JOHN Duffy questioned the wisdom of the Easter programme after injuries marred Leigh’s solitary holiday victory over Dewsbury Rams.

Gregg McNally (cheekbone), Jonny Pownall (knee) and Josh Woods suffered painful knocks as Centurions recovered from the disappointment of Good Friday derby defeat at Widnes Vikings.

And he’ll certainly be doing a roll call before Sunday’s trip to Matt Diskin’s Batley Bulldogs.

“It’s silly asking part-time teams to play two games in four days,” said Duffy after victory over the Rams.

“Invariably you get injuries and we’ve seen that with both sides having lads being seen by the doctor.

“We’ve got to dust ourselves down again and get ready for Batley and get some energy back.

“I was really upset with our performance at Widnes in a local derby. We had a good chat though and ironed a few things out.

“I think we have got to deal better with teams coming trying to frustrate us.

“That’s what teams have been doing on us when they come to Leigh. So, I’m really happy with the two points “

Duffy was also delighted by a number of individual performances including Joe Cator, Micky Higham and Liam Hood.

“Joe was outstanding playing 80 minutes through the middle backing up after Friday,” he confirmed. “He’s a fit lad and he’s been great for us again.

“Micky and Hoody at six and seven at the end-I don’t think that’s ever been seen. I’m just glad we had players at the end there.

“James Bentley and Iain Thornley were fantastic and James Laithwaite performing like that for 80 minutes after his lay-off was superb.

“Jake Emmitt marking his 250th game which is a great achievement so that was special again.”

Duffy also praised the fans who turned out in force at Widnes and ensured a 3,000 plus attendance on Easter Monday. They were brilliant at Widnes and were brilliant again against Dewsbury,” he said.

Sunday’s rivals Batley have won four of their Championship games helped by an Easter double.

After beating Dewsbury 20-8 in the Heavy Woollen derby on Good Friday, they followed up with a six-try, 32-18 home victory over Swinton Lions.

*Leigh legend Alex Murphy celebrated his 80th birthday on Easter Monday with a glowing tribute from old friend and team mate, Kevin Ashcroft.

“As a player he’s the finest Rugby League player God ever put on this earth,” said Ashcroft. “End of chat.”

“There’s one born in every sport, Georgie Best in football, Lester Piggott in horse racing. Alex was the one in rugby league.”