 30th man and everyone works hard for one another. ML - On a personal level how disappointing was it not to make the final 17? OW - It s always disappointing not to be playing, that goes for everyone in the squad. And everyone wants to play in the big games. But I sent a message to each of the guys in the core pre-match and wished them all the luck in the world. It s difficult missing out and affects people in different ways. Personally it makes me more determined to work even harder and regain my spot. But our squad unity is so strong all the players not selected all want the guys with the shirts to rip in and do well. I still enjoyed the day and the occasion and played my part in a supporting role. ML - Your reflections looking back? OW - Watching the game again it was clear that we didn t play as well as we could have done. If you look at the chances we missed and right across the board there were missed opportunities- we could maybe have won by 20 points. The exciting thing is that there is still a lot more to come from Leigh Centurions. And the reality is that no team will want to draw us in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. ML- The build-up to the tie saw Leigh Centurions constantly in the news and some of the magic that has been lost to the early rounds of the Challenge Cup returned didn t it? OW - That was certainly the case. To get such a big crowd was massive testimony to the way the game was promoted as often you see low crowds at this stage of the Cup, especially when the game is on television. Derek and Marwan certainly kept the banter flying on social media and I think Marwan learnt what the rest of us knowthat when you argue with Derek there is only ever one winner. Derek is a special bloke, a diamond guy and what he s done for this club is fantastic. The passion that runs through the Club starts from him. ML - And finally back to the Kingstone Press Championship this afternoon and a tough test from John Kear s Batley Bulldogs. OW - Absolutely. It s another big game for the Club and we know that if take our foot off the pedal we ll get turned over. There is cutthroat competition for places and the guys who get the shirts today will want to keep them. Batley are a good side and we all know John Kear is a very good coach. If we give them an inch they ll take a mile. MARTYN RIDYARD chips the ball forward against Salford THE CENTURION 7

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9 BY MARK TAYLOR (LEIGH REPORTER & WIGAN EVENING POST) BATLEY 2004 MARK TAYLOR GOES BACK THROUGH THE ARCHIVES AND UNEARTHS HIS MATCH REPORT FROM A FAMOUS LEIGH-BATLEY GAME FROM SEPTEMBER THE CENTURION 9

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11 LEIGH CENTURIONS PLAYERS ASSOCIATION Q&A ALAN PLATT Date of Birth 9 November 1962 Place of Birth Atherton Height 6ft 3 in Weight 17 stone. Heritage Number 988 Year of Leigh Debut 1988 Former Clubs Oldham, Fulham, Hunslet, Halifax Representative honours England Schools, Great Britain Colts 4 times and Colts tour to Australia in 1982 Honours won... Three Second Division winners medals, two Second Division Premiership runners-up RUGBY STUFF Family links with Rugby League father (Don, #690) and brother (Maurice, #827) both played Age when I first played Rugby League and where As soon as I could walk How I first got involved playing Rugby League played all my life. Team I supported as a kid Leigh My Sporting Hero as a kid and why? Dennis Boyd- wish I could tackle like him My current Sporting Hero and why Nick Faldo Person who helped my career the most Dave Ward, Hunslet coach My Best Rugby Memory Playing on Sydney Cricket Ground and getting sent off Best Rugby Memory of 2014 seeing Leigh winning at Leeds against Featherstone Rovers in the final Best Player I ve played with and why David Gillespie - they did not call him Cement for nothing Best Player I ve played against John Woods Best Stadium I ve played at Old Trafford. Best Advice I ve ever been given and by whom ALAN PLATT IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF LEIGH CPA AND ENJOYS GETTING TO AS MANY LEIGH CENTURIONS GAMES AS HE CAN. ALAN WAS A TALENTED, GOAL-KICKING LOOSE FORWARD WHO CAPTAINED LEIGH TO THEIR SECOND DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS IN HE FOLLOWED IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HIS FATHER DON AND BROTHER MAURICE IN PLAYING FOR LEIGH AND MADE 62 APPEARANCES, SCORING 10 TRIES AND KICKING 25 GOALS. Just be as good as you can, (from my father). Ambitions for Leigh Centurions for 2015 keep winning Why I loved playing for Leigh Best club in the world Advice to any kid wanting to play Rugby League Just be yourself and give 100 percent One Rule you could change? The rule One Rule you could bring in? When you kick the ball in to touch with a bounce you get your head and feed ABOUT ME Two words to describe yourself competitive, opinionated My best characteristic the wife... My bad habits picking my nose My superstitions None Who I look up to My father. Other Sport(s) I like to watch All sports Tea or Coffee? Pasta or Beans on Toast? Tea, beans on toast Famous person I d like to meet Jack Nicklaus My Motto in Life I am here for a good time not a long one. Where I see myself in 20 years time Doing a lot of fishing. THE BEST Mate I have in Rugby League Pete Jarvis Match I ve ever played in Hunslet v Leigh at Elland Road. Music I Listen to all kinds. Good Night Out nice meal with the wife. Holiday Destination Florida Trainers Nike TV programme NCIS. Sunday Dinner whatever the wife puts on the table. Day out with friends golfing. My Rugby League Dream Team (any player I ve played with or against) 1 Steve Hampson 2 Des Drummond 3 Dean Bell 4 Joe Lydon 5 Wilf George 6 John Woods 7 Ken Green 8 Kelvin Skerrett 9 Nicky Kiss 10 Lee Crooks 11 Alan Rathborne 12 Dave Gillespie 13 Ellery Hanley Captain Alan Platt with the Leigh Second Division championship-winning side of THE CENTURION 11

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13 LOTTERY NEWS WIN TWO TICKETS FOR THE SUMMER BASH WEEKEND Congratulations to M Meeson on winning the top prize of 1000 on week 2 Superleigh Lottery Draw. Accepting the cheque on her behalf is Lottery Agent Trevor Hudson. JOIN SUPERLEIGH LOTTERY TODAY The 2015 season is huge for Leigh Centurions, and provides the club with an opportunity to reach the top flight of Rugby League for the first time in over a decade. To make that dream a reality we are counting on as much support from our fans as possible. The Superleigh lottery enables fans to support the club in a fun way which gives the opportunity to win great prizes each week, including a jackpot of 1,000! We have agents who can collect fortnightly from your home or you can pay by standing order. Join today by calling or by lottery@leighrl.co.uk. LOTTERY BUSINESS MEMBERS Pennine Utilities Ltd MMI Engineering Chris Smith The Britannia Corlett Electrical The Centurion D K Motor Spares JR Airport Express JR Minibuses JR Taxis Taylor Drilling Services Ltd Tom Crompton S & J Autos Hogans Bar Stephen Fishwick Window Cleaning Services HTI Home Improvements Munchies For all your property requirements contact Simon Cooke Fairclough House, 51 Lord Street, Leigh WN7 1BY Tel Fax info@cookeandcompany.co.uk web THE CENTURION 13

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15 LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS NEWS JEFF GORSE SUMMARISES THE LATEST NEWS FROM LEIGH MINERS RANGERS: Leigh Miners Rangers 14 York City Knights 44 Miners Rangers epic Ladbrokes Challenge Cup adventure came to an end with a valiant effort against a strong York side at the Leigh Sports Village. In front of what was a record crowd for a Miners Challenge Cup game at the new stadium of over 1,000, Miners battled hard but the heavy artillery and clinical attacking prowess of the reigning Kingstone Press Championship One league leaders proved too much as York eased through to the sixth round. However, it was a new chapter written in the club history for the Miners side, who now return to league duties buoyed by their efforts and the support generated during their cup run. After the amateurs had opened positively York rallied and broke the deadlock when Ben Dent went over out wide, adding the extras himself. Tries two and three followed all too rapidly, the first after a calamitous bounce of the ball saw Pat Smith s kick deceive the Miners defence and sit up perfectly for Nev Morrison to storm in. Then Kris Brining turned a seeming cul-de-sac into a route to the try line, referee Gareth Hewer belatedly ruling that he had reached the whitewash under the posts. That scoring burst appeared to have put Miners on the back foot but they stormed back firstly when quick handling right put Harry Gagen over at the corner. Then, following a sterling Brad Hargreaves break, Scott O Brien stepped his way in from close range, Jonny Youds goaling to put his team to within eight points. But Miners couldn t hold out to the interval and York reasserted their advantage with two tries before the break, Brining forcing his way over for his second and then Jonny Presley with neat footwork and a burst of pace scoring from thirty metres out. Miners had half chances at the start of the second half but the try they needed to reinvigorate themselves wouldn t come as errors crept into their attacking play. Defensively they were resolute though, the third quarter seeing York limited to just one further try as Brining completed his hat-trick. Miners continued to press hard with Gagen and Tommy Parkinson making breaks but the chances were narrowly missed, before Adam Thomason powered over out wide for the hosts final try. Late scores from Adam Dent and Ed Smith gave York the degree of comfort but this had been a great effort and a fine cup campaign for the historymaking Miners. Shaun Dowie was named man of the match by the sponsors the McGuinness family, the trophy awarded in memory of the late Miners favourite Peter McGuinness. The young Australian typifyed the team s commitment with his tenacious play, airborne tackles and attacking threat. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The women s team went down to defeat at Stanningley whilst the Alliance and under-18s saw their games against Widnes Tigers and Woolston respectively, postponed. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: This Saturday the first team host Wath Brow in a return to league action, 2.30pm at Twist Lane. The Alliance have a league fixture at Widnes whilst the under-18s travel to Clock Face and the women host Rochdale Hornets (Sunday, 1pm). ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: It was a good weekend for our junior sides as all age groups enjoyed winning weekends, with the under-12s booking a cup semi-final place thanks to a win over Pilkington Recs. The Miners Rangers under-7s meanwhile enjoyed their moment as player mascots at the Miners v York Challenge Cup game. ACTION FROM THE YORK GAME: THE CENTURION 15

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17 IN TOWN TODAY BATLEY BULLDOGS CHRIS STOTT WELCOMES THIS AFTERNOON S VISITORS BATLEY BULLDOGS It s back to Kingstone Press Championship action this weekend for both the Centurions and the Bulldogs after their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup heroics last weekend. While Paul Rowley s side defeated Salford Red Devils in a thrilling televised tie John Kear s side had an impressive victory over Swinton Lions at the Fox s Biscuits Stadium. The Bulldogs reward is a Round 6 tie at Widnes Vikings. John Kear s men have had a rather stop-start season so far and have been struggling to get on a winning streak. And this is even more surprising considering Batley are generally there and thereabouts come play-off time. Their last campaign was one to forget for them as they were on the brink of relegation. A good run towards the back end of the season saw them safe and they will be hoping to build on that reprieve this term. With the highly respected Kear at the helm they are always going to be competitive and punch consistently above their weight against teams with far greater resources. Kear is one of the few Level 4 coaches in the professional game and has enjoyed a long and successful coaching career that began in the old winter rugby days at Bramley. Still best remembered for masterminding Sheffield Eagles stunning 1998 Challenge Cup Final win over Wigan, Kear knows the game inside out and has a solid Championship squad at his disposal with a number of players who stand out at this level. Over the years, there have been many stirring battles between these two sides, with Batley edging the Centurions in Play-offs in 2006 and 2013, both by a solitary point. That 2013 defeat was the last defeat suffered by Leigh at the LSV, Ben Black s golden point dropgoal edging the tie But it is a side of the continually changing make-up of sides at Championship level that just one Batley player from that game- Keegan Hirst- played for them last week against Swinton. By contrast ten of the 17 players on duty for Leigh that day could feature for Paul Rowley s side this afternoon. Outside Back Shaun AInscough has been well travelled. He has had spells in Super League in his time, starting with home town club Wigan, before moving on to Bradford after loan spells with Widnes and Castleford. Ainscough spent last year at Whitehaven in the Championship and scored 13 in 22 games. He has always been a consistent scorer as he showed when he first burst on to the scenes at Wigan; he scored 13 tries in 12 Super League games for Wigan, 15 in 27 for Bradford. Wayne Reittie and Johnny Campbell are both speedsters on the flanks. Both are Championship stalwarts and where ever they have been, like Ainscough, they have scored an abundance of tries. In broken field both can be lethal especially with their pace and footwork so they are certainly men to keep tabs on. Halves Cain Southernwood and Scott Leatherbarrow are the orchestrators for this Batley side. Southernwood at 23 may still be young but he already has plenty of Championship knowhow. Another ex- Haven man, Southernwood is an accomplished goalkicker. Leatherbarrow is a Wigan academy graduate who was previously at Keighley before moving across to the Bulldogs. An intelligent ball player who has an array of passing in his armoury, Scott is the main cog in John Kear s Batley wheel and will hopefully soon be back in action after injury. There are a couple of ex-leythers in the Batley ranks. Hooker Anthony Nicholson came through the ranks and made 45 appearances between 2010 and 2013 but sadly he is out of action with a broken arm. Kear has filled the gap by signing Matty Fozard on loan from St Helens. Second rower Lee Mitchell had a loan spell at Leigh in 2010 and 2011 making 16 appearances and scoring 7 times. A very strong ball carrier that has the offload in his locker, he is arguably the stand out in the Batley pack. Batley are an historic and friendly club and their Mount Pleasant ground is one of handful still surviving from the first season of Northern Union football in As a result the RFL plan a founders day 120th anniversary there in August. A superb new book Sermons from the Mount (Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd, 13.99) gathers reminiscences and recollections from former players, fans old and new, administrators, volunteers and directors of the famous club. Lovingly compiled by John Roe it is a book that deserves a place on every Rugby League fan s bookshelf. No Name 1 Jordan Grayston FB 2 Wayne Reittie WG 3 Shaun Ainscough CE, WG 4 Ayden Faal CE 5 Johnny Campbell WG, FB 6 Cain Southernwood SO 7 Scott Leatherbarrow SH 8 Keegan Hirst PR 9 Anthony Nicholson (vc) HK 10 Alex Rowe PR, SR 11 Alex Bretherton SR, CE 12 Sam Scott SR 13 Luke Blake (c) LF, HB No Name 14 Alistair Leek HK 15 Adam Gledhill SR, PR 16 Sean Hesketh PR 17 Joe Chandler PR, SR 18 Tom Lillycrop PR 19 Lee Mitchell SR 20 Shaun Squires PR 21 James Brown LF, SR 22 Jordan Grayston FB 23 Brad Day SR, LF 24 Brad Hey HK 25 Tom Thackery PR, SR 26 Matty Fozard HK, HB BATLEY BULLDOGS - TEN-YEAR RECORD Year P W D L F A PTS POSN Av Att Coach 2005 National League ,037 Gary Thornton 2006 National League Gary Thornton 2007 National League ,023 Gary Thornton 2008 National League Gary Thornton 2009 Championship Gary Thornton/ Karl Harrison 2010 Championship Karl Harrison 2011 Championship ,065 Karl Harrison 2012 Championship John Kear 2013 Championship John Kear 2014 Championship John Kear THE CENTURION 17

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19 LEIGH CENTURIONS RESERVES 2015 Leigh Centurions Reserves began their home league campaign in the Reserves Championship against York City Knights last Thursday at Leigh East. A report will appear in the next issue of the Centurion. Paul Anderson (#1160) is the Reserves Team Head Coach with Simon Finnigan (#1371) as his assistant. They are assisted by Steve Mayo and Steve Maden (#1213). ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Reserves team pen pictures: Sam Baggaley (DOB 6 Oct 1995) - Winger or centre. A former Wigan U19s player he is a good athlete with great pace and footwork. Mitchell Cox (DOB 15 Nov 1993) - Centre. A former Leigh East product, he has returned after a spell playing in Australia. Eze Harper (DOB 7 Dec 1994) - Winger or Centre. A fine athlete, strong, quick and athletic, he hails from Eccles and had a spell at Widnes. Frankie Halton (DOB 19 Jun 1996) - Prop forward. Signed last year and developing nicely. A former Leigh Miners Rangers product, he also had a spell at Warrington. Jack Hansen (DOB 12 Jan 1997) - Halfback. Son of former Leigh favourite Lee Hansen, he has signed a two-year deal with the Centurions having graduated through the ranks of Leigh East. A highly promising scrum-half and pivot player, he earned junior representative honours with Lancashire Under-19s and BARLA and also had a short spell at Warrington. Jordan Hill (DOB 1 Sep 1996) - Hooker. Won county and international honours in the community game, is another product of Leigh East. Tommy Holland (DOB 28 Aug 1995) - Prop forward. A big, athletic prop forward who has come through the ranks at Leigh East. After a spell with St Helens has now returned to the game following a 12-month break. Ethan Jukes (DOB 9 Oct 1997)- Halfback. The nephew of Centurions Assistant Coach Neil Jukes, he was signed from Rose Bridge after a spell at Warrington. Jake Knox (DOB 2 Dec 1997) - Fullback. Son of former Leigh forward Simon, he comes from good rugby stock and is regarded as one for the future. Ex-Leigh Miners. Corey Lee (DOB 10 Sep 1993) - Winger or fullback. Formerly with St Helens Academy and Thatto Heath he has bags of pace as he showed in the first team warm-up games but will miss the start of the season due to injury. Elliot Liku (DOB 21 Apr 1996) - Prop forward. Son of former Leigh favourite Tau, Elliot has been appointed Reserves captain for the 2015 season. Jacque Peet (DOB 2 May 1994) - Back row forward. Former Warrington Wolves U19s Player of the Year he played 16 first-team games for Swinton Lions last year in the Championship. Sam Peet (DOB 21 Feb 1994) - Centre or back row forward. Another local lad with a union background, he showed up well in the first-team warm-up games, building on a fine season in Matt Pendlebury (DOB 28 Sep 1993 )- Halfback. Last season s inspirational captain, he has returned to the club after spending the off season at Swinton Lions. His father Gary and uncle John are former Leigh players. Tom Roughley (DOB 16 Oct 1994) - Front row forward who can always play back row, he previously played in the St Helens Academy ranks alongside Lewis Foster. Josh Swift (DOB 23 Nov 1995) - Centre or wing. A really good communicator who scored the winning try in last season s grand final, he was formerly with Blackbrook. Luke Warburton (DOB 4 Aug 1994) - Utility. Nicknamed Mr Reliable he can play centre, fullback, pivot, nine and core and is the cornerstone of the team. Jake Williams (DOB 26 Jul 1995)- Back row forward. Exciting prospect who has been on Salford s books, he is a great trainer with strong defence who runs good lines. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The full list of fixtures is as follows: APRIL 9- Keighley (a) Won 34-22, 23- York (h), 30- Sheffield (h) MAY 7-Dewsbury (a), 21- Featherstone (h) JUNE 4-York (a), 13 Sheffield (a), 18- Dewsbury (h) JULY 4-Featherstone (a), 9- Keighley (h), 16- York (a), 25- Sheffield (a) AUGUST 6-Featherstone (h), 13- Dewsbury (a), 20- Keighley (h) Leigh Centurions Reserves main shirt sponsors are CSS (North West) Ltd, Louisa Street, Walkden. The other shirt sponsors are: Williams and Co; Sumners Butchers Pennington; Balmer Wilcock Ltd; Marstrut; Axford Group; Leigh Community Trust. The Shorts are sponsored by Lady Centurions Supporters Group and recognise Finley s Charity, a cause close to the hearts and minds of Leigh Centurions officials, players and supporters. Frankie Halton Luke Warburton Mitchell Cox Sam Peet THE CENTURION 19

20 20 THE CENTURION

21 We are indebted to Jerry Lyons for kindly sending us this fantastic photograph of Tommy Goulden scoring against Salford last Saturday with a packed North Stand as the backdrop. FROM THE ARCHIVES This afternoon's photograph from the archives of the Leigh Reporter and Wigan Evening Post shows former Leigh favourite Tim Street in typically explosive action against Batley from May Leigh won a highly entertaining game 44-40, scoring eight tries to the visitors' seven. The crowd was 1, THE CENTURION 21

22 22 THE CENTURION

23 THE KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 2015 No. Rnd Date Home team Result Away team 1 1 Fri 13th Feb Dewsbury Rams Sheffield Eagles 2 1 Sun 15th Feb Batley Bulldogs 30-6 Workington Town 3 1 Sun 15th Feb Leigh Centurions Bradford Bulls 4 1 Sun 15th Feb London Broncos Doncaster RLFC 5 1 Sun 15th Feb Whitehaven RLFC Halifax RLFC 6 1 Mon 16th Feb Featherstone Rovers Hunslet Hawks 7 2 Sun 22nd Feb Doncaster RLFC 6-13 Featherstone Rovers 8 2 Sun 22nd Feb Bradford Bulls 34-4 Whitehaven RLFC 9 2 Sun 22nd Feb Halifax RLFC 6-18 Leigh Centurions 10 2 Sun 22nd Feb Hunslet Hawks Batley Bulldogs 11 2 Sun 22nd Feb Sheffield Eagles 40-6 London Broncos 12 2 Sun 22nd Feb Workington Town Post Dewsbury Rams 13 3 Sun 1st Mar Batley Bulldogs 2-6 Halifax RLFC 14 3 Sun 1st Mar Featherstone Rovers 4-40 Bradford Bulls 15 3 Sun 1st Mar Hunslet Hawks 18-6 Dewsbury Rams 16 3 Sun 1st Mar Leigh Centurions London Broncos 17 3 Sun 1st Mar Whitehaven RLFC 6-20 Sheffield Eagles 18 3 Sun 1st Mar Workington Town 33-6 Doncaster RLFC 19 4 Sun 8th Mar Bradford Bulls 56-6 Hunslet Hawks 20 4 Sun 8th Mar Dewsbury Rams Whitehaven RLFC 21 4 Sun 8th Mar Doncaster RLFC Leigh Centurions 22 4 Sun 8th Mar Halifax RLFC Featherstone Rovers 23 4 Sun 8th Mar London Broncos Workington Town 24 4 Sun 8th Mar Sheffield Eagles Batley Bulldogs 25 5 Sun 15th Mar Batley Bulldogs Bradford Bulls 26 5 Sun 15th Mar Featherstone R 6-40 Leigh Centurions 27 5 Sun 15th Mar Halifax RLFC Dewsbury Rams 28 5 Sun 15th Mar Hunslet Hawks Doncaster RLFC 29 5 Sun 15th Mar Whitehaven RLFC London Broncos 30 5 Sun 15th Mar Workington Town Sheffield Eagles 12 2 Wed 18th Mar Workington Town Dewsbury Rams 31 6 Fri 27th Mar Dewsbury Rams Featherstone Rovers 32 6 Sat 28th Mar London Broncos Halifax RLFC 33 6 Sun 29th Mar Bradford Bulls 36-6 Workington Town 34 6 Sun 29th Mar Doncaster RLFC Batley Bulldogs 35 6 Sun 29th Mar Leigh Centurions 60-0 Whitehaven RLFC 36 6 Sun 29th Mar Sheffield Eagles Hunslet Hawks 37 7 Wed 1st Apr Doncaster RLFC 4-26 Sheffield Eagles 38 7 Fri 3rd Apr Batley Bulldogs 6-21 Dewsbury Rams 39 7 Fri 3rd Apr Bradford Bulls Halifax RLFC 40 7 Fri 3rd Apr Featherstone Rovers 8-24 London Broncos 41 7 Fri 3rd Apr Hunslet Hawks 6-42 Leigh Centurions 42 7 Fri 3rd Apr Workington Town 40-0 Whitehaven RLFC 43 8 Mon 6th Apr Featherstone Rovers 4-33 Sheffield Eagles 44 8 Mon 6th Apr Dewsbury Rams Bradford Bulls 45 8 Mon 6th Apr Halifax RLFC Hunslet Hawks 46 8 Mon 6th Apr Leigh Centurions 54-6 Workington Town 47 8 Mon 6th Apr London Broncos Batley Bulldogs 48 8 Mon 6th Apr Whitehaven RLFC Doncaster RLFC 49 9 Sun 12th Apr Batley Bulldogs Featherstone Rovers 50 9 Sun 12th Apr Bradford Bulls 28-2 London Broncos 51 9 Sun 12th Apr Doncaster RLFC Dewsbury Rams 52 9 Sun 12th Apr Halifax RLFC 38-6 Workington Town 53 9 Sun 12th Apr Hunslet Hawks Whitehaven RLFC 54 9 Sun 12th Apr Sheffield Eagles Leigh Centurions Sun 26th Apr Doncaster RLFC Bradford Bulls Sun 26th Apr Leigh Centurions Batley Bulldogs Sun 26th Apr London Broncos Dewsbury Rams Sun 26th Apr Sheffield Eagles Halifax RLFC Sun 26th Apr Whitehaven RLFC Featherstone Rovers Sun 26th Apr Workington Town Hunslet Hawks Sun 3rd May Batley Bulldogs Whitehaven RLFC Sun 3rd May Bradford Bulls Sheffield Eagles Sun 3rd May Dewsbury Rams Leigh Centurions Sun 3rd May Featherstone Rovers Workington Town Sun 3rd May Halifax RLFC Doncaster RLFC Sun 3rd May Hunslet Hawks London Broncos Sun 10th May Dewsbury Rams Hunslet Hawks Sun 10th May Leigh Centurions Halifax RLFC Sun 10th May London Broncos Featherstone Rovers Sun 10th May Sheffield Eagles Doncaster RLFC No. Rnd Date Home team Result Away team Sun 10th May Whitehaven RLFC Bradford Bulls Sun 10th May Workington Town Batley Bulldogs Sun 17th May Batley Bulldogs London Broncos Sun 17th May Bradford Bulls Featherstone Rovers Sun 17th May Doncaster RLFC Workington Town Sun 17th May Halifax RLFC Whitehaven RLFC Sun 17th May Leigh Centurions Hunslet Hawks Sun 17th May Sheffield Eagles Dewsbury Rams Sat 23rd May Workington Town Whitehaven RLFC Summer Bash Sat 23rd May London Broncos Sheffield Eagles Summer Bash Sat 23rd May Bradford Bulls Halifax RLFC Summer Bash Sun 24th May Dewsbury Rams Batley Bulldogs Summer Bash Sun 24th May Doncaster RLFC Hunslet Hawks Summer Bash Sun 24th May Leigh Centurions Featherstone R Summer Bash Fri 29th May Hunslet Hawks Sheffield Eagles Sun 31st May Dewsbury Rams Doncaster RLFC Sun 31st May Featherstone Rovers Batley Bulldogs Sun 31st May London Broncos Bradford Bulls Sun 31st May Whitehaven RLFC Leigh Centurions Sun 31st May Workington Town Halifax RLFC Sun 7th Jun Batley Bulldogs Sheffield Eagles Sun 7th Jun Bradford Bulls Doncaster RLFC Sun 7th Jun Dewsbury Rams Workington Town Sun 7th Jun Featherstone Rovers Halifax RLFC Sun 7th Jun London Broncos Leigh Centurions Sun 7th Jun Whitehaven RLFC Hunslet Hawks Fri 12th Jun Hunslet Hawks Halifax RLFC Sun 14th Jun Batley Bulldogs Leigh Centurions Sun 14th Jun Bradford Bulls Dewsbury Rams Sun 14th Jun Doncaster RLFC London Broncos Sun 14th Jun Sheffield Eagles Whitehaven RLFC Sun 14th Jun Workington Town Featherstone Rovers Sun 21st Jun Dewsbury Rams Halifax RLFC Sun 21st Jun Featherstone Rovers Doncaster RLFC Sun 21st Jun Leigh Centurions Sheffield Eagles Sun 21st Jun London Broncos Hunslet Hawks Sun 21st Jun Whitehaven RLFC Batley Bulldogs Sun 21st Jun Workington Town Bradford Bulls Sun 28th Jun Bradford Bulls Batley Bulldogs Sun 28th Jun Doncaster RLFC Whitehaven RLFC Sun 28th Jun Halifax RLFC London Broncos Sun 28th Jun Hunslet Hawks Featherstone Rovers Sun 28th Jun Leigh Centurions Dewsbury Rams Sun 28th Jun Sheffield Eagles Workington Town Sun 5th Jul Batley Bulldogs Doncaster RLFC Sun 5th Jul Featherstone Rovers Dewsbury Rams Sun 5th Jul Halifax RLFC Sheffield Eagles Sun 5th Jul Hunslet Hawks Bradford Bulls Sun 5th Jul London Broncos Whitehaven RLFC Sun 5th Jul Workington Town Leigh Centurions Sun 12th Jul Dewsbury Rams London Broncos Sun 12th Jul Doncaster RLFC Hunslet Hawks Sun 12th Jul Halifax RLFC Batley Bulldogs Sun 12th Jul Leigh Centurions Featherstone Rovers Sun 12th Jul Sheffield Eagles Bradford Bulls Sun 12th Jul Whitehaven RLFC Workington Town Sun 19th Jul Batley Bulldogs Hunslet Hawks Sun 19th Jul Bradford Bulls Leigh Centurions Sun 19th Jul Doncaster RLFC Halifax RLFC Sun 19th Jul Sheffield Eagles Featherstone Rovers Sun 19th Jul Whitehaven RLFC Dewsbury Rams Sun 19th Jul Workington Town London Broncos Sun 26th Jul Dewsbury Rams Batley Bulldogs Sun 26th Jul Featherstone Rovers Whitehaven RLFC Sun 26th Jul Halifax RLFC Bradford Bulls Sun 26th Jul Hunslet Hawks Workington Town Sun 26th Jul Leigh Centurions Doncaster RLFC Sun 26th Jul London Broncos Sheffield Eagles NB: Fixtures copyright RFL and subject to change THE CENTURION 23

24 ACTION FROM LEIGH CENTURIONS LANDMARK WIN AGAINST SALFORD CITY REDS LIAM KAY prepares to tackle Niall Evalds GREGG MCNALLY try 24 THE CENTURION

25 Low five for TOM SPENCER ANDREW DIXON takes the ball forward MARTYN RIDYARD prompts another attack TOM ARMSTRONG in full flight PARKY PIG congratulates RYAN BRIERLEY on his try TOM ARMSTRONG goes for the line JONNY POWNALL match winning try THE CENTURION 25

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27 ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY BY MIKE LATHAM 1998 Bottom of the table Leigh Centurions defied the odds and defeated Hull KR at Hilton Park in a memorable display that deserved a bigger audience than the 1,800 present. The early signs were ominous as Hull KR dominated play but only had a try to the prolific Gary Atkins converted by Mike Fletcher to show for their efforts. Leigh grew in confidence with James Arkwright, on debut, keeping a close eye on PNG star Stanley Gene. Anthony Murray and Alan Hadcroft, together now as coaches at North Wales Crusaders, fashioned an equalising score for Jason O'Loughlin and Paul Wingfield added a penalty to put Leigh in front before Atkins second try gave his side a 10-8 lead at halftime. But the Centurions began the second half in fine form, Arkwright and Phil Kendrick scoring fine tries within eight minutes of the restart. Though Mike Bibby went over for Rovers Leigh held firm in a tense finish with captain John Costello and props Tim Street and Dave Whittle outstanding. Wingfield, now coach at Leigh East, kicked five goals. Despite this fine win Leigh finished 11th in the league with only six wins from 30 games. Murray finished top try-scorer with 12 tries and Wingfield landed 61 goals during the campaign Leigh had enjoyed an excellent season in the eightteam Division Two, finishing runners-up and earning promotion. But Kevin Ashcroft s side suffered disappointment as their campaign closed with a 15-6 home defeat at the hands of Batley in the Divisional Premiership. Simon Booth scored Leigh s try with Mike Blakeley kicking the goal in front of 2,320 fans at Hilton Park. Shaun Wilkinson and Lee Hanlan scored Batley s tries with Steve Parrish kicking two goals and a drop-goal and Hugh Gumbs kicking one goal. Batley lost at Sheffield Eagles in the semi-final Leigh s season was ending in anti-climax and their 7-36 defeat at Barrow was their fourth loss in a row. Bill Atherton, playing only his second game after signing from Orrell RU club scored their only try, Jimmy Ledgard kicking two goals Leigh have had a long tradition of signing famous players brothers. One example was Australian Owen Bevan, brother of the Warrington wing-star Brian. Owen joined Leigh from Warrington in December 1951 and enjoyed his finest moment in a Leigh jersey, scoring four tries in a home win over Liverpool City to close the season in seventh position. The crowd was 7,000. This proved to be Owen s last appearance and he left the club after scoring eight tries in 16 games Leigh s first season since being reformed after the war ended with the club in a respectable ninth position. In their penultimate game they lost at Salford with Harry Todd and Dick Breare scoring their tries. APRIL Leigh s final game of the season was a dour affair and they went down 3-4 at Broughton Rangers to finish the campaign in 18th spot. Bill Baxter scored the only try of the game in the first half but two penalties by Stowell gave Rangers victory Leigh had enjoyed a marvellous season and finished fourth in the league. In those days the top four clubs played-off and Leigh s campaign ended in disappointment as they lost 0-27 at Wigan before 15,000 spectators. South African winger Adrian Van Heerden, who later played for Leigh, scored a hat-trick including two long distance tries. John Costello Owen Bevan THE CENTURION 27

28 COMMERCIAL NEWS This afternoon we welcome our friends at Anthony s Travel as main match sponsors. Anthony s has a long association with Leigh Centurions and has provided our club coaches for a number of years, in addition to sponsoring the Club. We hope that Richard and Tony Bamber and their guests enjoy their afternoon with us.... We would also like to welcome our associate match sponsor, Park Leisure, who are also great friends of the Club.... Last Saturday s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Salford Red Devils was a very successful day on and off the field for the Club. We received many congratulatory s from sponsors and guests who enjoyed their afternoon. We also entertained Adrian Osman, Sponsorship and Events Manager from Ladbrokes PLC who was attending his first live RL game. Adrian, who has attended most of the big sporting events and clubs throughout the country was impressed by his first visit to LSV and wrote to thank us. This is what he wrote- Many thanks for my initiation. A thoroughly enjoyable day and I certainly have the rugby league bug now... Derek kindly got me on stage to say a few words to the 400 fans in the function room... Preparation not needed when all you have to do is say how enthralling the game was and the tension of the last 10 mins. Fantastic stuff. It is always very gratifying to receive comments such as that. Another guest wrote: Hi Amanda, Sat was excellent. From a Corporate Hospitality perspective it could not have been better and it must have been rewarding for yourselves to see it being recognised by the main sponsors. The guests in the Banqueting Suite certainly enjoyed the pre and post match speeches by the Salford Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash together with interviews with Jamie Acton, Mark Lee, Sean Richardson, Derek Beaumont and Head Coach Paul Rowley. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES If you or your company would like to sponsor Leigh Centurions, a number of opportunities are still available: * Halifax - Associate Sponsor - 1,100 including executive box for 10 people * Sheffield - Match Ball Sponsor including 4 guests dining in Premier Club * Dewsbury - Main Match Sponsor - 1,200 including executive box for 10 people * Dewsbury - Match Ball Sponsor including 4 guests dining in Premier Club All prices are excluding VAT. To book one of these packages, or for any further information, please contact Amanda Lee on or amanda.lee@leighrl.co.uk. TODAY S MAIN MATCH SPONSOR MASCOT PROFILE This afternoon s Mascot is Joshua Cunningham. Joshua is a keen cricketer for Leigh CC Under 11 Redbacks, a member of Leigh & Atherton swim team, and an avid Leigh Centurions fan whose favourite players are Jake Emmitt and Ryan Brierley. He's nine years old, attends Leigh CE Junior School and also enjoys playing with his mates, Minecraft and Xbox. 28 THE CENTURION

29 DAVID ECKERSLEY This afternoon we have pleasure in welcoming David Eckersley and his wife Maureen as guests of the Club. DAVID ECKERSLEY (Heritage #762) was inducted into the Players Association Hall of Fame at Leigh Centurions Players Association dinner at Leigh Miners last night. David was a member of the 1971 Wembley team, scoring a try and a drop goal in the final, as Leigh beat hot favourites Leeds 24-7 to go down in club legend. A talented fullback, centre or halfback, David was highly regarded during his time with the club, playing for Leigh between 1968 and 1972 and made 160 appearances, scoring 24 tries and 22 goals in total. He also played with distinction for St Helens and Widnes and when Fulham joined the Rugby League in 1980 he was a key signing and a star player during their formative years at Craven Cottage. David played for England and Great Britain and played in four Wembley cup finals in his career, earning a second winners medal with Widnes in the 1979 final. A stint as a guest player down under with Cronulla led to him eventually beginning a new life in Australia where he has lived for 30 years. When the Association informed David of his imminent induction in March, they were delighted with his response - saying it was the best thing that has ever happened to him and he would be attending the dinner. David arrived from Australia on 16th April and will be warmly welcomed this afternoon. TODAY S ASSOCIATE SPONSOR David Eckersley with Alex Murphy THE CENTURION 29

30 30 THE CENTURION

31 LEIGH EAST ARLFC ANDY MAZEY CHRONICLES THE LATEST NEWS FROM LEDGARD AVENUE Millom 29-4 Leigh East A confident Leigh East first team embarked on the long journey to Cumbria looking to make it four wins from the opening four games but sadly it wasn't to be with a very strong Millom outfit keeping East scoreless for the first 65 minutes of the contest. Josh Adudwuma was the only scorer of the game for East after having three earlier efforts ruled out by the officials. Head Coach Paul Wingfield will now look for his charges to refocus and bounce back to winning ways when they entertain Dewsbury Celtic next up at Ledgard Avenue. Leigh East A team had no fixture so were able to make the trip and support the first team boys following their impressive start to the season and victory at home to Fitton Hill Bulldogs. Leigh East U7s Rochdale Mayfield The U7s won a highly entertaining contest against a very well drilled Rochdale Mayfield outfit. Some wonderful attacking play saw tries for Harvey Halliwell, Harvey Worden, Coby Robinson, Ewan Irwin, Bradley McDonough, Rhys Sefton and Evan Buckley Lownsbrough. Leigh East U8s 6-7 Crosfields In an action packed and eventful game the U8s worked hard to put into practice what they work on in training and were unlucky to go down to a last minute try. Tries came from B Allred (3), J Wright and Man of the Match F Jackson with a brace. Folly Lane 10-5 Leigh East U9s The U9s played some fast flowing rugby league with ball in hand which lead to try's from Dylan Gregson, Josh Hopkins, Will Nguimbi and Jamie Broom (2). Sadly scrappy defence saw Folly take the spoils. Leigh East U10s Wigan St Pats Lack lustre defence cost the U10s early on in this game. A try scored by James Molyneaux was the highlight of the first half. Two tries from Jack Edge brightened up the second half. Rochdale Mayfield Leigh East U12s In what was a real blood and thunder cup quarter final tie saw the U12s come away with the spoils. Taylor Pemberton demonstrated some solid defensive work early on and Jordan Fishwick didn't take long to open the scoring in the corner for East. On the back of some great defence and a dominant pack performace East added further scores from Sam Penkywicz (2) and a fantastic individual effort from Jordan Fishwick. Adam Jones also added a score which capped off a good performance with all the team playing well and earning a great result and progressing to the next round. Woolston Rovers 38-4 Leigh East U13s The U13s went down in what was a tough game against Woolston Rovers. East were competitive and the difference was only two scores until the last fifteen minutes when they were blown away by a four quick fire converted tries. Liam Atkin was the only try scorer for East as Rovers ran out eventual 38-4 winners. Leyland 6-56 Leigh East U14s The U14s were comfortable winners in what was a friendly game arranged at short notice. Tries from Jordan McKay (3), Josh Carrick, Matty Rudd, Elliot Dean, Callum Hargreaves (2), Luis Pollitt and Niall Seddon. Goals from Matty Rudd 6, Elliott Dean, Callum Hargreaves completed the victory for East. Hindley Leigh East u15s The U15s made the short trip to Hindley where they came up against a spirited side who took advantage of the fact that East had three players missing due to scholarship selections. The game was pretty even affair until the end with Hindley just hanging on in to take the spoils. OTHER NEWS In other news and away from the field of play the club s communications team continues to gain momentum and is going from strength to strength. We are delighted to announce plans to launch a new Leigh East website in early May. Also Following recent advertising campaigns highlighting voluntary opportunities we have been delighted to welcome two new volunteers on board. We are however still looking to recruit committed and ambitious people with match day PA, filming and photography assistance still required. As always there will also be a full schedule of junior games taking place at the club on Sunday mornings. If you can get down to a see the future generation and see if you can spot a future Centurions star you will be most welcome. Fixtures can be found on Twitter (@leigheast) and Facebook and also on the new website once up and running so keep your eye on social media for updates. Finally last but not least, as always everyone connected with Leigh East are delighted to continue to extend a warm welcome to Centurions Officials, Players (past and present) and supporters both before and after the game this afternoon. THE CENTURION 31

32 LEIGH CENTURIONS SQUAD NUMBERS Head Coach: Paul Rowley Assistant Coach: Neil Jukes Paul Rowley Head Coach Neil Jukes Assistant Coach Paul Anderson Assistant Coach Reserves Team Coach Simon Finnigan Assistant Coach Player Welfare Manager 1 Gregg McNally CDA Business Services Heritage Number Adam Higson Impact Insurance Heritage Number Greg Worthington Williams & Co Heritage Number Tom Armstrong Tommy Sale MBE Heritage Number Liam Kay Glazing Systems & Installations Ltd Heritage Number Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions Ltd Heritage Number Ryan Brierley R-Logistics Services Ltd Heritage Number Fuifui Moimoi Atico's Hair & Beauty Heritage Number Bob Beswick (Vice-captain) Ask Platt Office Supplies Heritage Number Oliver Wilkes (Captain) Liniar Heritage Number Matthew Sarsfield Toyfields Adventure Play Centre Heritage Number Tommy Goulden CDA Business Services Heritage Number Sam Barlow Corlett Electrical Heritage Number THE CENTURION

33 14 Sean Penkywicz (Vice-captain) Hamilton Fabrications Ltd Heritage No Jonny Pownall Anthony's Travel Heritage Number Michael Platt Park Leisure (Plas Coch) Heritage Number Ben Reynolds Screwfix Heritage Number - 18 Tom Spencer Bentleys Motor Group Warrington Heritage Number Kurt Haggerty K Darlington & Son Heritage Number Sam Hopkins In Memory of Audrey Dale Heritage Number Jamie Acton Leyther Ladies Heritage Number Andrew Dixon L.I.S.A. Heritage Number Martin Aspinwall Kath & Keith Stott Heritage Number Jonny Walker AB Sundecks Ltd Heritage Number Cameron Pitman Pam Ties Ltd Heritage Number Gareth Hock Holiday Inn Express Leigh - Sports Village Heritage Number Lewis Foster Sponsorship available Heritage Number Steve Maden Sponsorship available Heritage Number Jake Emmitt Evans Halshaw Heritage Number 1332 Jamie Tracey Sponsorship available FORTHCOMING GAMES Sunday 10 May 2015 LEIGH CENTURIONS V HALIFAX Kingstone Press Championship at LSV, KO 3.00pm PLEASE NOTE: The scheduled Kingstone Press Championship game against Hunslet Hawks will be rearranged due to Leigh's continued involvement in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. An announcement will be made as soon as possible. THE CENTURION 33

34 34 THE CENTURION

35 PROGRAMMES FROM THE PAST BY MIKE LATHAM LONG TERM LEIGH SUPPORTER MR NORMAN STARKIE HAS VERY KINDLY LENT SOME OF HIS VAST PROGRAMME COLLECTION TO THE EDITOR AND EACH ISSUE THIS YEAR WE LL TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE ARCHIVES. For today s look back through the archives of old Leigh programmes we go back to February 1970 and the visit of Batley to Hilton Park. The day was especially memorable for our long-serving kit manager and Life Member Frank Taylor who will recall that Leigh had an excellent victory Frank may also recall that he got married on the morning of the game yet still managed to get along to Hilton Park! His (some would say) long-suffering wife Christine remains an ardent Leigh supporter to this day. In fact in the following match programme Frank and Christine s nuptials received a special mention: Under the headline Leigh Fanatic the article began: There will be several Leigh fanatics on the ground this afternoon, but I m sure there will be no bigger fanatic than the former Miss Christine Parry who last Saturday married Frank Taylor of Hope Street at noon, left the wedding party and made her way to Hilton Park to see her favourite take on Batley. After the game she returned to her reception and carried on the celebrations. A groomsman at the wedding was Batley fullback Stan Gittins who is a friend of the groom. The official programme cost six old pence and was a 12-page edition which included the town crest on the cover. Leigh had just beaten Huyton 2-0 in a Challenge Cup second round replay the previous Monday, Stuart Ferguson kicking the only goal. In welcoming Batley the writer noted several Leigh born players in their ranks including second row Tommy Martyn, brother of Mick. We have received excellent reports on his consistently good play throughout the season, the article continued. Tommy of course went on to enjoy a glittering career and followed in his elder brother s footsteps by playing with distinction for Leigh. John Cooke, Stan Gittins and Terry Gorman were other Leigh born players in the visitors squad with several other former Leigh Miners players having joined the Batley register. Alex Murphy and Jack Byrne were Leigh coaches and Tommy Sale was among the board of directors. The programme complimented the Hilton Park playing surface, described as being in firstclass condition. The Parks Superintendent Mr Farr was in charge of the pitch. Meanwhile long serving Welsh centre Gordon Lewis was enjoying his testimonial year. Advertisers in the programme included the Mackeson Merit Table with 1,500 in prize money to be competed for by RL clubs and A&B Motors (Newton-le-Willows) for all makes of British Motor Corporation new cars including Morris, Austin, Wolseley, Riley, MG and Healey Sprite. There were adverts for steel shelving suppliers, motorcycles, caterers, heating and plumbing engineers, coach hire, property repairs, decorators and confectioners. Leigh came from 0-8 behind and won the game 24-8 in front of 4,518 spectators with tries by Mick Collins, Les Chisnall, Bob Welding and Geoff Lyon. Stuart Ferguson kicked five goals and Jimmy Fiddler one. Walker and Tommy Martyn scored Batley s tries with a goal from Toohey. Lyon was outstanding and Man of the Match. The teams were: Leigh - Ferguson; Tickle, Dorrington, Collins, L Chisnall; Warburton, Canning; D Chisnall, Ashcroft, Fiddler, Welding, Highcock, Lyon. Subs: Eckersley, Grimes. Batley - Gittins; Marsh, Toohey, Holmes, Cooke; Watt, M Doyle; Walker, O Hara, Tyson, Bell, Martyn, P Doyle. Sub: J Fox. THE CENTURION 35

36 36 THE CENTURION

37 THE GIRLS ARE BACK IN TOWN! The campaign aims to: Raise awareness of the issue of gender inequality and encourage people to take action. Create a platform to highlight role models in the community, males that are taking a stand against gender inequality. Inspire schools, colleges and other organisations to use this campaign to help address gender inequality issues. Leigh Community Trust would like to welcome here today, shining examples of why we should Believe in Her. Atherton Community School Year 7 girls rugby team (pictured with Centurions star Adam Higson) have proven that they have what it takes on the field- the girls have reached the National Finals of the Champion Schools rugby competition which is a fantastic achievement. LCT Development co-ordinator Heather Parker-Preece said: The girls have only just started playing and it is great that they have progressed so far in the competition and it is fantastic for a local school to be representing the town there. We wish the girls lots of luck in their next game. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Also present at today s game are girls that are currently training with Leigh Miners girls section. Training for the girls is held at Kings Park (opposite green hill) every Saturday morning from Girls of all abilities from 11yrs to 16yrs are welcome to take part. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Leigh Community Trust s Makeover programme funded by European Social Fund and Skills Funding Agency for unemployed females is running on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th April. For anyone wishing to update their CV, brush up on interview skills and gain a level 2 RSPH Health Improvement qualification. Book your place today at info@leighcommunitytrust.co.uk LEIGH COMMUNITY TRUST IS BACKING THE WIGAN COUNCIL BELIEVE IN HER CAMPAIGN. Adam Higson pictured with Atherton Y7 Girls rugby team THE CENTURION 37

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39 LISA NEWS FROM LYNDA PIKE LISA is an acronym for Leigh Independent Supporters Association and, as the name suggests, is an Independent Supporters Group for the Leigh Centurions. LISA has been in existence for over 15 years, with the main goal being to help finance new players for the club. This is mainly achieved through contributions from our members. Through generous contributions by LISA members and support by Leigh fans in general we have managed to help the club bring in players who would not normally have been signed. Below is the LISA Roll of Honour - the list of players the club have signed over the years with the help of LISA: Jamie Kennedy, Graeme Close and Ken Kerr (1999), Adam Bristow (2000), Neil Turley (2001), Vila Matautia (2002), Sonny Nickle and Tommy Martyn (2003), Tommy Martyn (2004), Academy players (2005 and 2006), Dave McConnell (2007), Dennis Moran (2008), Stuart Donlan (2009 and 2010), Anthony Nicholson and Dean McGilvray (2011), James Taylor, Ryan Brierley, Rob Parker and Sam Hopkins (2012), Martin Aspinwall and Ryan Brierley (2013) and Tom Spencer (2014). For the 2015 season LISA are proudly sponsoring Andrew Dixon. The more members we have enables us Leigh fans to help make our great club the best it can be. It s no coincidence that Leigh have been one of the most successful teams outside of Super League since LISA was formed. LISA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Our Annual General Meeting will be held on the 5th of May and I would encourage all LISA members to attend. It s a chance to look back on the progress we ve made in the last 12 months, make plans for the future and generally catch up with the rest of our membership. COACH TRAVEL Please could I ask that anyone booking coaches to away games books as early as possible so that we can make sure we get enough coaches to cover all those wishing to use them. This was a request from the coach firm we use, as they struggle to get drivers to work at very short notice. DEWSBURY away Sunday 3rd May 2015 Kick off 3pm LISA members - 8 Non-members - 9 Departure times: LSV Midday Boars Head 12.05pm Atherton 12.15pm If anyone wishes to purchase tickets, I will be in Legends Bar after today s match. LISA will also be running coaches to both London away and the Blackpool Summer bash. Details are as follows: LONDON away We are now taking names for this trip, priced at 27 return The coach will leave early morning (in order to give supporters time for a drink or some lunch before the game) and return straight after the game. We require a 10 non-refundable deposit when booking tickets and the full balance must be paid before the day of the match. If you re interested, please get in touch with me on or come and speak to me in Legends Bar after today s game this will allow me to get some idea of numbers. BLACKPOOL Summer Bash Weekend We will be running a daytrip on the Sunday. The coaches will arrive in time for fans to watch all of the Sunday fixtures or simply spend some time in Blackpool and soak up the atmosphere before our match kicks off at 5.15pm. Coaches will then depart straight after the match finishes. Coach tickets are priced at 10 FOR ALL. This is due to the hours the drivers have to work and still represents excellent value for money! Thanks to all who use LISA Coaches Lynda THE CENTURION 39

40 FUI ALREADY AN HONORARY LEYTHER We ve all seen this season how well Fui Fui Moi Moi has fitted into the team, but it s also great to see how well he s settling in off the pitch. Moving from sunny Sydney to the Costa del Leyth must be one heck of a culture shock, and we ve all seen the effects homesickness can have in the case of Sam Tomkins brief stint in New Zealand, but Fui seems to be taking to life in Leigh like a duck to water! The Centurions proud history of Tongan players has certainly helped, along with the incredibly warm reception Fui has received from the people of Leigh, and it was wonderful to see Fui along with many other members of the squad cheering on the boys from the North Stand terrace during our fantastic win over Salford! Fui is pictured here walking along the touchline with Jamie Acton. Fui and his family are popular and regular visitors to Atico's and he alwa ys has time to speak to customers and sign autographs and have photographs taken. Of course, Fui first fell in love with Leigh when Leigh Sports Village hosted the Tongan team during the 2013 World Cup and it was announced this week that we can once again look forward to international rugby league coming to Leigh. The final European qualifying fixture for the World Cup, a play-off between the second placed teams in each qualifying group, will take place at the Sports Village on the 5th of November 2016, leaving plenty of time for us to read up on the finer points of Serbian or Spanish rugby league! It promises to be the perfect way to whet the appetite for the 2017 World Cup and the choice of the LSV illustrates once again what a world class facility we call home THE CENTURION

41 LEIGH CENTURIONS 2015 LEWIS FOSTER TOM SPENCER AUTOGRAPHS THE CENTURION 41

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43 SET OF SIX BOB BESWICK TAKES A SET OF SIX, MASTERMINDING A COMPLETION FROM DUMMY HALF AS USUAL AND EVEN TAKES IN A ZERO TACKLE. ZERO TACKLE You re the highest capped player in Ireland RL history. That must make you very proud? I love playing the international game. It s something I take seriously and get value from. I hope to be playing for Ireland for a good few years yet. I qualify through my grandparents and the only time I ve not played when was I got married! I couldn t avoid that! I ve played in two World Cups and in the last one Finny (Simon Finnigan) made was to be his last ever appearance against Australia. What a way to finish. I loved playing with Finny, he was a great team player. These days he s greyer and older and looks like the Silver Fox. TACKLE 1 You started off at Wigan. What s it like to do things the Wigan Way? When I was Wigan I was like a deer in the headlights. I didn t take my rugby so seriously and didn t embrace the challenge. The Leigh Way under Paul Rowley is certainly as hard and challenging- I have grown up as a person and relished the discipline and the hard work. The Wigan Way was their way, the Leigh Way will see many players being developed into Super League players in the next ten years. TACKLE 2 The Leigh club you re with now is far different to the one you joined as one of Paul Rowley s first signings. You could say that. There was very little infrastructure when Paul took over. I had a chat with Paul and a few of the other lads there like John Duffy, Stu Littler and Ste Maden and that made my decision easier. The situation suited both me and the club perfectly. I ve established myself at hooker provided I play well and I m the happiest I ve ever been playing Rugby League. It s what dreams are made of- you have to pinch yourself sometimes that you are shouting at Fuifui Moimoi to get in the line. But he s like everyone else- he s here to do a job and there are no egos on the field. TACKLE 3 You played with distinction for both Widnes and Halifax. Did you enjoy your time at those clubs? I enjoyed it at Widnes to start with until franchising kicked in. I left on a bit of a sour note and disagreed with a few things that weren t done as I would have done things. When I went to Halifax I played under Matt Calland and learnt to be much more creative. I remember one game we had three hookers all on the same field at the same time- me, Penky and Glees but somehow we got away with it. One of the best moments of my career was winning the Grand Final with Halifax in We won by a golden point. That was an unbelievable day and night. TACKLE 4 You re still pretty busy off the field as well? Yes, I ve got a personal training business and I have qualified as a strength and conditioning coach at Masters level. I ve got a gym in Wigan with my business partner, Mike Grundy who s a Commonwealth Games wrestler. I m very fortunate to do two things that I love doing. They don t feel like jobs. TACKLE 5 Ex-Leigh forward Mark Sheals is now a film star. Which current Leigh players might go down that line in the future? Gregg McNally might come in handy if ever they do a Garfield re-make. Jamie Tracey, Man of Skem is a special talent. Jonny MOTM Bob Beswick interviewed by Angela Powers for Sky Sports Man of the Match Bob Beswick Pownall has the looks but it would have to be a non-speaking part. He wouldn t remember the lines. He d have to be doing something in the background like mixing cocktails or putting out deckchairs. Mind you that might be too difficult for him. Maybe Andrew Dixon, he has that hair band that makes him look like Ibrahimovic. Talking of Dicko, he sends the longest texts I ve ever seen, apart from Derek. He even puts references in. Derek s are so long they take two servings at dinner to read. LAST TACKLE Who are the best and worst Leigh players at other sports? Dicko is awful at FIFA. I m the best. Liam Kay s not bad. For the amount of effort Aspy puts in he should be better. He even gets in early so he can play FIFA. Fui s best at ping pong- he has an awesome serve. The best I ve ever seen. I m not bad myself. Greg Worthington s good. Haggy is awful, playing him is like playing with your missus. You have to pat the ball back to him just so he thinks he s in the game. Haggy is one of the most skilful rugby players I ve ever seen but he s rubbish at other sports. Darts wise Greg Worthington s up there again, Ridy of course too. And I m up there. THE CENTURION 43

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45 FACTS & STATS 2015 Season 2015 TRY CREATORS Individual Pass Kick Other Totals Gregg McNally Ryan Brierley Sean Penkywicz Martyn Ridyard Tom Armstrong Bob Beswick Liam Kay Kurt Haggerty Jonny Pownall Michael Platt Sam Barlow Oliver Wilkes Jake Emmitt Martin Aspinwall Gareth Hock Tommy Goulden Total 82 NUMBER OF TRIES From own half 18 Inside Opp Inside Opp half GOAL KICKING Goals Attempts % Ridyard Career for Leigh Date of Birth A S T G DG P A S T G DG P Debut Total apps HN Notes Acton, Jamie 04/04/ Armstrong, Tom 12/09/ Aspinwall, Martin 21/10/ Barlow, Sam 07/03/ Bate, Anthony 28/04/ On loan at Barrow Beaumont, Richard 02/02/ On loan at Whitehaven Beswick, Bob 08/12/ Brierley, Ryan 12/03/ Briscoe, Craig 08/12/ On loan at Barrow Bullock, Joe 27/11/ On loan at Barrow Dixon, Andrew 28/02/ Emmitt, Jake 04/10/ Foster, Lewis 21/12/ Goulden, Tommy 30/06/ Haggerty, Kurt 08/01/ Hankinson, Chris 30/11/ On loan at Barrow Higson, Adam 19/05/ Hock, Gareth 05/09/ Hopkins, Sam 17/02/ Kay, Liam 17/12/ Maden, Steve 13/09/ McNally, Gregg 02/01/ Moimoi, Fuifui 26/09/ Penkywicz, Sean 18/05/ Pitman, Cameron 09/07/ On loan at Barrow Platt, Michael 23/03/ Pownall, Jonny 22/08/ Reynolds, Ben 15/01/ On loan at Doncaster Ridyard, Martyn 25/07/ Sarsfield, Matt 10/09/ Spencer, Tom 02/01/ Tracey, Jamie 22/05/ Walker, Jonny 20/02/ Wilkes, Oliver 02/05/ On loan at Whitehaven Worthington, Greg 17/07/ Total Non playing sub: Foster 1, Worthington 1 TRY TRACKER MINUTES For Against Totals /20 COUNT Martyn Ridyard 3 CAPTAINS Oliver Wilkes 3 Sean Penkywicz 4 Bob Beswick 4 KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE Team P W D L F A Pts 1 Leigh Centurions Bradford Bulls Sheffield Eagles Halifax RLFC Dewsbury Rams London Broncos Featherstone Rovers Batley Bulldogs Hunslet Hawks Workington Town Whitehaven RLFC Doncaster with thanks to Dave Parkinson THE CENTURION 45

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47 RESULTS & FIXTURES 2015 No. Month Date Ven Opponents KO Res F A Pos'n Att Referee 1 Feb 15 h Bradford 3pm W rd 7449 McNally 2T Higson Worthington Armstrong T Kay T Ridyard 6G Brierley T Acton Penkywicz T Wilkes Haggerty Goulden Barlow Beswick Hopkins Moimoi Emmitt Cobb 2 22 a Halifax 3pm W nd 2868 McNally Pownall T Worthington Armstrong Kay 2T Ridyard 3G Brierley Moimoi Penkywicz Walker Haggerty Goulden Emmitt Beswick Wilkes Barlow Hopkins Thomason 3 Mar 1 h London Broncos 3pm W st 4531 McNally Pownall Worthington Armstrong 2T Kay T Ridyard 2G, DG Brierley T Moimoi Beswick Wilkes Dixon Haggerty T Emmitt Penkywicz Walker Hopkins Barlow Stokes 4 8 a Doncaster 2pm W st 1602 McNally T Pownall Worthington Armstrong T Kay 4T Ridyard T, 7G Brierley 2T Emmitt Penkywicz Wilkes Haggerty Dixon Barlow T Beswick Acton Hopkins Spencer Bloem 5 15 a Featherstone Rovers 3pm W st 2695 McNally Pownall Platt T Armstrong 2T Kay 2T Ridyard 4G Brierley T Moimoi Penkywicz Acton Haggerty T Goulden T Barlow Beswick Wilkes Hopkins Emmitt Leatherbarrow CC4 20 h London Broncos (LCC4) 8pm W McNally T Pownall T Platt Armstrong T Kay T Ridyard 10G Brierley 2T Moimoi T Penkywicz Acton Haggerty T Goulden Barlow T Beswick Wilkes Hopkins 2T Emmitt Woodhead 6 29 h Whitehaven 3pm W st 3006 McNally T Pownall 3T Platt T Armstrong Kay 3T Ridyard 2T, 6G Brierley T Spencer Beswick Acton Dixon Goulden Hopkins Penkywicz Wilkes Aspinwall Emmitt T Hick 7 Apr 3 a Hunslet 2pm W st 1132 McNally Pownall T Worthington Armstrong Kay 2T Ridyard 5G Brierley Moimoi Beswick Spencer Haggerty Dixon T Barlow T Penkywicz T Wilkes T Aspinwall T Walker Kendall 8 6 h Workington Town 1-30pm W st 3017 McNally T Higson T Platt T Worthington Kay T Ridyard 9G Brierley T Moimoi Penkywicz 2T Acton Dixon Goulden Hopkins Beswick Hock 2T Barlow Emmitt Leatherbarrow 9 12 a Sheffield Eagles 4-15pm W st 1454 McNally T Pownall Platt Armstrong Kay Ridyard 6G Brierley 2T Hock Beswick Emmitt T Dixon Goulden T Barlow T Foster Hopkins Aspinwall Acton Crashley CC5 18 h Salford (LCC5) 2-35pm W McNally T Pownall T Platt Armstrong Kay Ridyard 3G Brierley T Spencer Beswick Emmitt Dixon Goulden T Barlow Hopkins Aspinwall Hock Worthington Bentham h Batley 3pm 11 May 3 a Dewsbury 3pm h Halifax 3pm CC6 17 a Wakefield (LCC6) 2.30pm n1 Featherstone Rovers 5-15pm a Whitehaven 3pm 16 Jun 7 a London Broncos 3pm a Batley 3pm h Sheffield Eagles 3pm h Dewsbury 3pm 20 Jul 5 a Workington Town 3pm h Featherstone Rovers 3pm a Bradford 3pm h Doncaster 3pm 13 TBA h Hunslet TBA Please note that all fixtures are subject to change LCC = Labrokes Challenge Cup After the first 23 rounds the competition will move into the Super 8s format. The top 4 clubs will join the bottom 4 Super League clubs in The Qualifiers 8 whilst those finishing 5th to 12th will form the Championship Shield 8. All Super 8 clubs will play a further 7 matches with the dates and venues of each being determined by the club s league position after the first 23 rounds. Challenge Cup Final - 29 Aug; Kingstone Press Championship 1m Game & Shield Final - Oct 4 n1 Summer Bash at Blackpool FC Debutants in BOLD

48 LEIGH CENTURIONS SQUAD HEAD COACH: PAUL ROWLEY ASSISTANT COACH: NEIL JUKES NO PLAYER SPONSOR HERITAGE NO 1 Gregg McNally CDA Business Services Adam Higson Impact Insurance Greg Worthington Williams & Co Tom Armstrong Tommy Sale MBE Liam Kay Glazing Systems & Installations Ltd Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions Ltd Ryan Brierley R-Logistics Services Ltd Fuifui Moimoi Atico s Hair & Beauty Bob Beswick (Vice-captain) Ask Platt Office Supplies Oliver Wilkes (Captain) Liniar Matthew Sarsfield Toyfields Adventure Play Centre Tommy Goulden CDA Business Services Sam Barlow Corlett Electrical Sean Penkywicz (Vice-captain) Hamilton Fabrications Ltd Jonny Pownall Anthony's Travel Michael Platt Park Leisure (Plas Coch) Ben Reynolds Screwfix - 18 Tom Spencer Bentleys Motor Group Warrington Kurt Haggerty K Darlington & Son Sam Hopkins In Memory of Audrey Dale Jamie Acton Leyther Ladies Andrew Dixon L.I.S.A Martin Aspinwall Kath and Keith Stott Jonny Walker AB Sundecks Ltd Cameron Pitman Pam Ties Ltd Gareth Hock Holiday Inn Express Leigh - Sports Village Lewis Foster Sponsorship available Steve Maden Sponsorship available Jake Emmitt Evans Halshaw 1332 OFFICIALS REFEREE: J COBB TOUCH JUDGES: R WEBB, A SMITH Sunday April Leigh Sports Village Kick off 3.00pm Kingstone Press Championship Round 10 RESERVE: J BARR MATCH COMMISSIONER: K LEYLAND TIME KEEPER: D CAMPBELL