LEIGH Centurions came through a scrappy clash with Batley Bulldogs to secure their place in the fifth round of the Coral Challenge Cup.

Ryan Shaw made his first appearance since signing from rugby union on the right wing, and Craig Mullen made his debut as a season-long loan signing from Wigan Warriors at full-back.

Leigh Journal:

All pictures by Richard Walker

Neither got on the scoresheet, with that honour falling to Iain Thornley 2, Lian Hood, Danny Addy, Ben Hellewell and Adam Higson with the tries.

And Ben Reynolds converted all six of his shots at goal in fairly tricky weather conditions.

It was a fourth successive win to start the season for John Duffy's side and they got off to a perfect start when Hood shot over from dummy-half.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

Addy's first try for the club came soon after putting Leigh 12-0 to the good inside 10 minutes.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

Batley responded with a Tyler Dupree converted try but two quickfire scores from Thorniley put the visitors back in their place at 24-6 for half-time.

Hood injured an ankle just before the break and took no further part, with Matty Wildie - who had started at scrum-half - taking up the number nine role.

Hellewell and Higson tries midway through the second half completed the home scoring before Leigh went down to 12 men when Sam Brooks was sin-binned for a late challenge.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Journal:

All pictures by Richard Walker

Batley cashed in with a George Senior try that in the end was nothing more than a consolation effort.

Next up, Leigh visit Swinton Lions at Heywood Road, Sale, in the Betfred Championship on Sunday, March 1.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh: Mullen, Shaw, I Thornley, Sa’u, Higson, Reynolds, Wildie, Gerrard, Hood, Ioane, Hellewell, Glohe, Addy. Subs: Spencer, Thompson, Brooks, Field.

Batley: Scott, Reittie, Senior, Galbraith, Campbell, White, Hooley, Dupree, Leak, Everett, Manning, Tomlinson, Blagbrough. Subs: Ward, Taira, Lunt, Lilycrop.

Attendance: 1,586