Leigh 40 Dewsbury 24: Centurions celebrate but only after Rams give them big scare

However, Dewsbury left Lancashire with their heads held high having pushed the Centurions all the way, battling back from 12-0 down to level 10 minutes into the second half. They were on the attack once again when Ryan Brierley intercepted a pass and raced 60 metres to score a decisive try.

It sparked a spell which led to a further three Leigh tries in nine minutes. Ben Reynolds crossed on the hour before two quickfire Brierley tries saw him complete a 14-minute hat-trick.

Ryan Fieldhouse crossed for a 70th-minute Rams try but Sam Hopkins replied at the other end as Leigh supporters celebrated.

Reynolds ended with six conversions from seven attempts before Joel Farrell bagged a late consolation for Dewsbury.

Earlier, Leigh’s Tom Armstrong scored a first-minute try, with Liam Kay crossing soon after and two Reynolds goals putting them in control.

Dewsbury battled superbly as Farrell barged over and Dale Morton latched onto an Anthony Thackeray pass to score either side of half-time.

Brad Delaney converted both tries to level at 12-12 but Brierley’s 55th-minute interception try sparked a Leigh victory.

Leigh Centurions: McNally; Higson, Pala, Armstrong, Kay; Reynolds, Brierley; MoiMoi, Higham, Acton, Sarsfield, Haggerty, Wilkes. Subs: Beswick, Aspinwall, Hopkins, Spencer.

Dewsbury Rams: Fieldhouse; Morton, Dunn, Hale, Scott; B Delaney, Thackeray; Nash, Conroy, Hepworth, L Adamson, T Adamson, Brown. Subs: J Delaney, Farrell, Muranka, Smith.

Referee: Chris Leatherbarrow.