Leigh Centurions 24 Widnes Vikings 37

NEIL Jukes offered an honest assessment of Leigh’s latest Betfred Super League defeat saying: “We got what we deserved.”

Strongly tipped to ensure Widnes’ winless start to the campaign continued, the Centurions were second best for significant spells.

And twice having fought their way back into contention, they finally failed to heed the previous lessons and conceded an entertaining game’s last 12 points.

“We didn’t have enough desire for long enough periods,” added Jukes looking for a quick response against struggling Catalans Dragons at Leigh Sports Village on Friday.

“We looked like a side who wanted to get field possession through penalties rather than rolling our sleeves up and doing the tough stuff.

“We had too many people off, whether that was an appetite thing or they looked at the (Widnes) team sheet and thought it would just happen.

“If you don’t play well then you won’t get a result irrelevant of what they have got.

“They are full-time players, they have a lot of experience in there and know it’s about the grind and playing well consistently week in, week out.

“Even after getting back into the game I was nervous because of how we had defended our try line. We just didn’t seem to grasp what we practiced.”

Substitutes Harrison Hansen and Sam Hopkins were two who emerged with credit, offering much needed potency when introduced into the fray.

But it wasn’t a happy home top-flight debut despite a couple of assists for Martyn Ridyard as he and Ben Reynolds were dominated by three-try Danny Craven and Tom Gilmore.

“Our home games are important to us and we have made this place into a fortress,” added Jukes. “So, to lose that opportunity to get the two points and stay with the top pack is disappointing.

“It makes the job harder but not impossible.”

Widnes, with 11 possible first-choice players unavailable, then lost Stefan Marsh and Greg Burke to first-half concussions.

Despite all the upheaval they were good value for an early 12-0 lead as Chris Bridge and Craven crossed for tries and Gilmore kicked a conversion and penalty.

Leigh eventually responded and drew level after 31 minutes as Danny Tickle - against one of his former clubs - and Ben Crooks touched down for Reynolds to improve both.

Hopes Leigh had shaken off early lethargy quickly disappeared as Craven grabbed the second of his treble before the break for Gilmore to add the extras.

Scottish international prop Sam Brooks then grabbed a first Super League try as Gilmore kicked a conversion and drop goal to make it 25-24.

Back came Leigh through Crooks - to eventually finish the game in the sin bin - and Hopkins. Reynolds improved both and Centurions were back to within one point.

Running out of replacements Widnes looked there for the taking.

Instead, Craven completed his hat-trick following superb approach play by Jordan Johnston while former Leigh favourite, Tom Armstrong, sent in Charly Runciman just before the final hooter.

Match stats:

Leigh: Hampshire; Higson, Crooks, Brown, Dawson; Ridyard, Reynolds; Acton, Higham, Weston, Vea, Tickle, Hock; Substitutes: Hood, Hopkins, Green, Hansen.

Tries: Tickle (26), Crooks (32, 52), Hopkins (62).

Goals: Reynolds (4).

Widnes: Hanbury; Armstrong, Bridge, Runciman, Marsh; Gilmore, Craven; J Chapelhow, Johnstone, Burke, Olbison, Whitley, Houston; substitutes: Walker, Leuluai, Manuokafoa, Brooks.

Tries: Bridge (4), Craven (13, 38, 67), Brooks (45), Runciman (80).

Goals: Gilmore (6).

Drop goal: Gilmore (48).

Referee: Rob Hicks.

Attendance: 6,196.