PAUL Rowley refused to go overboard by Leigh’s comeback win over last season’s Grand Final runners-up to claim bragging rights in this latest ‘Battle of the Borough’ scrap.

Trailing 14-0 and 20-16, the Centurions snatched victory thanks to a 61st minute Jamie Acton touch down and Martyn Ridyard’s conversion.

"We weren’t singing like we had won the cup,” said coach Rowley.

“But it gives us a platform to build on.

“There were some positive things and a lot of stuff to work on. The game didn’t have any real intensity or desperation but we identified things in pre season we achieved.

"Our structure and shape looked good but some of our execution was poor. However, if that’s the only thing we are worried about at this stage, then it is a big plus for us but we will nail that through practice.”

Leigh’s recent training camp in Lanzarote seemed light years away as the sides kicked off in bitterly cold weather following a minute’s applause for club legend, Tommy Sale MBE.

All the pre season expectation generated by Centurions’ big name arrivals quickly evaporated as Wigan seized early control.

Wingers Josh Charnley and Liam Marshall-with a quick-fire brace-touched down to put an unfamiliar looking visiting line-up ahead.

Slowly, Leigh regained the initiative, inspired unexpectedly by Wigan old boy, Harrison Hansen. A one match ban hanging over from his Salford days hasn’t so far been enforced by RFL bosses.

Hansen didn’t score but he got Leigh driving forward and players, forced to endure Middle 8s agony last season, overshadowed the other newcomers.

Liam Kay, Adam Higson and Sam Hopkins plus two Martyn Ridyard conversions gave the home side a 16-14 advantage.

Wigan lost half back Nick Gregson and prop Lee Mossop to injury before half-time but they regained the lead when Charnley finished off a galloping Gregory Fell sprint shortly after the re-start.

But Wigan, under the direction of assistant boss, John Winder, and without the likes of Joel Tomkins, Tony Clubb, Dom Manfredi, named in their initial squad, couldn’t protect their advantage.

Gregg McNally crossed for Leigh’s fourth try after 50 minutes before substitute Acton sealed the win, aided by Ridyard’s final goal.

On Hansen’s surprise appearance Rowley added:"We checked all week, put in our squad and there were no dramas."

Leigh: McNally; Higson, Worthington, Tonga, Kay; Ridyard, Chase; Moimoi, Higham, Hock, Hansen, Dixon, Paterson. Substitutes: Beswick, Weston, Pownall, Spencer, Armstrong, Foster, Acton, Hopkins, Harper.

Tries: Kay (23), Higson (27), Hopkins (38), McNally (50), Acton (61) Goals: Ridyard 3/5.

Wigan: Tierney; Charnley, Gelling, Gildart, Marshall; Gregson, Powell;Flower, Waterworth, Bretherton, Davies, Isa, Tautai.

Substitutes: Ganson, Mossop, Sutton, Wells, Shelford, Fell, Paisley.

Tries: Charnley (4, 45), Marshall (10 and 15).

Goals: Powell 2/4.

Attendance: 4614