Centurions reach last eight of Northern Rail Cup

LEIGH Centurions marched on to the last eight of the Northern Rail Cup in an entertaining game that was dominated by Robbie Paul and John Duffy last Wednesday night.

Former Gateshead winger Stewart Sanderson pounced for the opening converted Rams try from a Dave Alstead error following Pat Walker's kick to the corner in the 12th minute.

After a couple of missed chances Leigh replied in the 19th minute when Steve Maden stepped over at the corner after Mick Nanyn's bursting run.

Four minutes later Tommy Goulden surged over the line after a good spell of pressure but Dewsbury edged in front when playmaker Walker chipped for himself and pounced on another Leigh error to claim the try before again converting from wide out.

This seemed to stir Centurions and they retook the lead after 33 minutes.

A David Armitstead offload found Duffy, who dived between the posts for Nanyn to goal.

On the half-time hooter, Leigh extended their advantage when Paul then Tyrone McCarthy linked with fellow dual contract man Matty Blythe to score but Nanyn missed the goal to leave Centurions 20-12 ahead.

Leigh made a rip-roaring start to the second half as Paul created back-to-back tries for Jacob Emmitt and McCarthy.

The first was from a lovely flat pass before the half back turned back the clock with an electrifying break and pass to McCarthy.

Trailing 32-12, Rams’ Walker again turned creator. He kicked to the corner and Martin Woodhead got the scoring touch after a howler of an error by Maden.

Dewsbury threatened a comeback after Chris Hill was sin-binned after 62 minutes for putting pressure on Walker from a kick.

Walker fashioned a fourth try for Rams, kicking for Smith to score when it looked like Chris Spurr would get there first. Walker goaled and Hill returned from the sinbin to help Leigh to a strong finish.

A switch play under the Rams posts brought Hill a first try of the season before Armitstead crowned a good evening’s work with the final try, taking Dave McConnell’s pass to twist over, while for a second game in succession Nanyn struck after the hooter with his sixth goal.

Leigh: Stuart Donlan; Dave Alstead, Matty Blythe, Mick Nanyn, Steve Maden; Tyrone McCarthy, Robbie Paul; Chris Hill, John Duffy, Dave Armitstead, Tommy Goulden, Lee Mitchell, James Taylor. Subs: Dave McConnell, MacGraff Leuluai, Jacob Emmitt.