Wakefield 30 Leigh 36: Wildcats crash out of Cup to Leigh

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats crashed out of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup as Kingstone Press Championship leaders Leigh Centurions claimed a second Super League scalp.
Wakefield's Joe Arundel is tackled by Leigh's Ryan Brierley and Tommy Goulden.Wakefield's Joe Arundel is tackled by Leigh's Ryan Brierley and Tommy Goulden.
Wakefield's Joe Arundel is tackled by Leigh's Ryan Brierley and Tommy Goulden.

Wildcats looked to be heading into the quarter-finals when they led 24-6 at half-time, but Leigh - who beat Salford in the previous round - staged a stunning fight back to win 36-30.

The Super League side dominated the first half, running in tries through Chris Riley, Joe Arundel, Nick Scruton and Arundel again, plus three conversions and a penalty from Craig Halll.

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A Ryan Brierley try gave Leigh hope before the break and they stepped up a gear in the second half as Wakefield’s discipline disintegrated. Wakefield captain Danny Kirnond and Leigh’s ex-Wildcats winger Liam Kay were sin-binned following a scrap and Jonny Pownall and Bob Beswick both crossed while it was 12-a-side.ap

Brierley chipped over the defence, regathered and sent Tom Armstrong over to level the scores and Leigh thought they had gone ahead when Brierley dived on Martyn Ridyard’s kick, but the video referees said he was offside.

Wakefield went back in front in the set from the penalty, McShane putting Jon Molloy over and Hall adding the extras, but Sam Hopkins’ converted touchdown levelled matters and Oliver Wilkes crashed over against his former club with eight minutes left, Ridyard landing his sixth conversion.