After an amazing game at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium, Leigh Leopards have booked their place at Wembley where they will meet the winners of Wigan Warriors and Hull KR who meet at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley stadium tomorrow.
The Leopards defied the odds to win today. They were battered in terms of possession and territory in the first 40 minutes but hung in there and won the game after some big efforts from the likes of Zak Hardaker.
There is one man who perhaps deserves more praise than anyone else after this amazing win for the club and that man is owner Derek Beaumont and he spoke to BBC after the game.
“It is all about the team, the fans. I’m not proud of what happened there because that is not what our club stands for,” he said.
“The players, you talk about turning up, turning up, turning up. The first half I thought Saints played nearly perfect rugby but we kept defending.
“Eventually we got some time in good ball and they gave it.
He then underlined the focus on the final for his side now: “I am a bit obsessed with it, I just want to achieve. You never fail until you stop trying. We have only got there and there is still a final to play.”
The Leopards trailed 6-0 at the break after a difficult first half but raised the tempo at the start of the second half with some great speed and winning two vital penalties.
On the back of the first penalty they made it 6-6 after Oliver Holmes hit a great line to carve through for the Leopards and cross.
Leigh would then punish a Jack Welsby mistake and score another try through Zak Hardaker. The former Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors star grounded the ball in the corner after a great chase from Tom Briscoe and Tee Ritson.
Reynolds missed the shot at goal that time but would get another chance after Mata’utia’s late hit on the halfback.
It was seen as being late and having a lot of force by the official. That gave the Leopards a vital 12-6 lead and that two points would win the game for the Leoaprds.
Jonny Lomax crossed for a late try in the 78th minute but was in the corner and Tommy Makinson would then miss the shot at goal and the game would end 12-10.
It has been a basic contest but in the best possible way. The two teams are in a real battle royal as Saints pack dominate and roll the Leopards down field magnificently but Leigh hang in defensively exceptionally.
They did concede a relatively soft try to departing St Helens star Joey Lussick who burrowed over from close range for the opening try.
He has been excellent nailing a 40/20 from inside his own 20 metres and reaching the Leigh 10 metres with one of the best kicks you will see.
Leigh have produced some outstanding defensive efforts such as when Edwin Ipape intercepted an Agnatius Paasi offload and when Josh Charnley forced the ball out of Tommy Makinson’s arms as he dived in at the corner.
It is certainly a fascinating semi-final and one of the best in recent memory.
International Rugby League
International Rugby League series cancelled 5 days after being confirmed
