Leigh stun leaders Warrington to continue superb season

Leigh Leopards added leaders Warrington Wolves to their list of scalps in 2023 as they comfortably beat the leaders 30-12 at the Leigh Sports Village.

Adrian Lam’s team looked the better team from the off and opened the scoring after seven minutes through Gareth O’Brien, as he took Lachlan Lam’s pass from the scrum to dummy his way over from close range.

The hosts extended their lead as the game approached the end of the first quarter with Tom Briscoe this time the scorer, Ben Reynolds slotting over a penalty goal four minutes after this to put the Leopards 14-0 ahead.

Warrington got a much-needed response three minutes after going three scores behind, with Daryl Clark breaking through from long range before handing on to George Williams to score.

Leigh came back though as hooker Edwin Ipape continued to cause problems and his influence led to O’Brien’s second try five minutes before half-time, with another Reynolds conversion taking the score out to 20-6.

But the Wolves had the last say in the first 40 minutes as Joe Philbin crashed over from close range right on the stroke of half-time to give Wire hope, Ratchford’s conversion made the score 20-12 as the teams headed into the sheds.

The second half was a tight and tense affair as the 8,120 strong crowd inside the Leigh Sports Village got behind the Leopards and after a period of no score, Leigh got the crucial next try.

Slick play by Lam’s side opened the space for the seasoned Josh Charnley to score a trademark try in the corner to put the score out to 24-12 on the hour.

The famous win was secured in the final moments as Ipape continued to cause havoc, with Ben Reynolds finding a way to the line to send the crowd into raptures.

Reynolds converted his own try to make the final score 30-12 as Leigh continued their fine form and superb first season back in Super League.