Leigh 32 Sheffield Eagles 0 by Mike Hulme

LEIGH Centurions are getting back to something like their best form as they brushed aside the challenge of top five rivals Sheffield.

The Eagles gave Leigh plenty to think about and kept them scoreless for the best part of the opening 20 minutes. But once Paul Rowley had gone in for the opening try, the result was never in any doubt.

A torrential downpour ruined much of the first half as a spectacle but with Leigh's pack in such dominant form the foundations were laid for a classy win.

Eagles coach Mark Aston was impressed with Leigh and tipped them to go all the way, saying: "Leigh are such a good side with some players who wouldn't be out of place in Super League and we just couldn't compete with them."

Opposite number Paul Terzis was equally impressed. He said: "I don't see how you can improve on nil in defence." Rowley's early try and two excellently taken Simon Svabic goals gave Leigh an 8-0 lead before star turn Willie Swann shot clean through from 60 metres for a fine solo effort. Just before half time Jon Roper got over and Leigh had the match won at 18-0.

An Svabic penalty at the start of the second period made it 20-0 and there was no way back for the Eagles.

Swann's vision brought another try from impressive centre Phil Kendrick who crashed over out wide. Just before the end Kendrick flew onto a John Duffy pass and sprinted 40 metres to the posts to give Svabic his sixth successful kick.