Wednesday 11 April 2012

Look Out Here Come: Leigh


Don't leave it there - it'll get knocked over!

Coached these days by ex Leigh, Halifax, Huddersfield and England hooker Paul Rowley,  the Centurions stand between Hornets and the possibility of another underwhelming Challenge Cup tie. 


Having caned Swinton 38 to 4 last weekend, Leigh have hauled themselves up to 4th bottom in the Championship in what has been an unconvincing start to the campaign.


Whilst a couple of  30 point wins against teams below them in the league has inflated their points-for tally, their cup journey hasn't been too convincing thus far - shipping points galore in their 26-43 third round win at Skolars (the drop goal speaking volumes here - taken at 42-20, with Skolars finishing stronger).


A cursory glance down the Centurions squad indicates workmanlike qualities rather than a flair for the spectacular.


Alongside ex-Hornet Michael Ostick, the Leigh pack contains the Centurions' best bet for a 12-man finish, Ricky Bibey. Twixt the props is ex-Halifax stalwart Bob Beswick. It also seems that Leigh are currently the club facing the challenge of shoe-horning Tommy Gallagher into an XXL jersey. Good luck with that.


And it also looks like Leigh Sports Village is doubling up as a retirement home for Super League players you haven't heard of since the 40-20 rule was introduced - in particular Stuart Littler and Rob Parker.


Had Hornets travelled to LSV at full strength, this could well have looked like the competition's best bet for an upset, but with Roper, Crook and Middlehurst missing, the chance of a shock might have fallen as far as evens.


Stanky's up for the upset too: “Leigh have everything to lose in this game and they will have to be on their guard against us. We play our best on open, expansive pitches as we like to throw the ball around and utilise the speed of our team and Leigh’s pitch will suit us perfectly. We caused problems for Castleford last season and we were in the lead for 20 minutes so we know we can do a job and Leigh are well within our sights.”


Tickets can be bought at the ticket office on the day - so get there early and avoid the queues. Choices are seats in the West Stand or stood up behind the posts where you'll see nowt. West Stand (seating) Adult £15; Concession £8; Under 16's £5; Under 12's £1.