LEIGH Centurions gave reigning champions St Helens a run for their money until conceding three late tries in a 42-12 loss at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday night.

Kurt Haggerty's men, trailing 12-6 at the break, got the score back to 18-12 with Adam Sidlow's converted try after 55 minutes.

Leigh Journal:

Adam Sidlow's try. Pictures: Richard Walker

Leigh Journal:

Saints restored their 12-point advantage through Sione Mata'utia four minutes later and then got away from Leigh with scores by Lachlan Coote, Joe Batchelor and Lewis Dodd in the closing 15 minutes.

Centurions, who went into the game on the back of their first win of the season against Salford, lost the services of Matty Gee with a shoulder injury in the second half.

The back-rower scored Leigh's other try midway through the first half.

Leigh Journal:

Matty Gee's try. Picture: Richard Walker

Jack Welsby, two, and Regan Grace were Saints' other try scorers.

“I thought the scoreline flattered them at the end,” said Haggerty.

“The effort has been there every week. For the situation we are in at the bottom of the table, the players have been fantastic.

“We’ve turned a corner especially with the effort we are putting in.

"Let’s enjoy this time together. The resilience we are showing is unbelievable from my point of view.

"We just want to compete. We are training to win, and if we can stay in games longer then we will do well.”

Leigh Journal:

Ben Hellewell so close to opening the scoring in the first half. Pictures: Richard Walker

Leigh Journal: