IN their final warm-up game before the start of the Kingstone Press Championship, a Centurions side made up largely of reserves, were put through their paces by League One Oldham who included a strong sprinkling of Super League players in Huddersfield Giants Scott Grix, Kyle Wood, Nathan Mason and Michael Lawrence.

The result was a competitive, tough, scrappy but enjoyable game that went down to the wire.

Both teams may have been guilty of spilled chances and over-playing at times but their enthusiasm shone through with a perfect storm creating a gripping final 10 minutes.

Leigh created the opening chance of the game after seven minutes when Ben Reynolds fired the ball into touch, hunting Cameron Pitman on the left wing. Oldham also launched an enterprising attack involving Steve Roper and Jack Holmes with former Centurion Adam Clay chipping over the defence and chasing through before Corey Lee managed to put the ball in touch.

A further Oldham attack was almost converted but for a fine cover tackle by Pitman that put Clay over the touchline.

The Roughyeds were rewarded for their quicker start after 11 minutes when Kyle Wood skipped through the Leigh middle and sent Lawrence to the line from 15 metres. Roper converted and the visitors led 6-0.

That was how it remained for another seven minutes before classy play from Michael Platt saw him draw the defence and lay a try on in the right corner for Johnny Pownall. Reynolds attempted goal hit the upright and there were few chances until the final minutes of the first half.

A Sam Peet break had Oldham backtracking; but an inside pass from Pitman went forward to deny a Leigh try, then at the other end Phil Joy sailed through the middle of the defence only to be hauled back for a forward pass. Jack Hansen was put in touch for the Centurions and good work from Platt and Pownall again went unrewarded.

An exciting end to the half should have resulted in an Oldham try but after scattering the defence with a superb run; Adam Clay’s inside ball was put down by Wood meaning the visitors went to the break with a 6-4 advantage.

The second half began in similar fashion and Oldham converted their first chance after 45 minutes when a clever kick from Wood brought a try for Holmes. Sam Gee put the conversion attempt wide but the visitors led 10-4.

The Roughyeds could have stretched their advantage five minutes later when George Tyson created an overlap down the left but Sam Gee knocked on.

Big defence forced plenty of errors from both teams but the longer the score remained 10-4 to Oldham, Leigh grew in confidence. Sam Peet created a chance for Leigh but Josh Crowley cleaned up, then a clever offload from Frankie Halton sent Lewis Foster through.

Six minutes from time, Leigh claimed the leveller when the impressive Johnny Walker grounded the ball for a try despite a posse of defenders and Reynolds converted.

With time ticking down, the Centurions forced an error and with territorial advantage and possession in front of the posts, Reynolds kicked a drop goal.

There was still more drama before the final hooter; Oldham put their restart short but Leigh collected possession ahead of the forty metre line resulting in a penalty for the visitors. Tom Dempsey went for the posts from distance but his effort fell short, allowing Leigh to pick up their fourth win of the pre-season.

Teams: Leigh: Corey Lee, Johnny Pownall, Michael Platt, Sam Peet, Cameron Pitman; Ben Reynolds, Jack Hansen; Elliot Liku, Lewis Foster, Jonathan Walker, Andrew Dixon, Jamie Tracey, Jacque Peet. Subs: Jordan Hill, Frankie Halton, Steve Maden, Tommy Holland, Eze Harper, Mitchell Cox.

Oldham: Scott Grix, Adam Clay, Jack Holmes, Sam Gee, Jarrod Ward, Steve Roper, Kyle Wood, Adam Neal, Gary Owen, Nathan Mason, Josh Crowley, Oliver Roberts, Michael Lawrence. Subs: Steven Neild, Kenny Hughes, Phil Joy, Michael Ward, Richard Joy, Adam Files, George Tyson, Tom Dempsey, Liam Thompson.

Referee: George Stokes.

Attendance: 1,021.