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KINGSTONE PRESS Championship v ROVERS sATURDAY 1ST JUNE 2013 AT Kick Off 1:00pm

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Email: Twitter: General Enquiries – twitter.com/LeighCenturions [email protected] or tweet us @LeighCenturions WHO’S WHO At Leigh Centurions NEXT UP AT LSV Hon. Life Presidents: Mr. Tommy Sale MBE, Hon. Vice President: Mr. Andy Burnham MP Hon. Life Members: Mr. Brian Bowman, Mr. Tommy Coleman SUNDAY 16th JUNE 2013 SUNDAY 23RD JUNE 2013 Mr. Frank Taylor Northern Rail Cup Kingstone Press Championship Quarter Final Board of Management: Round 17 Mr. Keith Freer (Chairman) CENTURIONS CENTURIONS Mr. John Roddy (Vice Chairman) v v Mr. Mike Norris WHITEHAVEN CITY KNIGHTS Mr. Paul Wingfield Kick-Off T.B.A. Mr. Andrew Mazey Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. *** ALL TO PAY *** Mr. Steve Openshaw Season Tickets Apply Mr. Derek Beaumont Mr. Neil Wilcock Mr. Alan Platt HONOURS CLUB RECORDS Ms. Jackie Mottershead Championship Winners: Biggest Victory: Company Secretary: 1905-06 92-2 vs Keighley (1986) Mr. John Massey Division One Champions: Biggest Defeat: Head Coach: 1981-82 4-94 vs (1995) Division Two Champions: Highest Home Attendance: Mr. 1977-78, 1985-86, 1988-89 31,326 vs St Helens (1953) Club Ambassador: Winners: Lowest Post War Home Attendance: Mr. Alex Murphy OBE. 1920-21, 1970-71 451 vs Hull (1975) Business Manager: Lancashire Cup Winners: Most Tries in a game: Jack Wood 6 v York (1947), Mr. Rob Parker. 1952-53, 1955-56, 1970-71, 1981-82 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: Neil Turley 6 v Workington Town (2001) Lottery Manager: 1969-70, 1972-73 Most Goals in a game: Ms. Christine Brown. Promotion To Top Division achieved Mick Stacey 15 vs Doncaster (1976) Lottery Co-ordinator: (Not as Champions): Most Points in a game: Mr. Jonathan Simpkin. 1963-64, 1975-76, 1991-92 Neil Turley 42 vs Chorley (2004) Other Promotion season: Most Tries in a season: Finance Manager: 1997 (Division 3 to Division 2) Neil Turley 55 (2001) Ms. Jane Smith. Northern Ford Minor Premiership Most Goals in a season: Club Chaplain: Winners: 2001 Neil Turley 187 (2004) Mr. Sam Edwards Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: Most Points in a season: 2001 Neil Turley 468 (2004) Webmaster & Ticket Sales: Arriva Trains Cup Winners: Most Tries in a career: Mr. Andrew Parkinson. 2004 Mick Martyn 189 (1954-67) Honorary Programme Editor: LHF National League 1 Champions: Most Goals in a career: Mr. Alan Edge 2004 Jimmy Ledgard 1043 (1948-58) Club Accountants: LHF National League 1 Grand Final Most Points in a career: Winners: 2004 John Woods 2492 (1976-85, 1990-92) Styles & Co. Northern Rail Cup Winners: Most Appearances: 2006, 2011 Albert Worrall – 503 (1920-38)

2 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com FROM THE

EDITOR By ALAN EDGE Today’s Visitors This afternoon we bid a warm ‘Leyther’ welcome to the players, officials and supporters of , for the eagerly North Leigh Park Group anticipated Kingstone Press Championship Round fifteen Centurions’ sponsors North Leigh Park Group game. Limited would like to welcome local charity Think Ahead Community Stroke Group to enjoy a special The fixture was scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) but Match day Experience. the RFL had also scheduled the Swinton v Halifax game for the same date. Rovers were not keen to come to us Think Ahead is a local stroke awareness and support on Friday evening, so today was the compromise date charity delivering a range of vital services and initiatives decided on by the RFL. for its members and the wider community across Wigan and Leigh. The organisation also plays an important Featherstone have consistently been the stand-out team role in shaping stroke care and support available in the Championship, for the past three seasons, having through the NHS and social services. For more topped the table each year between 2010 and 2012. information, please visit www.think-ahead.org.uk or call Indeed, at the time of writing, they have just returned 01942 824 888. to pole position, although Sheffield may well have had something to say about that, in Wednesday’s televised At the Keighley game, another local charity, Embrace game. Wigan and Leigh , enjoyed a special Match day Experience. However, I’m sure that Rovers would be the first to acknowledge that it is getting harder to hang on to that Embrace Wigan and Leigh seek to help people with top spot, as the league table below proves – with only disability to lead a full life in the community and get two points separating the top five clubs. them involved in many different activities. Today’s clash is given extra spice, if that is possible, by The charity has recently begun a ‘Never Watch Alone’ virtue of Paul’s team finally having overcome their scheme where a local fan is paired with a disabled Featherstone hoodoo a fortnight ago, in a tough person so both can share their passion and enjoyment. Northern Rail Cup tie at the Bigfellas Stadium. For more information, or to become a ‘buddy’, Nonetheless, it would take a brave person to forecast please visit www.embracewiganandleigh.org.uk the outcome of today’s game, although we can confidently predict that the game will be hard, tough Latest Championship Table and close – in other words, we should once again witness all that’s the very best of British Championship KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE - ! as at 29th May 2013 Featherstone’s Gates Team PWDLFor Against Points Bonus Points Points Diff Rovers certainly seem to be bucking the trend 1 Featherstone 13 11 02459 200 259 2 35 amongst other Championship clubs this season, as 2 Halifax 14 11 12444 243 201 0 35 their published gates are on the increase. 3 Sheffield 13 11 02402 246 156 1 34 4 Batley 14 10 13342 189 153 2 34 Although their overall average has fallen slightly, by less 5 Leigh 14 11 03456 262 194 0 33 than 3%, last season’s figures had included two 6 Dewsbury 14 608267 339 -72 3 21 lucrative 4,000 plus gates for the cup ties with 7 Whitehaven 14 608270 361 -91 3 21 Castleford and Wigan. Average Championship 8 Workington 12 507230 288 -58 3 18 attendances are up from 2,237, to 2,514 so far – an 9 Doncaster 13 409234 294 -60 5 17 10 Swinton 14 4010 258 391 -133 5 17 increase of 12%. 11 Hunslet 13 409274 324 -50 4 16 12 York 13 409229 376 -147 3 15 13 Barrow 14 3011 276 454 -178 6 15 14 Keighley 13 3010 210 384 -174 5 14

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 3 FROM THE TOP By Chairman KEITH FREER

am pleased to give a warm welcome Review’. This review was instigated as a result of the failure of Ito Mark Campbell and his fellow Licensing, which was introduced six years ago, but which has directors, the players and the seen a number of clubs fail to deliver the Featherstone spectators, to what promises of sound financial management, improved player will no doubt be an entertaining pathways, improved international development and in some game. cases new stadia or improved facilities. All the games between our respective clubs over the past few The controversial option for future competition structure is the years have been very competitive and have had significant one that proposes two divisions of 12 which, after 11 rounds impact on the players, fans and the team’s performance during then divides into three divisions of 8. In this process there will the season. I would anticipate that our recent successful visit to be inequality between the eight teams in the middle division Featherstone, in the NRC will only add to the occasion. Both (“the cocktail League”). In my opinion this option will reward clubs approach this game having maintained their good the failure of the Super League teams that failed to embrace the performance in the league and certainly we will be looking to licensing system and who will either be rewarded by being rectify our loss at Featherstone at the beginning of the year. allowed to stay in the top league despite their failure, or will A new Board has been formed at Leigh, and this is the first alternatively be demoted with a parachute payment, which will opportunity for me to welcome John Roddy, Mike Norris, Paul provide them with protection and the opportunity of depriving Wingfield, Andrew Mazey, Steve Openshaw, Derek Beaumont, Championship clubs, who have developed during this six year Neil Wilcock, Alan Platt and Jackie Mottershead. In addition period. The only club I have sympathy for is of course Widnes, there are still on-going discussions with other investors, who who had to endure the initial exclusion and developed under will be contributing to the clubs future but not necessarily the protection of the three year cycle. taking up an active role in the management of the club. My preferred option is the one that expands the elite game to The new Board of Management will be tasked with the day to twenty teams, in two leagues of ten. However, my preference day running of the Club, driving it forward and creating the would be that all clubs play twice home and away, to determine correct infrastructure to enable everyone to be part of this great the league position and status. By playing three times the true team. There will be considerable emphasis placed upon LISA, league positions will be destabilised by the fixture lists. There Touchdown Club and the Lottery; developing strong links with would be the possibility of two teams being relegated, in that the amateur clubs in and around the town; and enhancing our the team in 10th position in SL1 would automatically be relationship with Leigh Sports Village, to provide a co-ordinated relegated, and replaced by the winner of SL2, and the 9th team approach for the development of a sustainable player pathway in SL1 would then be involved in the promotion grand final, in the area. playing the winner of the SL2 playoff. This would maintain the All the members of the Board and the investors have the same concept that every game counts. In addition, at the beginning of desires of seeing Leigh playing in Super League in a Super the season there would be a new competition in which the 20 League Stadium. Everyone shares the same ethos of clubs are divided into two divisions. There would be, for sustainability and accountability, re-engaging the Club with the example, the 10 clubs in one division and the community, whilst delivering the most competitive team in the Lancashire and other clubs in the other division. Each team will best rugby league stadium, and creating the ultimate match day play each other either home or away, ( gate receipt being experience. shared)which will determine league position, and then culminate in a in which each club would play The club has launched Leigh Centurions TV, which will provide the opposite club in their respective position so 10 v 10, 9 v 9, 8 an invaluable means for us to communicate with the fans all v 8 and the final game being 1 v 1. All the points and scores will over the world. This forum will be pivotal to the clubs then be added, to decide which division has won overall. This communications and developing an awareness of what really option would provide the necessary financial redistribution that goes on at the Centurions. I would urge all supporters to the games requires, and restore the promotion and relegation, subscribe to this service, which will further enhance our which clubs from the lower division can embrace and develop a reputation as one of the leading clubs in Rugby League in this business plan to achieve their aims and ambitions, without the field, and I would like to thank LeighLife for all their ‘Boom and Bust’ scenarios that have plagued our game. I would considerable efforts and a special thanks to the Parkinson appreciate your views. family. Anyway, back to today’s game. Let’s show RESPECT to On the wider front, the RFL has announced details of the ‘Policy all, at all times and enjoy.

4 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

6 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 9

PAUL’S PAGE PAUL ROWLEY TALKS TO DAVE PARKINSON

Dave Parkinson caught up with Head Coach Paul Rowley I think we’ve shown in other games that we can be good. after the Centurions eleven try thrashing of Keighley for Workington down here at the LSV was a case in point. We scored his thoughts. some outstanding tries in that one too. If we had 10,000 in this Faces might change but the results don’t? stadium they would be talking about some of our tries for two or three years. It was phenomenal. The 1500 that were here were We’d have definitely taken that result before the game. There was treated to something special. a lot of disruption in personnel, a lot of disruption with positional changes that were forced upon us, but the lads responded in the Just touching on the next game with Featherstone, it’s perfect manner. going to be a right humdinger if you take the last one into account? I think with the processes we have in place, it shouldn’t matter who plays where, they should follow it to a tee. We kept it simple Last time could have gone either way. Hopefully it will be a nice and I must credit Keighley; they started strongly. After we gained a sunny day again at a fantastic venue. They are two fantastic foothold in the game and some superiority, I think it was all then teams, on a Saturday afternoon, and with no work the day after downhill for Keighley and we were very much in control of the we can all come and enjoy the day. Everything is perfect for an game. event of this magnitude and we are looking forward to it. On the back of that we scored some absolutely sensational tries; From our point of view it would be fantastic if we could get a the skill on show was well worth the money and worthy of the similar sort of game and a similar sort of result – I’d take that applause of the spectators - and they seemed like they enjoyed it! every day. They were treated to something special. Paul you’ve just whetted my appetite! Last time out it was the defensive grit of your side; this It’s exciting and sport should be. We are looking forward to it. time round it was that entertainment value wasn’t it? We’ve looked after the boys and prepared well and whatever team takes the field, as always will give one-hundred percent. Yes I think so, but it came from the defence. We had a lot to cope They will be totally proud to represent this town. That team ethos with in those first exchanges, probably for the first fifteen-twenty is special here and we aim to continue it on. minutes. I think we only had five sets in their half and we scored two. We always knew that if we were patient enough then we would gain a foothold and that’s how it finished in the end. Keighley visibly tired and we took control of the game and opportunities came our way. It’s all about being patient in those sorts of games. Like I said though, I wouldn’t have envisaged that score line before the game. We are delighted, not only at the result, but the manner and way we did it, looking after our players. We gave a few people a rest and finished the game with twelve men for the last eight minutes or so. The boys had a lot of pride in their try-line again. It’s a good habit we are creating at the club; a good culture and there is certainly a good team ethos knocking around the place. You had two of the games outstanding individuals out Jon Pownall and... there in Jonny Pownall and Gregg McNally? Jonny has had an opportunity to shine at fullback. His attacking ability was there for all to see. He’s a natural finisher and took his opportunity well. It’s probably been a while since he played there and also Gregg McNally stepped up. He rolled back the years. He started as a halfback and hadn’t played at stand-off for a while. It was good to get him back there and just see how versatile as a team that we are. It was a challenge. It was a challenge for me to pick the correct team and a challenge for the boys to stand up and fit into their new roles and one that I think was completed pretty well. I’m delighted by the manner of the win. Gregg McNally both enjoyed themselves in new positional roles, A win like that has been coming hasn’t it? on the back of another strong defensive effort by the team.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 11 A VIEW FROM UNDER A FLAT CAP By ALAN EDGE

Views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Leigh Centurions club, or its Directors!

Coming Soon To A Club Smith, editor of the popular publication ‘Dual Contract Abuse Weekly’ was Near You? scathing in his criticism. “Sometimes leaders go out there, ask opinions everywhere and try to “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” - appease everybody. Or sometimes a leader will say, ‘we’re confident with Winston S. Churchill the direction we are heading, we’re strong, and we’re going to keep From the team who brought you the first two thrillers of the acclaimed strong with the systems we’ve got’, or you start changing things around Red Hall Trilogy, we are delighted to announce that the third and final epic again – and radically.” is now in production and should be released for the 2015 season. Fellow critic, (and correspondent of ‘Know Your Way Around Dual ‘Lord of the Wrongs’ producer Nigel Wood, who brought us ‘Red Hall 1 – Registrations – In 50 Steps ’), Gary Hetherington said, “We are going The Play-Off Matrix Mystery’ and ‘Red Hall 2 –‘It’s Complicated’ (The Cup through a Gerald Ratner phase, talking our game down. It is almost like Draw), is now working on his third, (and some would hope, final) hysteria. It’s a process of self harm. In many ways we are STRONGER than masterpiece of perplexity, rumoured to be called, ‘Red Hall 3 – The League we have been for many years.” of Extraordinary Confusion.’ I would suspect that I refer of course, to the recently announced update on the RFL Policy Smith and Hetherington’s Review, by CEO Nigel Wood, who explained the rationale behind the views are typical of the Review – top eight or so, Sooper Dooper League clubs, “There are a number of key principles that underpin the Policy Review and who will see their cosy these include the ‘whole sport’ approach to the process; a proportional existence, not to mention distribution of income across the sport; the continued geographic large share of the SKY expansion of the game; a fresh approach to the talent development pot of gold, threatened. system; and a lighter touch regulatory environment, while maintaining The bottom six SL clubs minimum facility and financial sustainability standards.” will probably not be Red Hall Despite the other laudable principles, underpinning the review, the media highly amused at that focus has inevitably been on the proposals for radical changes to the prospect either, but structure of the current Sooper Dooper League and Championship ambitious Championship clubs, such as Featherstone, Halifax, Sheffield competitions. The three options put before the clubs, are: and Leigh must surely welcome the prospect of being given an Option 1 – Super League reverts to a 12-team competition and a 10- or opportunity to free the shackles currently restraining progress beyond their 12-team Championship with one club promoted/relegated between the current status in the Sport. two divisions each year. Perhaps we should allow Tony Smith the final say. He likens the RFL’s Option 2 – A two-division Super League with each division comprising attitude to a visit to the doctor – “It’s like going to the doctor’s surgery 10 teams. and him saying ‘I’m not sure, (what’s wrong with you) go out and ask the rest of the patients what’s wrong with you’. You just don’t do it!” It is in the third option, where the RFL’s propensity for confusing announcements comes to the fore:- Well Tony, to take your analogy a stage further, the fact that you are in the surgery at all, implies that something is wrong with you. And surely, it Option 3 – A 12-team Tier One competition and 12-team Tier Two could then be a fatal option, to do nothing at all? competition that splits into three groups of eight in mid-season. And, as for this being the final instalment of the confusing Red Hall epics “Option 3 would see the 12 teams in each tier play each other once (11 – well we’ve all heard about ‘third and final’ instalments from the film fixtures – comprising 5 home matches per club plus a Magic round) before industry, so I confidently look forward to reading parts 4, 5, 6, 7…ad splitting: the first eight-team division would comprise the top eight clubs infinitum! from Tier One; the second eight would be drawn from the bottom four in Tier One and the top four in Tier Two; and the third eight from the bottom eight in Tier Two. The clubs in each group would play each other home and away (14 fixtures). Each of the three groups would conclude with a play-offs and climax in a Grand Final/play-off final with final standings at the end of the regular season determining the make-up of Tiers One and Two the following season.” Simple, eh?! This would appear to be a favoured option for many clubs – probably because nobody understands it, and it sounds impressive! Surprisingly, there has been little public comment from the member clubs, Tony Smith is puzzled at the RFL's A sharp intake of breath from Gary with two notable exceptions. intention to change league formats. Hetherington when he heard the When asked to comment on the media preview of ‘Red Hall 3’, critic Tony news.

12 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com MAKE THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME

By MIKE HULME Mike Hulme

Editor: - Formerly the editor of the Leigh Journal, Mike Hulme currently holds a similar role with the new local newspaper the Leigh Independent, copies of which can be obtained at any of the supermarkets in town. Mike possesses a vast knowledge of Leigh Centurions and the world of Rugby League and I am delighted to welcome him back to the pages of ‘The Centurion’.

number of incidents especially when they are tipped on their A of foul play over the head. It should be clear straight away that past few weeks have got as soon as you’re in a position of lifting a me thinking about player up, if they land on their head you’re whether we’ve got the gone. Surely that would send a clear punishments correct at message to players that it won’t be the moment, when it accepted? comes to sending a I appreciate that sometimes those types of player off or leaving tackles can be made to look worse when them on the field. there is a second person in the tackle but for Nobody wants to see a player sent from the someone who has committed the offence field because it can have a serious impact not once but twice, the message has to be on the result of a game, but from what I can sent in that instance. see, more needs to be done to protect our If we start to send players off for dumping players against instances of foul play. For an opponent on their head I have no doubt this reason, I believe any illegal play that Former Saints star Keiron Cunningham you would see a lot of players changing the impacts upon a player or a game should on the receiving end against Leeds. way they play. When they started to pick a result in a dismissal. If it’s a head-high player up they would know straight away tackle and somebody is taken out of the that if they drift past the horizontal they are game, then the perpetrator has to go as in trouble. That makes players think twice well. Any sort of foul play that impacts upon about tackling in that style. the other team should be a send-off offence. And any action that could potentially When you tackle aggressively and lift a seriously injure a player should come into player up, you can tell straight away where a that send-off category. player is going to be landing. You can feel the momentum shift and what direction he Leading the way is the spear tackle. is headed in. When you have a guy’s legs off As a game, we have to draw the line. A the ground, you know that if you continue to spear tackle can be life-changing to a player, lift he is going to tip awkwardly. Players should know that if they lift, they need to pull out straight away. I realise that can be hard when it’s happening at speed and other players are involved in the tackle but if you set a send- off as the standard you will get a lot more players moving away from the lifting style. There should be more focus on trying to correct players’ techniques so that they don’t get into that dangerous territory. New South Wales' Luke O'Donnell and team mate spear tackle Manly's Richie Fa'aso was placed on report Queensland's Darius Boyd in a 2010 TWICE in one game for spear-tackling South State of Origin game. O'Donnell received Sydney's Greg Inglis . a red card.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 13 IN TOWN TODAY FEATHERSTONE ROVERS By ALAN EDGE FEATHERSTONE’s HomeS to merge with Castleford and Wakefield, to form a new club – Calder. In 1998, Rovers came desperately close to winning a 1889 – New Inn Fields Super League place, when they lost 22-24 to Wakefield in a tense Featherstone were formed, as Featherstone Trinity, changing their Grand Final. By 2002, the club was in administration, with name to Featherstone RUFC in 1894. (there is no evidence to reported debts of £406k, and it wasn’t until 2007 that they got suggest this was done to appease diehard fans who, just like back into National League One – the current Championship. today, do not particularly like the name ‘Trinity’!) In 1898, the During the past four years, Rovers have been the clear stand-out club joined the Northern Union, but folded four years later. team in the Championship, topping the league, under Daryl 1907 – Featherstone Main Colliery Welfare Ground Powell, for the past three seasons. (Indeed, at the time of writing, A new club, Featherstone Rovers was formed, once again joining they have just attained top spot once again!) In 2010 they lost the Northern Union. The team consisted predominantly, of local the Grand Final to Halifax, by 12-13, during extra time. The miners, as indeed it was for many years afterwards. It used to be following year they crushed Sheffield by 40-4, in the Final, only said that, whenever another big forward was required, they just for the South Yorkshire team to gain revenge last year, by 20-16. had to “shout down the pit”. In 1913, Featherstone merged with Since the commencement of Super League, Featherstone have local side, Purston White horse. never been tempted to dispense with their traditional ‘Rovers’ 1921 – Post Office Road nickname, but have recently bowed to commercial pressure, naming their ground firstly the ‘Lionheart Stadium’ and currently Featherstone went part-time professional in 1921, and seven the ‘Bigfellas Stadium’. years later were runners up to Swinton in the Championship Final. In 1939/40 they won their first trophy, the Yorkshire Cup. Recently work has started on ambitious plans to upgrade Post (which they were to win once more, in 1960) Throughout the Office Road, as most of we traditionalists will always know it. 20’s, 30’s and 40’s Rovers were a mid to lower table team, but Two stands destined for the Railway, and Post Office Road ends the arrival in 1951, of player/coach Eric Batten from Leeds, led to of the ground were purchased from Scarborough FC, and the an improvement in fortunes. The following year, Rovers appeared pitch is to be levelled and extended. in the first televised Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, losing to Workington. The 50’s were a good decade for Rovers, who were to appear in FIVE more cup semi-finals, all of which were lost. FEATHERSTONE Statistics 2012/13 In 1959, Post Office Road witnessed its largest attendance, 17,531 for a cup tie with St Helens, and there was another 2012 Tries (Total 201) memorable occasion that year, when the Australian tourists were 30 – Kain; 19 – Hardman; 18 – Finn; 16 -Ropati; defeated. (Those were the days!) 15 – Smeaton, Worthington; 11 – Chappell 2013 Tries (Total 102 – to date) The 60’s and 70’s saw three more Wembley finals, this time 15 – Kain; 9 – Saxton, Finn; 8- Hodson; 7 – Worthington. victorious ones against Barrow (17-12 in 1967) and 2012 – Goals (Total 169) 169 – Finn. (33-14 in 1973), and another defeat, to . The victory 2013 – Goals (Total 75 - to date) 73 – Finn; 1 – Briggs, Sharp. over Barrow was remarkable, as Rovers were languishing in 20th place, in the league at the time. 2012 – Drop Goals (Total 3) - 2 – Finn; 1 – Kain 2013 – Drop Goals (Total 1 – to date) 1 – Finn. The 80’s and 90’s saw Rovers gain a reputation for being something of a ‘yo-yo’ club’. In 1980, promotion was gained to Average Home Attendance 2012 2,294; (all competitions) 2,237 (Championship) the First Division, but seven years later relegation loomed again. (but not before yet another Wembley appearance in 1983, when Average Home Attendance 2013 2,231; (all competitions) 2,541 (Championship) red hot favourites Hull were defeated 14-12). In 1988 Featherstone sold their ground to the local council, and were Highest Home Attendance 2012 4,165 v Castleford; (Challenge Cup) 2,816 v Keighley (Championship) promoted back to the first division. However, in 1992, they were relegated once again, rather cruelly on points difference, Highest Home Attendance 2013 3,686 v Halifax (Championship) following a sequence of bizarre results on the final day of the Lowest Home Attendance 2012 season! 785 v Hunslet Old Boys; (Challenge Cup) 1,610 v York (Championship) In 1993, Rovers were promoted yet again, and finished eleventh Lowest Home Attendance 2013 in the First Division, only to be denied a place in the following 735 v Thatto Heath; (Challenge Cup) 1,910 v Swinton (Championship) season’s inaugural Super League, following a refusal by members,

14 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com The New ROVERS OF 2013

Whilst many of the names in Rovers’ the tightest of defences, as he demonstrated first team squad are very familiar to in our early season meeting with Rovers. us, the club did have a significant Hooker Andy Ellis has made his move to clear out at the end of the 2012 Featherstone a permanent one, after playing campaign. on loan during 2012. Ellis started his career It’s hard to imagine a Featherstone team, at Hull KR, (50 appearances) before without mainstay prop Stuart Dickens becoming a high profile signing at Barrow, leading from the font and kicking goals. Yet where he played over 90 games, prior to that has happened, with Stuart moving on moving into Super League with Harelquins, to the next stage of his career, as assistant and then Wakefield coach to at Super League It’s a case of ‘Rover’s return’ for classy rivals Wildcats. Two other stand-off Kyle Briggs , who returns to the big first team forwards, Dom Maloney and club after a Super League stint with Jon Grayshon also left the club, as did three- . Briggs was loaned back to quarter Tangi Ropati, who returned to New Frankie Mariano in action for Wakefield. Zealand. Thirteen other players, none of Featherstone last season, and has now whom were recognised members of the made the move permanent. During his time Rovers first team squad, also departed. at Bradford, Briggs was also loaned out to Harlequins, but is now said to be delighted Probably the most prominent departure to be back at the club where he was first from the Bigfellas Stadium has been the encouraged to showcase his skill and flair. recent move of Head Coach , to Super League’s loss is undoubtedly Rovers’ arch rivals . Few would gain. During his first brief spell at argue against Powell’s credentials to coach Featherstone, Briggs notched almost 400 in Super League, especially after an earlier points, from 43 games. stint there with was somewhat unfairly terminated by the Utility back Tom Hodson signed from Headingley club. Powell’s assistant Ryan Doncaster for the 2013 season. Although Sheridan is fulfilling the role of Interim the pacy Hodson is currently being head Coach, until John Bastian joins the employed on the wing, he was equally at Rovers in December. home at full back and stand-off, during his John Bastian will be swapping his Warrington time at the . He displayed tracksuit for a Featherstone one in December. Any thoughts harboured by Rovers’ his pace to devastating effect, during opponents, that the squad would be weakened by the departures, can be Rovers’ early season victory over Leigh. dispelled by one look at the quality of the Young centre Ben Hellewell joined Rovers newcomers this season. from Warrington, where he was successful in the Academy ranks, without breaking into Props Matt James and the first team squad. Hellewell spent time join from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and on loan at York in 2012. He is a Scottish Dewsbury, respectively. James initially joined international, who also originally came Bradford in 2006, from the Eastmoor through the ranks at Bradford. amateur club. He had a spell on loan at Halifax, before joining Harlequins, prior to The two most recent signings by Rovers are Lamont Bryan playing for the London returning to the Championship with Barrow. three-quarter , from Doncaster Broncos against Bradford in Super League. In 2007, James played three times for RUFC and back rower Frankie Mariano Wales, in for the 2008 World from Wakefield Wildcats. Nigerian-born Cup. Crossley is well known to Sharp, has made over 100 Super League Championship supporters, following appearances with Harlequins and Hull FC, consistently strong displays for Dewsbury. and has the reputation of being a player in Like James, Crossley started his career with the mould, who can beat Bradford Bulls, having signed from the opponents in the tightest of spaces. Loan Clayton club. At the end of 2011, he left the signing Mariano is a product of the Hull KR Bulls, having played nine Super League Academy set up, who made his debut in games for them. Lamont Bryan is another Super League in 2010. Since leaving the big forward signing, who joins from London Robins, Mariano’s career in Super League Broncos, where he made 33 appearances. has blossomed, and he had made 20 Bryan is a German born, Jamaican appearances for Wakefield, before being international, who has the ability to break loaned out to Rovers recently. The prodigal returns - Kyle Briggs.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 15 LOTTERY NEWS

16 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com MATCH ACTION v

Photographs courtesy of award-winning photographer, Maurice Jones

DC signing Scott Taylor has made a huge impact in his two games.

Gregg McNally is delighted with one of his four tries.

Anthony Nicholson sprints Jon Pownall dives in for one of his away for his try. try hat trick

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 17 LEIGH CENTURIONS

SQUAD - 2013 Head COACH - PAUL ROWLEY

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3 Professional Witnesses

4 Matt Gardner Williams & Co - Personal Injury Solicitors

5 Jon Pownall Grada UK

6 Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions

7 Leigh Sports Village Co

8 Sam Hopkins Styles & Co

9 Taylor Drilling Services

10 Rob Parker Hamilton Fabrications Ltd

11 Ask Platt Office Supplies

12 Tommy Goulden CDA Business Services

13 Martin Aspinwall Widdows Mason Solicitors

14 Sean Penkywicz Leigh Market Traders Association

15 Andy Thornley Ale House Leisure Ltd

16 Craig Briscoe L.I.S.A.

17 Tommy Coyle Greenheart Regional Park Project

18 Anthony Nicholson AVAILABLE

19 Michael Ostick AVAILABLE

20 James Taylor AVAILABLE

21 Ryan Duffy AVAILABLE

22 Adam Higson AVAILABLE

23 Chris Rowe AVAILABLE

31 John O Donnell ' 34 Tom Spencer

35 SCOTT TAYLOR

JAMES HILL

18 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com Sponsorship Opportunities Leigh Centurions have introduced additional sponsorship opportunities, to appeal to supporters and small businesses. For £100, you can sponsor the shorts, or socks, of a player of your choice, for a season. To take advantage of this excellent opportunity, please contact Alf Ridyard on 07930 532154 or on email at [email protected]

Player Sponsor SHORTS SPONSOR SOCKS SPONSOR

DAVID ECKERSLEY CUT & BLOW BOND STREET CLUB

JMS INTERIORS FERROLI (BOILERS)

CORLETT ELECTRICAL THE BOARS HEAD

DR DOUBLET-STEWART

LC COMMUNICATIONS NORTH STANDER

Integrated Control Solutions LUNCH BOX MICHAEL CAINE

LISA & HA ENGINEERS LTD ADS MARQUEES CENTURION HYDRAULICS

AB SUNDECKS

ASK PLATT OFFICE SUPPLIES

TUFFNELLS TOYMASTER

CDA BUSINESS SERVICES

INTRA HEALTH FAMILY PACTICE - LSV ALAN EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL BLACKBURN

LISA

HAMILTON FABRICATIONS LTD

Ale House Leisure Ltd

IN MEMORY OF TERRY WILCOCK

EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

KATIE WILLIAMS

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

LISA

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 19 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

TAYLOR DRILLING SERVICES

Today’s main match sponsor is Taylor Drilling into the strata. Services, of Atherton, the club’s main shirt • Concrete coring off the rig for drilling on hard sponsors for the 2013 season. standing. • Stand-alone diamond coring unit for holes up to 350mm diameters & to a depth of 1.5metres. • Hand dug trial pits to expose footings, utilities etc. • Water/gas well installations for on-going monitoring. • SVS Surveys (soil vapour surveys) to determine gas presence before drilling on Petroleum service stations Taylor Drilling Services specialise in dynamic soil sampling etc. and diamond coring, offering the following services:- For more information on services provided by our • Windowless sampling up to 10 metres depth can be sponsor, visit www.taylordrillingservicesltd.co.uk achieved using a tracked Archway Dartrig. telephone 01942 790753, or 07724 801475, or • Dynamic probing up to 20 metres deep to email [email protected] . BS1377:1990 • SPT’S (Soil penetration testing) & SPT(C) (Solid Cone) Leigh Centurions would like to thank Taylor for sand/gravels. Drilling Services for their sponsorship of today’s • Hand Held sampling for low head room or confined game, and hope they enjoy their day at Leigh areas. Using a hydraulic hammer to drive the samples Sports Village.

JMS INTERIORS LIMITED

work, to contracts in excess of £1M, and clients include household names, such as Pochin’s, Seddon Construction, John Greenwood Builders and Buckingham Group. Services include plastering, rendering, partition screening, Last Sunday’s main match sponsor, at the Keighley suspended ceilings, SFS systems, and floor screeding. JMS game was JMS Interiors Ltd, who carry out a wide Interiors are members of the FPDC, AIS and the Greater range of works, in the housing, commercial and Chamber of Commerce industrial sectors. The company was formed in 1981, by Eric and Joanne Spencer, working from a JMS Interiors can be contacted on 01942 875520, or by email converted garage area, at their own home! at [email protected] or [email protected] Leigh Centurions would Times have moved on since then, and the company now like to say a big thank you to JMS Interiors for their invaluable occupies its own offices, employing a sound office team, and support. a skilled workforce, on site. Jobs now range from a day’s

20 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com UNDER 20s

FOCUS By DAVE PARKINSON

LEIGH CENTURIONS 50 Leigh: Andrew Cunningham, John O'Donnell, Sam Peet, Luke Warburton, Cameron Pitman; Matt Pendlebury, Josh Ward; HALIFAX 38 James Taylor, Anthony Nicholson, Craig Briscoe, Chris Rowe, The Under-20s hosted Halifax at Leigh Miners and came Adam Barber, Anthony Bate. out on top in a high scoring game. From Leigh’s point of Subs: Aaron Lloyd, Joe Bullock, Dan Waddy, Brad Ashurst. view the bulk of the damage was done in the first half, Tries: Ward 2, Nicholson, Taylor, Warburton, Peet, Bate 2, Rowe. when the Centurions racked up six tries. Former Leigh Goals: Ward 7/9. favourite Mick Nanyn featured for the visitors, scoring a typical try and tagging on five goals. Halifax Tries: Topping, Leon James 2, Nanyn, Holden 2, Walker. The home side featured returning forward James Taylor, in a Goals: Nanyn 5/7. strong front row that included first team squad members Half-time: 32-14. Anthony Nicholson and Craig Briscoe UNDER 20s STATISTICS Fixtures & Results

LEIGH UNDER 20s Apps Sub Tries Goals DG Points Oldham HW 28 - 14 Ashurst, Brad 6230012 South Wales AW 64 - 4 Barber, Adam 701004 Featherstone HW 56 - 12 Bate, Anthony 9090036 Keighley HW 38 - 14 Breheney, Tom 051004 Salford AL 30 - 48 Briscoe, Craig 201004 Featherstone AL 12 - 76 Bullock, Joe 722008 Halifax AW 42 - 10 Cox, Mitchell 9040016 York AL 24 - 32 Coyle, Thomas 201004 South Wales HW 64 - 4 Crow, Matty 120000 Halifax HW 50 - 38 Cunningham, Andrew 821004 South 01/06/13 Davidson, Alex 511004 Halifax H 05/06/13 Hill, James 501004 Keighley A 20/06/13 James, Dylan 030000 Halifax H 26/06/13 Lloyd, Aaron 9190036 Salford H 06/07/13 Marsh, James 070000 Rochdale H 13/07/13 Nicholson, Anthony 302008 Keighley H 18/07/13 O'Donnell, John 4030012 Salford H 25/07/13 Ostick, Michael 100000 Salford A 03/08/13 Partington, Connor 220000 Featherstone A 17/08/13 Peet, Sam 6350020 Fixtures subject to change Pendlebury, Matt 9141018 Total 408 - 252 Pitman, Cameron 602008 Pownall, Johnathan 3040016 Rowe, Chris 901004 Simm, Adam 021004 Singleton, Sam 010000 Spence, Tyler 200000 Taylor, James 101004 Thornley, Andy 100000 Waddy, Danny 030000 Warburton, Luke 4230012 Ward, Josh 9112 59 0 166 Totals 130 40 72 60 0 408 James Taylor and Craig Briscoe featured in the front row for the Under 20's.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 21 LOVE RUGBY By TONY LEAGUE WILLIAMS Tony Williams

Editor: - Tony Williams is a leading journalist on the excellent ‘Love Rugby League’ website.

hen the Magic Weekend was others. Not that many supporters from Hull stuck around to see W first introduced I wasn’t a fan Saints playing Warrington. of the concept. Yet if you allow yourself to simply enjoy the occasion and the It seemed a pointless addition to the season, an event created rugby league being played in front of you, these problems fade just for the sake of it, and wrongly-suited to its original purpose away. The teams might not be playing for anything more than of promoting . Millennium Magic, as it was competition points, but when the players lift their game and the known, was little more than a novelty that should never have supporters get behind them that doesn’t seem to matter been invented. anymore. While there are empty seats, those fans who are Yet I always suspected that if I actually went to the Magic present still manage to create an atmosphere, and the Etihad Weekend I would enjoy it, and that’s what happened last doesn’t look as sparsely populated as the weekend, when I was able to make the journey to Manchester’s used to do, due to a smaller capacity and an empty upper tier Etihad Stadium for the Saturday fixtures. that doesn’t appear on TV. This is partly because the event reminded me of what used to be There has been some discussion about whether the my joint-favourite day of the rugby league year – National Championship could have a Magic Weekend. I don’t see any League finals day (the other favourite was, of course, Challenge reason why not – it would be an additional event for lower- Cup final day). On that day the top teams from the three National league supporters, and hopefully make some more money at a Leagues would battle it out in their respective play-off finals. I time when all sports clubs need as much as they can lay their was fortunate enough to be at the Halton Stadium when Leigh hands on. finally won promotion to Super League. The most popular suggestion for a venue is Blackpool’s That’s not to say that the Magic Weekend is without its problems. Bloomfield Road. The stadium itself is suitable – an all-seater While NL finals day consisted of end-of-season play-off finals, the stadium is vital for an event which boasts three or four games in Magic Weekend consists of mid-season regular league games, a row, and with a capacity of 17,000 the place won’t look too contributing to that feeling of pointlessness, as well as giving an empty, but should still leave plenty of room to move around. The unevenness to the regular-season fixture list. town is also suitable, as a place to which fans might be happy to make a day-trip, or even a weekend stay. There’s the fact that, too often, Magic Weekend games have been played against a background, not of cheering supporters, but Some Championship supporters might be sceptical as I was, but plastic seating. The attendance figures published by the RFL are as I tried to tell myself at the time, “Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried far from accurate. The overall figure – usually between 55-60 it”. Despite my initial scepticism, I have to say that I enjoy the thousand – is worked out by adding together the attendance Magic Weekend – and in sport enjoyment is one important test of figures from both days. This takes no account of how many whether something is a good idea or not. As rugby league fans people attended both days, and are therefore counted twice. we can often forget that. Besides which, even on individual days many supporters only [email protected] attend one or two games, leaving their seats empty for the Twitter: @Tony_Williams88

The Etihad Stadium - a magnificent Fans from a variety of clubs, enjoying the Magic Blackpool's Bloomfield Road Stadium - no stranger Northern venue for the Magic Weekend Weekend at the Etihad Stadium. to Championship big matches.

22 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com CAPTAIN’S LOG NATHAN LAWRENSON TALKS TO TEAM CAPTAIN, ROB PARKER

Rob Parker Rob, can you give us the lowdown on ethos and we knew we wanted to go as far as the injury you recently required surgery possible in the cup. We knew that Halifax had for? been beaten and I thought if we are going to I originally hurt my finger in the Hunslet game do anything then we'll have to face last season and that needed surgery then. I Featherstone. The lads really went and had a kind of cracked my finger and with me, if I do massive dig and we came away with a ticket it, I end up doing it good, or bad in this into the next round. I've got to say thanks to context. I've had two shoulder re- the sponsors who put on reduced rate coaches constructions, fractured my skull and a host of for the fans, which lifted the atmosphere and other injuries but I'd say this is the worst by I'd like to think had an effect on what we far. I guess it never really got right and then produced on the pitch. We had a shocker it's been giving me some real jip since the against Halifax a couple of months ago but we Batley game. I realise now that I've probably seem to have turned a corner now and we not been able to play to my full potential want to carry that on. because of the niggling pain. I figured that it What do you make of the draw which would be best to fix it for good and my has pitted you against Whitehaven? surgeon, who deserves a real load of credit as It's great to be at home because obviously you he's done a great job, has fused the bones like to play as many games as you can, in your together so the pain will go. I should be out own back yard. Games are always made a little for another six to eight weeks which is bad as bit harder when you play away and and what Rob may want to see - a I want to be out there playing rugby, doing my Whitehaven is a difficult place to go. Speaking job, but I guess it's better than being in and return to the hairstyle of his days at of the actual Whitehaven team, it would be the Broncos. out of the side. I seem to have missed a couple foolish to think that we are through to the of good wins so you can read that whichever next round. They have some great players, way you wish! many of whom can produce something out of Northern Rail Cup exit, just as we would have Obviously that's one of the games you nothing, so I guess that their predictability is been if we were eliminated. We beat them in missed, but can you reflect on the win at actually their unpredictability. It's a game we their own back yard and now they'll be vying Featherstone a couple of weeks back? are looking forward to because when we set to upset the party at the LSV. It's certainly our goals as a squad, there was the feeling going to be a tough game and like I always I think that win was a massive monkey off our say, our destiny is in our own hands. We have backs. We are a successful club with a great that the Northern Rail Cup was an important competition for us. to focus on playing well as we know we can play as well if not better than them. Our focus And then last week another impressive will solely be on ourselves, as always. victory against Keighley... Finally, you were a guest at the Magic It certainly was, but I think you have to pay Weekend; do you think a Championship credit to Keighley for how they started the version would work? game. It probably took the lads 20 or so minutes to find their rhythm but when they did Hmm, it's not something I've thought about in they went on to play some nice stuff. There that much detail to be honest. I think it's a were some great tries in the game, which great concept to have all 14 Super League came on the back of hard running and good sides playing at a world class venue, in front of offloads. Our dual registration players, Greg a good crowd and a television audience. I was Burke and Scott Taylor were taking the ball up there doing commentary for Saints and hard and as a squad we are grateful for the Warrington and I gathered that fans really buy effort that they are putting in. into the concept. Rugby league really is a sport played by hooligans and watched by Another tough game this week versus gentlemen whilst other sports may be the Featherstone, especially considering the other way around. It was great to see fans of recent result? rival teams sitting just a block away creating a Yeah, I don't know which way to look at it in great atmosphere with chants, yet there was all honesty. In one direction we've got the fact no trouble at all. Whether it would work for that we have beaten them recently and so we the Championship is another question which What all Leigh fans want to see - Rob have added confidence in the fact we know could be made a little more complicated with back in action. that we can do that. But then on the flip side, the changes that the RFL are thinking of they will obviously have been hurt by their bringing in regarding structure.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 23 FACTS & STATS with DAVE PARKINSON

elcome to another ”Facts” and Their biggest win in Leigh during this time was a 48-16 success Wwelcome to all supporters of at in 1998 and their biggest win at home was a 58-4 Featherstone Rovers. A couple of triumph in 1998. weeks ago the Centurions enjoyed a titanic struggle against Rovers and Rovers’ biggest biggest reversal in this period came at home in a similar sort of result today 2004, when a Leigh team that eventually won its way into Super would do wonders. League, ran out 75-20 winners at Post Office Road. A look at Rovers’ record against Leigh in the last twenty years Leigh put fifty points on Featherstone at home in both 2003 shows that a visit here poses no fear for the Yorkshire club. (under Paul Terzis) and 2004 (under Darren Abram). V FEATHERSTONE Centurions Venue Comp Result FA 29/08/93 H LGE Lost 12 26 Milestones 19/12/93 A LGE Lost 0 36 05/04/98 A LGE Lost 12 48 Martyn Ridyard’s long consecutive game and 07/06/98 H LGE Lost 16 48 scoring run came to an end when he missed last 30/08/98 A LGE Lost 4 58 weekend’s win over Keighley. He played 71 games 21/03/79 H LGE Won 16 12 consecutively and scored in 47 consecutive games. 18/07/99 A LGE Won 24 18 05/09/99 H PO Lost 4 17 His deputy last weekend was Gregg McNally and he had his most 02/04/00 H LGE Won 18 8 prolific afternoon in a Leigh shirt, bagging a 34 point haul with 18/02/01 A LGE Won 30 20 four tries and nine goals. This got me wondering how close he 24/06/01 H LGE Won 38 17 came to getting in the club record books with that tally. 15/07/01 H PO Won 26 10 16/06/02 A LGE Lost 26 32 Here are the top point scoring games per 04/08/02 H LGE Won 46 10 individual that I could find: 09/02/03 A CC Lost 22 28 4/4/2004 Neil Turley 42 (5 Tries, 11 Goals) v Chorley (Away) 11/05/03 H LGE Won 50 12 23/3/2003 Neil Turley 38 (5 Tries, 9 Goals) v Swinton (Home) 18/05/03 H NRC Won 26 6 03/08/03 A LGE Won 58 32 12/1/1992 John Woods 38 (4 Tries, 11 Goals) v York (Home) 18/04/04 H LGE Won 50 12 11/9/1977 John Woods 38 (4 Tries, 13 Goals) v Blackpool (Home) 11/07/04 A LGE Won 75 20 7/1/2001 Neil Turley 36 (5 Tries, 8 Goals) v Chorley (Away) 06/04/08 A NRC Lost 10 36 18/05/08 H LGE Won 28 20 28/3/1976 Mick Stacey 36 (2 Tries, 15 Goals) v Doncaster (Home) 22/06/08 A LGE Won 26 8 8/3/2001 Simon Svabic 36 (2 Tries, 14 Goals) v York (Away) 18/02/09 A NRC Lost 6 10 26/5/2013 Gregg McNally 34 (4 Tries, 9 Goals) v Keighley (Home) 23/04/09 H LGE Lost 16 30 28/05/09 A LGE Lost 24 30 Still sticking with Gregg, last weekend’s game with Leigh was his 14/02/10 H NRC Won 36 6 100th club career appearance since he debuted for Whitehaven 18/05/10 H LGE Lost 16 24 (43 of those have come with Leigh). He has also now surged past 08/07/10 A LGE Lost 26 34 100 points for the club, having claimed 26 tries and 10 goals. 10/03/11 H LGE Won 36 10 25/04/11 A LGE Draw 28 28 Steve Maden continues to edge closer to his 200th Leigh 15/09/11 A PO Lost 20 35 appearance. The winger will trot out for his 196th game in Leigh 15/03/12 A LGE Lost 16 36 colours if selected this afternoon. 22/06/12 H LGE Lost 16 22 05/07/12 A NRC Lost 16 54 James Taylor has made 184 appearances for the club. 13/09/12 A PO Lost 14 32 Tommy Goulden has now made 92 appearances for the club. 03/02/13 A LGE Lost 6 38 19/05/13 A NRC Won 22 12 Matt Gardner is edging closer to 50 appearances for Leigh. If selected today the Cumbrian will make his 47th. Played Won Drawn Lost For Against 38 17 1 20 915 935

24 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com CENTURIONS FACTS & STATS

20123 013 LLeeigighh C Caarreeeer r Debuted Squad No DOB Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Goals Goals Martin Aspinwall 2013 13 21/10/1981 5100 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 Anthony Bate 2013 28/04/1992 1000 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Bob Beswick 2012 9 08/12/1984 16 13 0 0 12 39 46 0 125 Ryan Brierley 2012 7 12/03/1992 10 6 14 1058 17 26 39 60168 Craig Briscoe 2010 16 08/12/1992 3610 0 4 23 21 80 032 Greg Burke 2012 12/02/1993 1000 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 Thomas Coyle 2013 17 10/05/1988 1000 0 0 21 00 0 0 0 Ryan Duffy 2013 21 13/05/1993 2930 012 2930012 Simon Finnigan 2013 11 08/12/1981 16 05 0 0 20 16 05 0 020 Matt Gardner 2012 4 24/08/1984 16 09 0 0 36 46 0 23 0092 Tommy Goulden 2010 12 30/06/1981 10 24 0 0 16 83 9 35 00140 Adam Higson 2008 22 19/05/1987 0110 0 4 39 22 14 0056 James Hill 2013 2000 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Sam Hopkins 2011 8 17/02/1990 9780 032 27 27 24 0096 Stuart Littler 2011 3 19/02/1979 17 01 0 0 4 76 1 24 0096 Rhodri Lloyd 2013 22/07/1993 2000 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Gregg McNally 2012 1 02/01/1991 15 09 9 0 54 43 0 26 10 0 124 Steve Maden 2004/2008 2 13/09/1982 16 04 0 0 16 192 3 67 00268 Anthony Nicholson 2010 18 28/11/1990 0210 0 4 17 22 80 032 John O'Donnell 2013 24/06/1993 6120 0 8 6 1 2 0 0 8 Michael Ostick 2012 19 23/01/1988 12 33 0 0 12 30 83 0 012 Rob Parker 2012 10 05/09/1981 13 11 0 0 4 34 35 0 020 Sean Penkywicz 2013 14 18/05/1982 9780 032 9780032 Jonny Pownall 2011 5 22/08/1991 11 06 0 0 24 31 2 19 0076 Martyn Ridyard 2009 6 25/07/1986 16 0769 0 166 108 10 60 228 2 698 Chris Rowe 2012 23 08/02/1994 0000 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tom Spencer 2012 02/01/1991 5510 0 4 16 12 40 016 James Taylor 2005 20 11/09/1984 4620 0 8 148 36 24 0096 Scott Taylor 2013 27/02/1991 0210 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 4 Andy Thornley 2011 15 01/03/1989 3810 0 4 19 32 80 032 TOTALS 221 68 95 79 0 538 1054 259 416 244 3 2155

Goal Kickers Goals Attempts % TRY CREATORS Individual Pass Kick Other Total Martyn Ridyard 69 85 81 Martyn Ridyard 3 12 10 16 Ryan Brierley 13 33 Sean Penkywicz 852015 Gregg McNally 9 11 82 Gregg McNally 353011 Ryan Brierley 54009 Simon Finnigan 06219 TRY TRACKER After 16 games Bob Beswick 25007 Sam Hopkins 51006 Try Tracker – For Try Tracker – Against Matt Gardner 24006 0-9 minutes 9 0-9 minutes 6 Jonny Pownall 12003 Tommy Goulden 02002 10-19 minutes 7 10-19 minutes 12 Stuart Littler 02002 20-29 minutes 11 20-29 minutes 5 Scott Taylor 11002 30 minutes – half-time 12 30 minutes – half-time 7 John O'Donnell 01001 40-49 minutes 12 40-49 minutes 9 Michael Ostick 10001 Steve Maden 01001 50-59 minutes 15 50-59 minutes 9 Ryan Duffy 10001 60-69 minutes 14 60-69 minutes 6 Thomas Coyle 01001 70 minutes – full-time 15 70 minutes – full-time 9 Greg Burke 01001 Rhodri Lloyd 01001 95 63 32 54 81 95

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 25 26 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com PLAYER SPONSORS 2013

1 Gregg McNally 2 Steve Maden 3 Stuart Littler 4 Matt Gardner 5 Jon Pownall Marstrut Padken Steel Erectors Professional Witnesses Williams & Co - Personal Grada UK David Eckersley JMS Interiors Corlett Electrical Injury Solicitors LC Communications Engineering Co (1981) Ltd Dr. Doublet-Stewart

6 Martyn Ridyard 7 Ryan Brierley 8 Sam Hopkins 9 Bob Beswick 10 Rob Parker Integrated Control Solutions Leigh Sports Village Co Styles & Co Taylor Drilling Services Hamilton Fabrications Ltd Integrated Control Solutions LISA & H A England Engineers A B Sundecks Ask Platt Office Supplies Tuffnells Ltd.

11 Simon Finnigan 12 Tommy Goulden 13 Martin Aspinwall 14 Sean Penkywicz 15 Andy Thornley Ask Platt Office Supplies CDA Business Services Widdows Mason Solicitors Leigh Market Traders Association Ale House Leisure Ltd CDA Business Services Intra Health Family Practice - LSV LISA Hamilton Fabrications Ltd

16 Craig Briscoe 17 Tommy Coyle 18 Anthony Nicholson 19 Michael Ostick 20 James Taylor L.I.S.A. Greenheart Regional Park AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE In Memory of Terry Wilcock Project AVAILABLE AVAILABLE Katie Williams Edmundson Electrical

21 Ryan Duffy 22 Adam Higson 23 Chris Rowe AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE L.I.S.A.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 27 TOUCHDOWN

CLUB By ALAN PLATT

CDA Business Membership It is not too late to join up to this season’s Services Ltd. Touchdown Club. From just £20.00 per calendar CDA was formed in 2010 and is the month you can join up. Benefits include: service arm of ASK Platt Office • Season ticket, polo shirt, two free meals within Supplies Ltd. the home league match set up. We specialise in service and • Regular after match contact in the Banqueting maintenance of Office Machines, IT Back Suite with all the players and coaches. up, Sales and Rental of all Photocopiers, • Plus texts with the team sheet before every from basic to Full Colour Machines. game. We can tailor a deal to suit all business • We will also be having our Evening Dinner event users large or small. later in the year to raise further funds for the Distance is no object to us as we use a club; dates will soon be available. network of dealers all over the country, who work alongside us to maintain the machines. We are also looking to arrange a trip to the World Cup Final at on the 30th For further details regarding our services November this year. please contact us on 01942 683992 or email [email protected] Anyone interested in joining please contact Alan Platt on 07774 756223. Touchdown Corporate Gold Members 2013 Company Contact Tel JAMES ‘QS’ LIMITED IAN JAMES 07831 412960 ASTLEY HIRE COMPANY STEVE DORRICOTT 01942 608822 BURLINGTON BUILDERS LTD PAUL SUMNER 07774 920854 GRADA (UK) LTD PHIL OWEN 07967 049966 HIRE ‘N’ HIRE KEITH STACEY 01942 676406 TOPPING PARTNERSHIP PETER BENTHAM 07771 581115 EUROSCREEN LIMITED CHRIS GARFIN 01942 673333 CS CIVILS AND GROUNDWORK STEVE OPENSHAW 07805 056625 ASK PLATT OFFICE SUPPLIES LTD ALAN PLATT 07774 756223 PROFESSOR AND MRS BARRIE DALE BARRIE DALE 01204 882977 IMPACT INSURANCE LTD MOIRA GRIFFITHS 01204 848481 GLOBAL SURVEY EQUIPMENT MATTHEW 01942 896244 COLLINS & DARWELL CHRIS TRAVERS 01942 673166

28 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

30 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

Junior Centurions with SHARON DILLON

June Birthdays Congratulations to all Junior Centurions who celebrate birthdays in June – Happy Birthday!! Carla Jayne Acton is 13 today 01.06.2013 Keane O'Brien will be 9 on 17.06.2013 Benji Jenkinson will be 8 on 06.06.2013 Logan Love will be 6 on 20.06.2013 Zain Sawyer will be 2 on 06.06.2013 Elizabeth Hall will be 6 on 24.06.2013 Connor Stephens will be 13 on 07.06.2013 Liam Summersgill will be 9 on 24.06.2013 Alex Lewis will be 7 on 12.06.2013 Nicole Collier will be 11 on 26.06.2013 Jack Arlen will be 12 on 15.06.2013 Will Hindley will be 7 on 30.06.2013

www.leighcenturions.co.uk for more info Join us for free today and don’t miss out!

We would like to thank our official sponsors for the Junior Centurions, ASK Platt, Atico Hair Studio, Matrix Tax and C & S Tyres UK Ltd.

32 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com LEIGH CENTURIONS TV

By JOHN RODDY John Roddy Don’t miss out! If you want to see:

• The latest club news LCTV will feature pre- and • Full match recordings post-match interviews with • Paul Rowley interviews coach Paul • The captain’s table Rowley. • Riddy & Brierley

And much, much more – Then tune in to Leigh Centurions TV, at www.leighcenturions.com and follow the link to Centurions TV. Our own commentator Rob Parker will be Dave Parkinson will be Note: - This is a ‘Pay To View’ service – demonstrating his showcasing his unique interview skills. terms and conditions will apply. commentary style.

LISA NEWS From LYNDA PIKE

Hi everyone, Lynda here, want to donate a small amount every month, please contact The chairman has announced that LISA, as a major fundraiser me at the number below. and link with the community, along with the Lottery and LISA is also on the lookout for more committee members, so if Touchdown Club, is going to be central to the new anyone is interested please contact me on 07799885590. infrastructure of the club. Workington Game – LISA will be running a coach to the LISA currently raises over £30k per year, towards player away game at Workington, on Sunday 9th June. The fare will be contracts, but wouldn’t it be great if we could raise even more £9.50 for LISA members and £11.50 for non-members. The funds for the club? The more members, the more player coach will depart from Atherton, at 10:30 a.m, St Mary’s Way at contracts we can pay, and the stronger the club can become. 10:40, and LSV at 10:45. Tickets will be on sale from the club The standard membership is £5 a month, but this is only a retail outlet, and Finnesse, from Saturday 1st June. It would help guideline figure; it is really whatever people can afford, so if the organisers assess whether it is viable to run the coach, if you you can spare a few more quid, or if you aren’t a member, and please reserve your seats, by Wednesday 5th June.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 33 FIXTURES AND R E

Key: CHAMP = Championship; TCC = Tetley's Challenge Cup; NRC = Northern Rail Cup

Date Opposition Comp Result Score Full Back Wing Centre Centre Wing Stand Off Scrum Half Prop February Sun 3rd Featherstone Rovers CHAMP Lost 6 - 38 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 1G Beswick Ostick Sun 10th HUNSLET HAWKS CHAMP Won 40 - 0 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 6G Beswick Ostick - 1T Thu 14th Whitehaven CHAMP Won 28 - 14 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 4G Beswick Ostick Sun 24th DONCASTER CHAMP Won 34 - 8 McNally Maden Littler O'Donnell Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 4G Brierley - 1T, 1G Spencer March Sun 3rd Keighley Cougars CHAMP Won 46 - 16 McNally Maden - 1T Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 7G Brierley - 3T Taylor Fri 8th CHAMP Lost 18 - 40 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 3G Brierley Taylor Sun 17th CHAMP Won 36 - 6 Brierley Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 1T, 6G Beswick Ostick Thu 21st CHAMP Won 42 - 30 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 7G Beswick - 1T Duffy Fri 29th CHAMP Won 20 - 12 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner - 2T O'Donnell Ridyard - 1T, 2G Beswick Ostick April Mon 1st WORKINGTON TOWN CHAMP Won 42 - 22 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner O'Donnell - 1T Ridyard - 7G Brierley Taylor - 1T Sat 6th EAST LEEDS TCC3 Won 50 - 4 Brierley - 2T Maden - 1T Littler - 1T Gardner - 2T O'Donnell - 1T Ridyard - 5G Coyle Ostick - 1T Sun 14th Halifax CHAMP Lost 10 - 60 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1G Beswick Spencer Sun 21st TCC4 Lost 10 - 60 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner O'Donnell Ridyard - 1G Brierley Ostick Sun 28th CHAMP Won 20 - 0 McNally O'Donnell Littler Gardner - 1T Hill Ridyard - 4G Brierley - 1T Ostick May

Sun 5th CHAMP Won 52 - 4 McNally Maden - 1T Littler Gardner Hill Ridyard - 8G Brierley - 3T Ostick Sun 19th Featherstone Rovers NRC Won 22 - 12 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 1T, 3G Brierley - 1T Ostick Sun 26th KEIGHLEY COUGARS CHAMP Won 62 - 12 Pownall - 3T Maden - 1T Littler Lloyd Gardner McNally - 4T, 9G Beswick - 1T Ostick June Sat 1st FEATHERSTONE R CHAMP Sun 9th Workington Town CHAMP Sun 16th WHITEHAVEN NRC QF Sun 23rd YORK CITY KNIGHTS CHAMP Sun 30th NRC SF July Sun 7th Doncaster CHAMP Sun 14th Barrow Raiders CHAMP Sun 21st HALIFAX CHAMP Sun 21st NRC F Sun 28th Hunslet Hawks CHAMP August Sun 4th SWINTON LIONS CHAMP Fri 9th Sheffield Eagles CHAMP Sun 18th WHITEHAVEN CHAMP Thu 22nd Batley Bulldogs CHAMP September Sun 1st DEWSBURY RAMS CHAMP

34 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com SULTS 2013

Hooker Prop 2nd Row 2nd Row Loose Fwd Substitute Substitute Substitute Substitute Referee Penalties Attendance

Penkywicz Spencer Finnigan Thornley Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Parker Briscoe Alibert 12 - 10 2841 Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan Goulden Hopkins - 2T Brierley - 1T Aspinwall Taylor Spencer Leatherbarrow 6 - 8 1419 Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan - 1T Goulden - 1T Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Taylor Spencer Thomason 6 - 12 763 Beswick Parker Finnigan - 3T Goulden Aspinwall Penkywicz - 1T Briscoe Hopkins Duffy Stokes 12 - 9 1522

Beswick Spencer Finnigan Goulden - 1T Hopkins Penkywicz Duffy - 1T Briscoe - 1T Ostick Laughton 12 - 9 859 Beswick Parker Finnigan Goulden Hopkins - 1T Penkywicz Duffy - 2T Spencer Briscoe Stokes 7 - 8 1581 Penkywicz - 2T Parker Finnigan Goulden Duffy O'Donnell Thornley Hopkins Taylor -1T Thomason 19 - 12 935 Penkywicz Parker Finnigan Goulden Ostick Brierley - 1T Hopkins - 2T Taylor Thornley - 1T Hewer 11 - 9 1290 Penkywicz Parker Finnigan Goulden Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Duffy Thornley Alibert 6 - 7 1172

Beswick - 1T Parker Finnigan Goulden - 1T Aspinwall Penkywicz Thornley Hopkins - 1T Ostick - 1T Thomason 13 - 9 1446 Penkywicz - 1T Taylor Finnigan Bate Parker Parker Finnigan Thornley Higson - 1T Campbell 7 - 7 728 Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan Briscoe Hopkins Brierley - 1T Ostick Thornley Taylor Leatherbarrow 3 - 7 2161 Beswick Parker - 1T Finnigan Briscoe Hopkins Penkywicz Duffy Thornley Taylor Thomason 5 - 11 6889 Beswick Parker Lloyd Briscoe Hopkins - 1T Nicholson Thornley Ostick Beswick Thomason 8 - 9 1635

Beswick Parker Finnigan - 1T Thornley Hopkins - 1T Penkywicz - 1T Spencer - 1T Goulden - 1T Duffy Brooke 6 - 8 709 Beswick Ostick Finnigan Thornley Hopkins Penkywicz S. Taylor Goulden Duffy Thomason 4 - 7 1745 Penkywicz Burke Finnigan Goulden Hopkins Nicholson - 1T Briscoe S. Taylor - 1T Duffy Hewer 11 - 5

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 35 FEATHERSTONE ROVERS INTERIM HEAD COACH - SQUAD - 2013 RYAN SHERIDAN

No NAME

1 Ian Hardman

2 Tom Saxton

3 Sam Smeaton

4

5 Tom Hodson

6 Andy Kain

7 Liam Finn

ANDY ELLIS 8 Anthony England TOM HODSON 9 Ben Kaye

10 Steve Crossley

11 Matty Dale

12

13 Kyle Briggs

14 Andy Ellis

15 Lamont Bryan

16 Matt James

17 James Lockwood

GREG WORTHINGTON 18 Jonny Hepworth WILL SHARP 19 Ben Hellewell

20 Michael Haley

21 Andy Bostock

22

23 Jack Ormanroyd

24 Liam Mackay Referee: 26 Will Sharp Mr. G. STOKES 27 Jack Lee Touch Judges: 29 Frankie Mariano Mr. R. GRIFFITHS Mr. N. ASPEY STEVE CROSSLEY

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