Leigh defeat relegation-threatened Catalans with ease

Leigh Centurions boosted their survival hopes with a 30-6 victory over Catalans Dragons at Stade Gilbert Brutus. Catalans have now lost two of their opening three Qualifiers matches and the Million Pound Game looks a distinct possibility, although things could get worse if they’re beaten by a Championship side. The Centurions bounced back from their loss to Hull Kingston Rovers in fine style as they dominated proceedings, in which they had four tries disallowed.

Neil Jukes’ side were 10-0 up at the break and broke the deadlock through Adam Higson in the sixth minute. Ben Reynolds added the extras. Higson was at the forefront of the attack once again and completed his brace to put the visitors further ahead. This time, the conversion was off target but that didn’t matter one iota to the travelling fans who were in great spirits. Harrison Hansen and Matty Dawson both went close for the Centurions but had tries chalked off by the video referee. However, with a 10-0 lead at half-time, Leigh were in a good position heading into the sheds.

After the restart, Josh Drinkwater became the latest Leigh player to have a try ruled out by the video ref. But Leigh didn’t rest on their laurels and they finally got the try they deserved when Cory Paterson crossed the whitewash. Reynolds improved the score by converting for a 16-0 advantage. Reynolds then made amends for his missed conversion earlier on in the game as he kicked a penalty. Drinkwater and Brayden Wiliame exchanged scores for the visitors and hosts respectively before Leigh had a fourth try of the game ruled out by the video referee. Dawson, again, the unlucky party. With moments left of the match, Paterson added gloss to the final scoreline as he completed his double. Reynolds converted.