BEN Reynolds scored 28 points as 12-try Leigh Centurions overwhelmed their part-time visitors to continue their bid for top four status in the Betfred Championship, writes Trevor Baxter.

Reynolds was one of four players to grab try doubles and boosted his final points tally with 10 goals from 12 attempts.

Centurions’ fourth successive league win was over as a contest by half-time as they led 36-6.

And Kieron Purtill’s caretaker charges boosted their points difference with another 32 points in the second 40 minutes.

It all added upto a satisfying afternoon for Purtill though Leigh remain fifth despite former leaders London Broncos slipping up for a third successive game at Halifax.

Next-up for Leigh is a Sunday trip to Sheffield Eagles who edged out Swinton 19-18 to record only a third win of the campaign.

Leigh’s ruthlessness, missing from their early season disappointments, was particularly pleasing for Purtill.

“The forwards laid the foundation and the half backs played off the back of it so it was a good team effort from everyone," he said.

“What we have talked about in our group is doing the right things in training and taking that into games.

“Everyone has bought into that work ethic and back each other and we are doing it on the field.”

Rochdale, courtesy of their dual registration deal with Warrington Wolves, fielded hooker Dec Patton for his first game since completing a five-game ban.

But Hornets could have done with a few more of Steve Price’s Super League squad to repel a rampant home side.

Prolific Craig Hall began the rout with the first of his two tries after seven minutes.

Reynolds goaled and then crossed for his opening touch down he also improved after 14 minutes.

Leigh continued to turn the screw with Jamie Acton going over three minutes later for another six pointer.

Rhys Evans then returned the ball with interest courtesy of a smart interception and Leigh were 24-0 clear.

Skipper Harrison Hansen was the next to breach Rochdale’s defence before Hornets registered their first try courtesy of Lewis Hatton.

However, Leigh finished the half on attack and Ricky Bailey, recalled in place of Matty Dawson-Jones, took advantage of Jack Owens’ good approach work to go over.

Declan Kay topped off Rochdale’s encouraging start to the second period with a 45th minute try and the third quarter was almost up before Bailey claimed Leigh’s seventh try.

And the loss of Joe Taira for holding down proved costly for a tiring Rochdale outfit.

They conceded five tries in the closing 15 minutes with Acton, Hall, Reynolds, Liam Hood and Owens touching down as Leigh achieved their highest score since a 68-14 win over Workington in 2016.

Match stats:

Leigh: Owens; Bailey, Crooks, Hall, Evans, Reynolds, Hutchison; Mason, Hood, Acton, Hansen, B Thompson, J Thompson; substitutes: Higham, Lovett, Patrick, Richards.

Tries: Hall (7 and 68), Reynolds (14, 70), Acton (17, 65), Evans (26), Hansen (30), Bailey (38 and 57), Hood (73), Owens (79).

Goals: Reynolds (10).

Rochdale: Kay; Gaskell, Hurst, Cross, Massam; Palfrey, Patten, Taira, Moores, L Adamson, To Adamson, Mitchell, Middlehurst; subs: Moran, Brickhill, Gregory, Hatton.

Tries: Hatton (35), Kay (45).

Goals: Patton (1).

Half-time: 36-6.

Attendance: 3,144.

Referee: Jack Smith.