Leigh Leopards sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the Super League play-offs with a hard fought 14-6 win over Salford Red Devils. It was a frantic and fast-paced contest but second half efforts from Josh Charnley, Gareth O’Brien and Edwin Ipape secured progression for Adrian Lam’s side.
It was Salford who got the scoreboard ticking over in what was a breathless first half in Greater Manchester as Marc Sneyd made an escorting penalty count with the boot. That was the only score in the first 40 minutes with both sides struggling to put down the quality they need to get over the line.
It was an entertaining tie nonetheless and in the second half, Leigh found the breakthrough as some quick hands from Matt Moylan and Ricky Leutele allowed Josh Charnley to exploit the overlap and touch down acrobatically.
And, with the match in the balance, a moment of magic from Edwin Ipape through the middle saw Leigh really take control of the scoreboard. Stepping off his right foot, the hooker caused Ollie Partington to slip and he didn’t need a second invitation to burst through the gap before spotting the support run of Gareth O’Brien, who touched down under the posts.
Ipape got over himself shortly after, stepping off his right foot once more to beat Tim Lafai before overpowering Chris Hankinson. Ethan Ryan gave Salford late hope, but it wasn’t enough.
Leigh progress to face either Hull KR or Wigan Warriors in Super League’s final four.
Man of the match
Edwin Ipape. The match winner on the night. Smashed the game open with his powerful run through the middle of the field before touching down himself to make sure of Leigh’s place in the semi-finals.
Key moment
At 2-4, the game was on a knife edge, but Ipape’s ingenuity and quick thinking saw Leigh seize control of the contest as he burst through the middle before putting the ball on a place for O’Brien.
Player ratings
Salford Red Devils: Chris Hankinson 6, Ethan Ryan 6, Nene Macdonald 6, Tim Lafai 6, Deon Cross 6, Jayden Nikorima 5, Marc Sneyd 7, Brad Singleton 6, Joe Mellor 7, Gil Dudson 6, Sam Stone 7, Kallum Watkins 6, Oli Partington 7.
Bench: Ryan Brierley 6, Joe Shorrocks 6, Shane Wright 6, Loghan Lewis 7.
Leigh Leopards: Matt Moylan 7, Darnell McIntosh 7, Umyla Hanley 6, Ricky Leutele 6, Josh Charnley 7, Gareth O’Brien 6, Lachlan Lam 6, Tom Amone 6, Edwin Ipape 9, Rob Mulhern 7, Jack Hughes 6, Frankie Halton 6, John Asiata 7.
Bench: Brad Dwyer 6, Zak Hardaker 6, Aaron Pene 6, Owen Trout 6.
