GREGG McNally started and finished the try scoring as Leigh warmed up for a third consecutive Middle 8’s campaign in the best possible style.

McNally hadn’t featured since a 50-34 demolition derby of Wigan on June 8 but he returned at the double as Centurions won a first ever Super League victory over the Red Devils.

It was just the result and performance demanded by head coach Neil Jukes ahead of the fight to secure the club’s top flight status.

And it also ensured Widnes were dumped to the foot of the table to collect the regular season wooden spoon.

Salford may have had a Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan on their minds.

But they showed plenty of endeavour, particularly in the second half, only to come up against a Leigh side determined to right a few recent wrongs.

“There were a number of reasons why we wanted this result,” said Jukes, handing a debut off the bench to latest signing Greg Richards.

“It was a local derby, we didn’t want to finish bottom of the pile and the big one was getting some confidence and momentum going into the 8’s.

“We ticked all those boxes. It’s something to build on but there are still a couple of areas we need to improve on.”

On McNally’s display, Jukes added: “It’s tough when you are not playing.

“But Gregg has kept his head down, worked hard and came back with a view to claiming his spot for the Eights.

“He controlled the backfield and caught a lot of ball on the full. He is a good footballer.”

On the tests ahead Jukes said: “We don’t want to be in there again.

“But there is no shame with the calibre of teams like Warrington and Catalans also in there.

“I am just pleased where we are at with the group being together.”

In wet and miserable conditions Leigh practically had the game won by half-time.

McNally, Atelea Vea and Samisoni Langi-with his first try for the club-touched down and with Josh Drinkwater booting three conversions, Leigh led 18-0.

They did so having lost centre Ben Crooks and prop Gareth Hock to injuries which make them doubtful for the start of the Middle 8’s.

Salford, who paraded new signing Manu Vatuvei to their fans before kick-off, were better after the break.

Leigh’s defence, however, was equal to anything thrown at it and the departure of injured stand-off, Rob Lui, further weakened Salford’s chances of a recovery.

Drinkwater’s 75th minute drop goal ensured any miraculous comeback before McNally broke from his own half to finish in style and ensure owner Derek Beaumont’s bragging rights over Salford counterpart, Marwan Koukash.

Match stats:

Leigh:

McNally; Dawson, Crooks, Langi, Brown; Drinkwater, Mortimer; Hock, Higham, Maria, Paterson, Vea, Burr; substitutes: Pelissier, Tickle, Richards, Hansen.

Tries: McNally (9 and 80), Vea (18) Langi (35)

Goals: Drinkwater (4)

Drop goal: Drinkwater

Salford: Evalds; Johnson, Welham, Sau, Bibby; Carney, Dobson; G Griffin, Tomkins, Murray, Murdoch-Masila, Lannon, Hauraki; substitutes: Jones, Lui, Krasniqi, Tasi.

Tries: None

Goals: None

Referee: Jack Smith

Attendance: 7,002

Half-time: 18-0