Warrington Wolves 20,Leigh Centurions 10
CENTURIONS coach Paul Terzis launched a stinging attack on the Wolves after his side's brave Challenge Cup adventure ended in controversial circumstances at Wilderspool writes Mike Hulme
Leigh matched the Wolves every inch of the way and led until 15 minutes from time when a flurry of three tries swung the tie Warrington's way and gave them a place in the quarter finals.
But Terzis blasted: "I was happy with out display but not overly happy with Warrington's defensive tactics.
"We've got Adam Bristow badly concussed, Dave Bradbury with a broken nose and Tim Street and Dave Whittle suffering head wounds. Warrington are a classy side but if they've got to rely on tactics like that to get through a game, they're going to struggle throughout the year.
"I was really proud of my blokes the way they stood up to some of the stuff that went on out there and if it wasn't for Allan Langer we'd probably be in the last eight."
Opposite number Darryl Van de Velde offered only a terse 'no comment' when questioned about his side's tactics.
In a fiery and tense tie in front of an almost full house of 8,844, Street and opposite prop Danny Nutley were sin-binned after an early punch up when Wolves' pair David Kidwell and Lee Penny were put on report for an alleged spear tackle on Chris Morley.
The Centurions made the perfect start when Simon Svabic kicked them into a second minute lead with a penalty after Nutley had not played the ball correctly.
With defences holding out, scoring chances were at a premium in the first half but Leigh went closest when Svabic saw his drop goal attempt hit the woodwork.
The Centurions gave as good as they got and edged into a 4-0 lead with another Svabic penalty. Leigh finished the half the stronger and twice forced the Wolves to drop out from behind their own posts.
Steve McCurrie, who was eventually to be the Wolves match winner, went close at the start of the second period as Warrington hit Leigh with everything.
Former Australian Test skipper Langer had a growing influence on the game and he started and finished the move with Tawera Nikau that levelled the scores at 4-4.
Svabic nudged Leigh back ahead with another penalty but in the 65th minute the Wolves struck the decisive blow when McCurrie charged through for a try goaled by Lee Briers. Four minutes later he did the same again, collecting Langer's pass before scattering the defence.
Briers converted and was on target again to add the extras to a Jerome Guisset try as Leigh's defence tired.
Leigh had the satisfaction of having the last word as they put together a fluent move up the right which Paul Anderson finished in the corner.
Leigh: Turley, Hadcroft, Anderson, Kendrick, Ingram, Svabic, Bretherton, Street, Hamilton, Bradbury, Baldwin, Morley, Bristow. Subs: Leathem, Whittle, Duffy, Swann.
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