Leigh Centurions 13 Salford City Reds 12

A DROP goal from Martyn Ridyard two minutes from time handed the Centurions a deserved victory over Salford in their first pre-season outing.

It was a triumph of character for Leigh, who found themselves 12-0 down after 25 minutes, and the win earned the praise of Salford boss Sean McRae who tipped the Centurions to reach greater things in 2011.

Leigh coach Ian Millward was also pleased with the performance, highlighting the progress that had been made.

“It was an alternative training session but it’s very hard for players to see the difference,” he said.

“Their instincts kicked in pretty quickly and they wanted to win.

“The majority of the Salford players are full time, yet there didn’t look much difference in that or fitness.

“We have moved forward and presented ourselves at the start of this pre-season way ahead of where we were last year.

“What I like about the players is their attitude, both here, and in training.”

For the first quarter there was little difference between the teams.

Centurions were doing the basics right with their pack creating momentum, while in Jamie Ellis Leigh have finally found a field kicker that has been missing since Ian Watson departed the club.

With 21 minutes gone, Leigh made a mistake and clinically the Super League team pounced, with Ashley Gibson slicing through on the right for former Leigh Miners winger Adam Clay to touch down.

Stefan Ratchford converted and against the run of play Salford led 6-0.

With Wayne Godwin running things at dummy half, Salford looked a brighter team and it was the new man that claimed their second try after Chris Nero’s strong charge and quick play-the-ball.

Leigh came back into the contest quickly and just after the half hour, Ellis lofted a kick left for Dean McGilvray and Mick Nanyn to chase.

It was Nanyn who plucked the ball from the air to go over, although the big centre could not convert.

It remained 12-4 until the break and the game remained deadlocked for the first 20 minutes of the second half although Steve Nash and Andy Gorski had their moments and Jonathan Pownall gave a good account of himself in fielding and returning several kicks.

Chris Hill then ran over the top of Godwin and the game was stopped while the hooker had to be led from the field.

Eventually, Leigh worked both position and possession to advantage when a super pass right caught Jodie Broughton out of position and Maden went over at the corner.

Nanyn could not convert and Salford went on the charge again only for Ridyard to pounce on a Ratchford mistake and run 90 metres.

The half back was caught on the line and then Nanyn was held up but the momentum was irreversible and Leigh took complete control.

Danny Meekin gave an impressive cameo and another youngster, Anthony Nicholson, enjoyed a profitable second spell at hooker, even pushing the ball right for the equalising try that saw Duffy sail through a big hole in the defence after 73 minutes.