PAUL TERZIS couldn't have planned things better had he scripted it himself.

The new coach made a dream start to his Hilton Park career as top-of-the-table Leigh ground out another crucial victory.

And he declared himself totally satisfied as Leigh maintained their lead at the top of the Northern Ford Premiership, stretching their winning league run to nine games with a thumping 18-8 win against Featherstone.

"That was a victory for controlled football in difficult weather conditions," he said after seeing his side for the first time.

"Our attack was sharp and, defensively, we were committed. I couldn't have wished for a better start. "I now know what a great bunch of players I've inherited. The platform has been built; now I aim to drive this team to Super League."

Terzis found it difficult to single anyone out for particular praise, pointing out it was a victory for teamwork.

"I looked all across the park and there were 17 heroes," he said. "But one thing vital to our success was the leadership from Andy Fairclough.

"He was inspirational and all the players looked up to him."

Leigh took a lead they were never to lose when Fairclough shot through a gap after foxing the defence with a dummy. The supporting Stuart Donlan took his well-timed pass and shot through to score under the posts. Paul Wingfield added the first of three goals.

Fairclough and Paul Anderson both had tries disallowed for forward passes, but second-placed Rovers stuck to their guns and narrowed the gap to two points just before half-time. The deadlock was broken by Radney Bowker who set up victory with two tries.

His break just after the hour sent Fairclough in for another six-pointer and, just before the end, his defence-splitting pass found Anderson who powered in from 15 metres to crown his 23rd birthday in fine style.

"We've now had three quality wins in a row," added Terzis. "That shows our spirit and ability.

"But we must now re-focus and prepare for Sheffield next week. It's not about what you do now; it's about what you do next."

LEIGH: Donlan; Wingfield, Anderson, Cross, Hadcroft; Fairclough, Dean; Street, Higham, Whittle, Baldwin, Cruckshank, Bristow. Subs: Murray, Causey, Norman, Bowker. Att: 3,010

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