LEIGH'S hopes of promotion to the Super League were dented with a 34-12 defeat to Halifax.

Paul Rowley’s team was stunned by their second tier rivals, upsetting the form book to register their opening qualifying victory.

Leigh had beaten their Shay hosts on both previous meetings this year but found themselves 20-0 down at half-time.

Facing their most important 40 minutes of the year, the visitors made an encouraging start to the second period. Adam Higson and Fuifui Moimoi touched down within nine minutes of the re-start to reduce their arrears to just eight points.

But that was close as Leigh came to following up last week’s encouraging victory over Sheffield Eagles.

Halifax steadied their nerves to put the game out of reach with tries from Scott Murrell and Ste Tyrer.

Ex-St Helens prospect Tyrer finished the game with 18 points, adding seven goals to his 60th minute touch down. Dane Manning, Ross Divorty and James Saltonstall crossed for Halifax’s remaining tries.

Leigh’s route to the top flight now looks limited to a winner takes all clash between the fourth and fifth placed teams.