Leigh Centurions 16 Featherstone Rovers 22
12:03pm Monday 25th June 2012 in Leigh Centurions
Michael Ostick tears into the Featherstone defence. Pictures by Dave Gillespie
LEIGH Centurions were edged out 22-16 at home by Featherstone Rovers in Friday night's top-of-the-table Championship battle at Leigh Sports Village.
Although taking a 6-0 lead courtesy of a 13th-minute converted try from Tommy Goulden, Featherstone nudged ahead shortly before half time and never lost their lead.
They did have to hold off a late surge from Paul Rowley's men though.
Andy Kain crossed in the 20th minute to level the scores and Nathan Chappell's first of a brace on the stroke of half time gave the visitors a 10-6 advantage.
The mighty struggle continued in the second half as Fev stretched their lead to 16-6 courtesy of a converted try from Andy Ellis in the 52nd minute.
Ryan Brierley's effort 10 minutes from time cut the gap to six points but Chappell's second try four minutes later restored a 12-point cushion.
Steve Maden's touched down in the 77th minute, with Martyn Ridyard adding his second conversion from three attempts to complete the scoring.
Leigh: Gregg McNally; Steve Maden, Stuart Littler, Matt Gardner, Jonny Pownall; Martyn Ridyard, Craig Briscoe; Michael Ostick, Bob Bescwick, Rob Parker, James Laithwaite, Tommy Goulden, Sam Hopkins. Subs: Ryan Brierley, Kevin Henderson, Tom Spencer, Steve Nash.
