LEIGH Centurions continued their winning start to the Kingstone Press Championship campaign with a third straight victory over London Broncos at Leigh Sports Village with a performance that was more emphatic than the scoreline would suggest.

The visitors had their moments but were largely blunted by another well marshalled defensive effort from Paul Rowley’s side.

The hosts made a perfect start when Martyn Ridyard offloaded to Kurt Haggerty, who fed Liam Kay then supported the winger’s break to cross for the opening try.

Ridyard goaled and the half-back was at the hub of the attack again after 12 minutes as he, Ryan Brierley and Gregg McNally combined slickly down the left to allow a stroll over for Liam Kay.

London responded quickly when on-loan hooker Brad Dwyer escaped the defence, broke through a couple of challenges and fed Erjon Dollapi to cross for a try, Wes Naiqama converted.

Within minutes, the Leigh attack moved through the gears again with McNally laying a try-scoring pass for Tom Armstrong following more sprightly work by Ridyard and Brierley.

In heavy rain, Ridyard hooked his conversion attempt wide.

Leigh defended resolutely before striking for a fourth try.

Ridyard chipped the ball over the defensive line, then regathered 40 metres out before sliding a kick into the corner for Brierley to chase and score.

With the Centurions heading into the break 20-6 up London had Matt Garside and Joel Wicks reported by referee George Stokes for a dangerous tackle on Kay.

Leigh threatened to run riot early in the second half when Sam Barlow conjured up a superb offload inside his own half and Armstrong sped away to turn Richard Mathers inside out for a superb try.

However, Broncos executed a successful plan to slow the Centurions down and gradually their pack fought their way into the contest with Daniel Harrison and Rhys Lovegrove working hard.

But after fullback and skipper Mathers was carried off injured their threat became more sporadic.

Leigh also struggled to make headway, despite the best efforts of Fuifui Moimoi and some punishing runs down the right flank from Greg Worthington, while Ben Hellewell came to London’s aid with a relieving 40-metre run.

London finally got some reward for their efforts, working a nice try for Rhys Williams, which Naiqama converted before Leigh drove hard down field and Ridyard stepped up in the last minute to add a drop goal to confirm the win and which keeps the Centurions at the top of the league.

Centurions: McNally, Pownall, Worthington, Armstrong, Kay, Ridyard, Brierley, Moimoi, Beswick, Wilkes, Dixon, Haggerty, Emmitt.

Subs (all used): Penkywicz, Walker, Hopkins, Barlow.

Tries: Haggerty (7), Kay (12), Armstrong (20, 43), Brierley (29).

Goals: Ridyard 2/5.

Drop goal: Ridyard.

Referee: George Stokes Attendance: 4,531.