Centurions gather to celebrate life of Leigh legend Des Drummond

Despite the rain, large crowds gathered outside the home of Leigh Centurions on Monday, February 28 to pay their respects before the funeral at Leigh Parish Church.

The hearse drove past continued applause from the gathered crowd, while floral wreaths of 'Brother', Dad' and 'Son' highlight how Des will be remembered.

Players, club officials, and supporters came out to celebrate the life of Des Drummond

Playing for Leigh for 10 seasons and winning the Championship with the club in 1981-1982, there has been an outpouring of emotion from the people of Leigh since the news of his death was reported on January 29, aged 63.

Highlighting the positive impact he had on the rugby league, this sentiment has been shared across the sporting community, with many noting his special talents as a winger as well as his humble and down-to-earth characteristics.

Des Drummond

Tributes from supporters:

Supporters at Leigh Sports Village spoke highly of Drummond's qualities not only as a winger but as a man. 

Some remembered fondly how he shined for Leigh in the 1980s, while others commented on how well he treated fans during and after his career.

Walter, a season ticket holder who remembers Drummonds time at Leigh, said that it was "brilliant" to see the winger weave through opposition players.

Walter said Drummond will "always be remembered as one of the amazing players" that have graced the Centurion shirt.

Crowds of people came out for the procession

Cliff and his daughter Tracey, also season ticket holders, had made the trip over from York to pay their respects and support Leigh in their challenge cup game against Widnes Vikings this evening.

Tracey said: "Des is the reason why I became a Leigh fan. He was such a fantastic player, all heart and a lot of skill.

"We met him once and he was lovely. He really had a smile that just lit up a room - and there's a great story of how he used to cycle every day from Bolton to Leigh to check up on [former chairman and director] Brian Bowman."

Jerry Bent and Ian Isherwood had similar tributes, stating they have been watching the centurions for nearly 60 years.

Describing Drummond as a sprinter who was "hard as nails", the pair said that after meeting the former Centurion, you could understand why he was so revered.

Turning up as a surprise guest at a charity meal at Leigh Sports Village, he was said to chat to everyone in the room and was "really great" with those who regarded him as their hero.

Des Drummond, third from right, bottom row

On social media, there has been a similar response from those remembering the life and career of the Jamaican-born rugby league player.

Karl Aldred wrote: "RIP Des Drummond. A Great player he played with pride for Leigh; one of the best and fastest wingers I ever saw.

Similarly, Marie Ann Holcroft commented: "Was a fantastic player - watched him many times in his early career playing for Leigh.

Marie Partington said: "Des was a top lad in every way - RIP."