TETLEY’S FIFTH ROUND v ROVERS SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2014 AT • KICK OFF 3PM

Matchday Host Matchball Sponsor ISSUE 6 PRICE £2.50 HONOURS Championship Winners: 1905-06 Cover Star: FROM THE TOP Gregg McNally Division One Champions: shows his 1981-82 delight at Division Two Champions: By Chairman JOHN RODDY scoring his 1977-78, 1985-86, 1988-89 second try Challenge Cup Winners: against the 1920-21, 1970-71 ay I first of all welcome to Leigh strength to strength under the Lions. MSports Village, the home of dynamic leadership of Jason Cup Winners: Leigh Centurions RLFC, the 1952-53, 1955-56, 1970-71, 1981-82 Donohue. It is wonderful to see so Directors, Officials, Players and many past players enjoying visiting BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: Supporters of , LSV and supporting the team. Last WHO’S WHO 1969-70, 1972-73 for this eagerly awaited Tetley’s Friday I had the pleasure of At Leigh Centurions Promotion To Top Division Challenge Cup Fifth Round- tie. meeting Paul Topping and Mark achieved(Not as Champions): Sheals who were both very Hon Life President Statistician 1963-64, 1975-76, 1991-92 Both teams are currently in fine form, sitting at the top of the Kingstone Press Championship and I expect that we will see a impressed by our facilities and the Mr Tommy Sale MBE Mr Cliff Sumner Other Promotion season: close game this afternoon with all the magic and atmosphere that display of the current Centurions Paul Topping and Mark Sheals Hon Vice President Kit men 1997 (Division 3 to Division 2) the Challenge Cup brings to . side. Mr Andy Burnham MP Mr Frank Taylor Northern Ford Minor Premiership May I take this opportunity to also thank Simon Toon, Chief Jason informs me that he now has 56 players who have paid their Hon Life Members Mr Sean Fairhurst Winners: 2001 Mr Tommy Mather Executive of the Leigh Sports Village and our Head of Rugby membership fee of £20. On top of this, Mike Latham has Mr Brian Bowman Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: 2001 sponsored the membership in memory of five players from the Mr Tommy Coleman Under 20’s Coach Derek Beaumont for working very hard to ensure that this fixture Mr Frank Taylor Mr Paul Anderson Arriva Trains Cup Winners: 2004 could go ahead today! early 1900s and Derek Beaumont has agreed to do the same. Mr John Massey LHF National League 1 Champions: Andy Mazey had sponsored one of his heroes, the late John Under 20’s Assistant BLAKE SOLLY Westhead. We've also had supporters making contact and Chairman Mr Steve Mayo 2004 I know that this afternoon we have Blake Solly from the RFL wanting to remember some of their favourite players who are no Mr John Roddy Conditioner LHF National League 1 Grand Final Winners: 2004 joining us and accepting our offer to speak to our Touchdown longer with us, sponsoring John Lewis Nebby Cleworth, Charlie Board of Management Mr Dan Ogden Club on the new league structure from 2015. It is really good to Pawsey, Mick Hogan, Dave Macko and Mal Yates. This is a Mr Michael Norris Northern Rail Cup Winners: Physiotherapists have you here, Blake, no doubt you will be asked some probing wonderful initiative and supporters wishing to follow suit can Mr Derek Beaumont Ms Emma Fletcher 2006, 2011, 2013 Mr Andy Mazey questions from the audience – nothing I wouldn’t expect you contact Jason on [email protected]. Ms Hannah Lloyd have heard before during the past few months. Mr Alan Platt Mr John Stopford (Under 20's) IAN WATSON Mr Steve Openshaw - CHAIRMAN OF THE RFL Mr Neil Wilcock Club Doctor CLUB RECORDS Talking of past players, it was great to Ms Jackie Mottershead Dr Maurice Doublet-Stewart Biggest Victory: It was good to meet with Brian Barwick during Good Friday’s see a presentation made by Paul Mr Trevor Barton MBE Club Ambassador 92-2 vs Keighley (1986) match versus and it was clear from our Rowley to the Swinton Lions Player- Ms Julia Bradley Mr Alex Murphy OBE Biggest Defeat: conversation that Brian was very impressed with the standard of Coach Ian Watson after the game on Head of Rugby General Manager 4-94 vs Town (1995) the game that day and also the effort the Club had put into the Good Friday. Ian was a popular Leigh Mr Derek Beaumont Mr Rob Parker Highest Home Attendance: event whilst securing a 2,219 crowd. In fact this was the biggest player and recently reached the First Team Coach Lottery Manager 31,326 vs St Helens (1953) crowd of the day in the Championship and over one thousand incredible landmark of 500 career Mr Ms Christine Brown Lowest Post War Home Attendance: more supporters in attendance from his previous day’s visit to appearances. Paul presented him with 451 vs Hull (1975) watch ’s Broncos in action. a specially-designed poster and t-shirt Assistant Coaches Lottery Co-ordinator Most Tries in a game: Mr Neil Jukes Mr Johnathan Simpkin There is no doubt from our growing relationship with the RFL that to mark this achievement and in his Jack Wood 6 v York (1947), acceptance speech Ian spoke very well Mr Finance Manager they are now far more aware of the Club’s ambitions and passion 6 v (2001) to steer us into Super League in the future including the superb of his admiration for the Centurions and his time with the Club. Conditioner Ms Jane Smith Most Goals in a game: venue which we enjoy here at the LSV. Mr Nathan Pennington IT & Ticket Sales Mick Stacey 15 vs Doncaster (1976) TODAY’S GAME Training Assistant Mr Andrew Parkinson Most Points in a game: We expect a good crowd this afternoon with Featherstone Mr Thomas Wood Club Accountants Neil Turley 42 vs Chorley (2004) Also a massive thank-you to Kevin Ashcroft who today will be reporting over ten coaches booked. If correct I suspect that LSV Masseur Styles & Co Most Tries in a season: speaking to Allan Rowley in the Touchdown Club – have you seen will be jumping with plenty of noise from our stands. Without Neil Turley 55 (2001) Mr Rob Stewart Joint Programme Editors Kevin being interviewed yet by Mike Latham on Leigh Centurions doubt this match will provide us with a flavour of how large Most Goals in a season: Mr Allan Rowley and Mr Mike Latham crowds at the LSV can make a huge difference to the atmosphere Neil Turley 187 (2004) TV? If not please tune in via our website, this one of the best Rugby League interviews I have seen for a long time, packed with and it will really give us the opportunity also to test our full Most Points in a season: capability and to learn from the experience. Neil Turley 468 (2004) some great stories by Kevin. CLUB CONTACTS Most Tries in a career: Kevin was one of our Wembley heroes in 1971 against and Rob Parker our General Manger, myself and Steve Openshaw this Mick Martyn 189 (1954-67) three years later won another Challenge Cup-winners’ medal by week have been working hard in the background, ensuring that Telephone: Facebook: Most Goals in a career: playing a huge part in ’s Wembley victory over today’s we are ready for the game. Most importantly we hope our 01942 487887 www.facebook.com/leighcenturionsfanpage Jimmy Ledgard 1043 (1948-58) visitors Featherstone Rovers. No doubt Kevin will be recalling his supporters enjoy their experience and want to come back for Most Points in a career: memories of those two great occasions in the Touchdown Club. more. Hopefully this will be just one of many big games we can John Woods 2492 (1976-85, 1990-92) look forward to at LSV in the future. Email: Twitter: Most Appearances: LEIGH CENTURIONS PLAYERS’ General Enquiries – twitter.com/LeighCenturions Best wishes Albert Worrall – 503 (1920-38) ASSOCIATION [email protected] or tweet us @LeighCenturions John The recently-formed Players’ Association has been going from John Roddy- Chairman.

2 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 3 COACH’S PAUL ROWLEY TALKS TO DAVE CORNER PARKINSON

ave Parkinson were meticulous in our execution and as we needed within our group and I Dcaught up with I’ve said, it’s hard to play like that but thought we ticked all the boxes. Centurions Head it’s certainly entertaining and I think :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Coach Paul Rowley that everyone from a Leigh perspective Adrian Jackson also gauged Paul’s after the Swinton will be pleased. game to look back on thoughts about the cup-tie with DP: It was nice to see get the Good Friday Featherstone Rovers. a bit of ball and show what he can encounter. AJ: Are you happy with the home do with it? tie? DP: Congratulations on the win, it PR: Absolutely, and that man again PR: Definitely, the first thing you look was a really high scoring game, Penny was chasing him down on that what did you make of it? for is to be at home. Featherstone is a long range one. He took a bit of ground good draw. It’s two of the top sides in PR: That game and Halifax one made off him but that just shows how quick the Championship, it’s quite mouth- for a good start to a difficult month. I Liam is, he certainly held his own and watering. It’s also two sides that fancy thought we played some really fantastic got in there at the corner and supported their chances of progressing. rugby. It was really enjoyable to play well on one occasion, too. and really enjoyable to watch. Our fans Brierley had the presence of mind to AJ: And at the end of it there is a were outstanding and it was a good pop the ball up. quarter-final place up for grabs? turnout at over two thousand, two We scored some superb long range PR: Yeah, and the cup has thrown out hundred. We are showing what a big some more interesting routes for teams. club we are. We enjoyed it and it’s hard efforts and some good close range ones through building pressure. A Championship side could find to play like that. It takes a lot of skill themselves with a semi-final berth and and we are delighted to come up with a DP: Your play-making spine also when you get to that spot, well it’s the win against a very good and very seems to be coming too at the bounce of a ball. Back in the present, confident Swinton side. moment. we are looking forward to our game Swinton certainly had a star performer PR: It is, but everyone has got a with Featherstone. there in Kev Penny. How he isn’t particular role in the team and the way Regular interviews with the breaking into that Warrington side that we play, if someone loses that role Centurions Coach can be seen on regularly I will never know, he’s a we break down. We are really pedantic Leigh Centurions TV. fantastic player and was pretty good. and specific on what everyone’s job is. They make a break and kick it forward Each and every one of those jobs is and he’s down the ground to pick it up. crucially important to our shape and I was disappointed with the ruck speed structure. When we get it right, it’s in the first half. It was extraordinarily pretty impressive and good to watch. slow but it did quicken up in the second DP: And particularly in that first half. Overall we played some good half it was pretty clinical wasn’t rugby. it? DP: I think that shows with the PR: Yes, and it was fast. It looks good, it number of tries scored by the looks sharp. I keep talking about Kevin threequarters, Paul. Penny, but he stopped a couple of short- PR: We spotted a weakness and stayed side plays by being defensively very on it. That was good and it was good good. I just thought overall it was a that we didn’t get bored of doing good game. We defended well and something that was working well. We identified some areas of improvement

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 5 CO-CAptain’S CORNER MIKE LATHAM caught up with CENTURIONS CO-CAPTAIN OVER THE EASTER WEEKEND.

First of all, Oli, your thoughts on How do you view the Cup-tie? Doncaster, but at the moment I’m not in the last programme The rewards for the winners are huge, looking beyond the cup-tie. There’s a really have been vindicated haven’t they? potentially a quarter-final against a top positive feel about the Leigh Centurions Yes, they’ve had two good wins since they Super League side with the profile and club at the moment with some great gave us two really hard games in the revenue for the Club that would bring. All people involved on and off the field. It’s a league and cup, so their form stacks up. I the players want to progress as far as we pleasure to come training and play in such said the league table didn’t reflect their can in the competition and we’re all a positive environment and everyone is ability as a side and they’re a potential looking forward to the game. Featherstone buzzing and enjoying their rugby. The fans banana skin for any team. always have a good following and there’s are fantastic and their support will be vital today and for the rest of the season. Ever been involved in a comeback talk that they’re going to bring one like the Halifax game? thousand fans to the game so that should help create a great atmosphere. Our fans I was involved in a very similar one playing are fantastic and make so much noise and for Huddersfield- Giants in 2000 the North Stand will be a sea of Red and at Wilderspool. We were losing 24-6 at White so it should be a really good half-time to Warrington but ended up occasion. The two sides are among the winning 44-24. The Halifax game came as best in the Championship at the present a reality shock to us as a team and the time and both are very ambitious for the way we fought back showed real future. character. It was another improbable GOLD STAR After that it’s a tough month in May comeback, like that game 14 years ago, WEEK 6 but it shows they do happen. All credit to with three out of four games away the boys for really digging in. from home? The Good Friday game against It is, with trips to Featherstone, Dewsbury Swinton contained some superb and Sheffield and a home game against football, didn’t it? It was a really good attacking performance and the excellent week’s preparation we had for the game paid off. We had a lot to work on after the Halifax game and we came up with a comprehensive victory, especially when you consider that Kevin Penny scored two tries for Swinton that wouldn’t have been scored by virtually any other player. His pace is exceptional. This afternoon is all about the Tetley’s Challenge Cup. Have you happy memories of the competition? I’ve been involved in some great games in the Cup, but the furthest I’ve got was reaching the semi-final with in 2008. We played Hull FC at Doncaster on one of the hottest days of the year and in no time were 18-0 down. We fought back well but ended up losing 32-24 which was obviously a big disappointment.

6 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 7 IN HIS LATEST CENTURIONS CHAT MARK TAYLOR , LEIGH CENTURIONS RUGBY LEAGUE CORRESPONDENT OF THE LEIGH REPORTER AND EVENING POST MEETS... TOMMY GOULDEN

energy to do something with the ball." Goulden has been a virtual ever-present at his hometown club since joining from Oldham for the 2010 season. He first turned professional with in 2005 and spent three years at Spotland. But he jumped at the chance of joining Leigh and his industry and reliability quickly endeared him to the fans. "I think he's under-rated but not by us," said Rowley. "Some people don't actually realise how skilful he is. He has the ability get passes away in tackles and his timing on angled runs is exceptional. "He is a leader on the field and respected by his team-mates which for me is the greatest accolade you can receive as a player." Goulden has tasted success in the Northern Rail Cup with Leigh in recent years and is confident of more big days ahead at the club. "We tend to raise our game for the big matches," he said. "But sometimes a game can be an arm wrestle and it's about just getting the win. "Every week is a different challenge but the new players have Paul Rowley says Tommy Goulden has something of certainly improved the squad in 2014. There is a pressure for which every player dreams: the respect of his fellow places which everyone thrives on." players. "He may not be in the limelight very often," said the Leigh TOMMY GOULDEN coach. "But he is so valuable to our club." A career in statistics The product has been outstanding in recent weeks for the Centurions, an integral part of a pack Team Season ASTGDG P where competition for places is fierce. He played a leading Rochdale 2005 040000 role in Leigh's remarkable fight-back at Halifax earlier this Rochdale 2006 16 06 0 0 24 month, scoring a vital try early in the second half as Rochdale 2007 26 0 11 00 44 Centurions overturned a 24-0 deficit to eventually win 36-28. This was despite them being down to 12 men for half-an- Oldham 2008 28 2 15 00 60 hour. "We showed some great character to come back at Oldham 2009 19 4 11 00 44 Halifax," said Goulden. "It was a crucial try from Sam Barlow Leigh 2010 21 68 0 0 32 just before half-time and that spurred us on. Leigh 2011 29 1 15 00 60 "We are a side which has great determination to turn things Leigh 2012 23 08 0 0 32 round when they're not going our way and that was Leigh 2013 25 39 0 0 36 illustrated at Halifax. Leigh 2014 9050020 "Our completion rates let us down and we just weren't smart enough. When we started to get some possession we had the 196 20 88 00 352

8 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 9 WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM A NEW SERIES By MIKE LATHAM

ontinuing our series looking at Leigh players who gave their lives Cin the First World War, this week we remember HARRY WARD .

Eight years on from winning Harry was one of the first men locally to enlist in the Forces the Championship in 1906 and was a Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. Sadly he met a Leigh’s fortunes had declined tragic end and never got the chance to fulfil his ambition of as many of their star players playing for Leigh’s first-team. As with so many of his had either retired or moved on contemporaries he was cut off in his prime. to other Clubs. Generally the Ward served in the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division which was Leigh Directors pursued a an infantry division originally formed as the Royal Naval policy of signing locally born Division at the outbreak of the war. The division comprised players and building up a men from the ranks of Royal Navy and Royal Marine team that could compete with reservists and volunteers who were not needed for service the best in the Northern at sea and fought at Antwerp and at Gallipoli and later as Union. an Army unit, it fought on the Western Front for the Sadly the onset of the First remainder of the war. World War put those plans on There were eight battalions named after past naval hold and the harsh realities of commanders and Ward was in the Anson Battalion. The the war years soon put other division was shipped to Egypt prior to serving in the Battle things, including battles on of Gallipoli. Casualties before the hostilities included the the rugby field into perspective. The weekly pages of the officer and poet, Rupert Brooke, who died at sea on 23 April Leigh Journal at that time make for harrowing reading as 1915. the grim news of the rising death toll of local servicemen was relayed from the front. Harry Ward was a collier who joined Leigh as a professional player just before Christmas 1913. He has impressed playing The Leigh Journal of 21 July 1915 reported under the for Parkside Rangers in the local league. Rangers were one headline: ‘Another Leigh Footballer Killed:’ of many Leigh-based amateur teams that sprang up around On 21 June 1915 Able Seaman Harry Ward, RNVR was this time. I am indebted to local historian Alf Ridyard for reported as missing in Gallipoli. His parents, who informing me that they sourced most of their players who reside at Norbury Street, Leigh have just received lived in the Windermere and Walmesley Road areas. Their word that he was killed on that date. Able Seaman home ground was most likely where Windermere Road Ward was with the second draft of men that landed School or where Leigh CE Infants School was built upon at a in Gallipoli and was with the ‘Anson’ Battalion. later date. Much later Rangers moved to within the fenced He enlisted on 4 September 1914 when he was off area of Parsonage Colliery just over the railway line. Alf working at the Plank Lane Collieries. He was a single adds that this ground was still there in the 1950s as he has man, 23-years-of-age. A man of fine physique he a record of a charity game being played there in which played as a forward with the Leigh ‘A’ Team. Gerry Helme featured. The ground later was used for school sports. Ward soon became a regular in the Leigh A team, impressing in the role of hooker. But his first-team opportunities were limited as Leigh had one of the best hookers in the game in Joe Cartwright, who went on to earn international honours and who toured Australia in 1920. Like Harry, Joe was a miner, earning his living in the local pits. It was an occupation followed by virtually all the Leigh players at that time. Harry would have played alongside and trained with players like Joe Darwell, Ernie Boardman and Walter Mooney who were all colliers who formed part of With thanks to the successful Leigh side of the early 1920s. He turned Leighlife.com and professional just after his Parkside Rangers team-mate Tom John Taylor for their O’Neill. tremendous assistance in researching these articles.

10 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 11 12 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com MATCHDAY

1 In which country is the Bartercard 6 Who founded the pioneering RL competition played? magazine Open Rugby?

...... 2 Can you name Halifax’s Trinidadian 7 Which leading British athlete player when they won the trialled with in 2007? Championship in 1985-86? ...... 8 The film Once We Were Warriors 3 Which RFL Club used to play at has RL references. In which city Knotty Ash? was the story located?

...... 4 In what year did Featherstone 9 Wigan and Bath RUFC played Rovers win the Challenge Cup for cross-code fixtures in what year? the first time? ...... 10 What was the name of Hull FC’s 5 What nickname was given to the previous home ground? 1982 Kangaroo tourists? ...... Answers in the next Programme

Match Day Quiz ANSWERS 6. What is a drop goal known as in the southern hemisphere? From the Swinton programme A Field-Goal :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 7. In what year did City become Huyton 1. What was ’s first professional club? RLFC? 1958, 1968 or 1978? Leeds 1968 2. Who did Daniel Anderson coach prior to joining St 8. What is Sledging? Helens? Verbal humiliation of another player New Zealand 9. Was born in Blackburn, Burnley or 3. What is the nickname of the French Club A.S. Bacup? Carcassonne? Burnley The Canaries 10. What did achieve at Salford in 2009? 4. Who wrote the RL novel (later a film) This Sporting He set a new record for consecutive number of Life? appearances, breaking ’ long-standing Club David Storey record of 140. 5. What is a Big Unit in RL? A large or physically imposing player

14 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 15 IN TOWN TODAY FEATHERSTONE SQUAD 2014 Coach: John Bastain ROVERS Assistant coaches: Danny Evans, Gordon Long e welcome Gareth Walker recently wrote a fascinating article No Name WFeatherstone Rovers for Rugby League World on the Club, highlighting 1 Ian Hardman to LSV this afternoon for the team of volunteers, largely over the age of 60 2 a mouth-watering fifth who have been building two new stands at Big round tie in the Tetley’s Fellas Stadium, the new sponsored name for the 3 Challenge Cup. ground known throughout the game as Post Office 4 Ben Hellewell Road. The competition holds special memories for Rovers 5 Jamel Chisholm fans and their amazing victory in the Final 31 years Rovers' coach, John Bastian, is in his first year as a 6 ago still holds a special place in the hearts of not head coach and is continuing the progress made 7 by before he left to take over at only people in Featherstone but Rugby League 8 supporters in general. from the departing and spark a remarkable revival with the Tigers. 9 Andy Ellis Rovers’ 14-12 victory over highly-fancied Hull FC Bastian played as a prop for Rovers between 1987- 10 Keegan Hirst on 7 May 1983 was the biggest Cup final upset for 1991 and since then has built up a formidable 11 James Lockwood over 50 years and was the last time a small-town reputation for bringing on young talent as Head of 12 team has tasted success in the competition. David Youth Development at and Hobbs was Rovers’ hero with two tries that day . 13 Matt James and that brilliant goal-kicker Steve Quinn kicked 14 four goals, including the match-deciding penalty “I think we need to be patient on the playing side 15 Matty Dale with three minutes to go. Allan Agar’s side had of things,” he told Gareth Walker in pre-season. started the campaign as 33-1 outsiders. “We’ll certainly improve as a club and as players 16 Andrew Bostock because of these facilities that are now in place. 17 Matt Nicholson The Rovers team that day was: Barker; Marsden, Long term, we all have ambitions of wanting to 18 Jamie Cording RESERVE TEAM FIXTURES 2014 Quinn, Gilbert, Kellett; Banks, Hudson; Gibbins, play at the next level and challenge the teams in Handscombe, Hankins, Hobbs, Slatter, Smith. Subs: Super League.” 19 Kyle Briggs DATE RESERVE TEAM FIXTURES 2014 K-O RESULT HOME AWAY Lyman, Siddall. Rovers have a number of new faces in their squad 20 Colton Roche 26-Feb Centurions v Featherstone Rovers 7-30pm W 44-12 2 Some years later Hobbs recalled that famous day this year. The list includes Gareth Moore, George 21 Liam Walmsley 08-Mar Oldham v Centurions 2-30pm W 42-10 Whitebank OL8 3JH to me. “For little more than a village, with a Flanagan, Keegan Hirst and Liam Walmsley who all 22 James Mendeika 12-Mar Halifax v Centurions 7-30pm W40-24 Shay HX12 2YT population of 15,000, the success that Rovers has came from . James Mendeika (ex- had is incredible,” he said. “Of the 15 players that 23 Andy Kain 19-Mar Centurions v 7-30pm W 94-6 2 Warrington), Jamie Cording and Joe Fox (both ex- played at Wembley that day, eleven of them were 24 Josh Sunley 12-Apr Centurions v North East Academy 2-30pm W 116-0 3 Huddersfield), Jamel Chisholm and Luke Teasdale miners and lived within a two-mile radius of the (both ex-Leeds), Matt Nicholson (ex-York), Colton 25 Gavin Bennion 26-Apr Academy v Centurions 2-30pm Workington Town CA14 2HD ground. Roche (ex-Sheffield) and Tongan international 26 Tommy Saxton 03-May Midlands Academy v Centurions 2-30pm Nottingham Univ NG7 2PS “They used to say that you could put a bubble over Etuate Uaisele who arrived from Australia having 27 Etu Uaisele 14-May Centurions v Featherstone Rovers 7-30pm 1 Featherstone. You lived there, worked there, boozed played in the NRL with both Penrith and 28 Sam Smeaton 24-May v Centurions 2pm Sheffield Univ S9 1UA there and played or watched their rugby there. Parramatta. 29 Jack Ormandroyd 28-May Centurions v Keighley Cougars 7-30pm 1 Within a three-mile radius of the ground there Since signing for Rovers from Doncaster RU part- 30 Luke Teasdale 11-Jun Centurions v Halifax 7-30pm 1 would be a dozen collieries and lots of small way through last season Will Sharp has become a communities. That helped produce a rivalry, at firm crowd favourite. Last season he scored 19 31 Shaun Pick 21-Jun Centurions v Cumbria Academy 2-30pm 3 school, at rugby and in the pit. Rugby League was 28-Jun Centurions v Midlands Academy 2-30pm 4 tries in 19 appearances and he is again among the 32 Joe Fox a way of life, a fierce passion for so many people. tries this year, scoring a 45m effort in the Good 05-Jul North East Academy v Centurions 2-30pm Winlaton RFC NE21 6NF There would be hundreds of miners playing the Friday win over Keighley. He has previous league 12-Jul Featherstone Rovers v Centurions 2-30pm Big Fellas Stadium WF7 5EN game for local teams. Featherstone had three experience with Hull FC and Harlequins RL. 19-Jul Centurions v Sheffield Eagles 3-45pm 5 amateur open age teams plus a professional club 24-Jul Keighley Cougars v Centurions 7-30pm BD21 3RF and that was a huge proportion of the male population engaged in playing the game.” Results so far in 2014: 30-Jul Centurions v Oldham 7-30pm 2 Dewsbury (a) L 10-11 07-Aug Halifax v Centurions 7-30pm Shay HX12 2YT These days Rovers set the standards on and off the Halifax (h) W 28-20 field for Clubs outside Super League. On the field North Wales (a) W 36-6 16-Aug Sheffield Eagles v Centurions 2-30pm Sheffield Univ S9 1UA they have become a formidably consistent force, Rochdale (h) W 56-6 leading the Championship at the end of the regular Doncaster (a) L 16-22 Swinton (h) W 36-22 Home venues as follows: season in each of the past four years. Off the field 3 at Golborne Parkside WA3 3HG their community and coaching programmes are far- North Wales (h) W 66-0 CUP 1 at Leigh Miners 4 at Leigh RU With thanks to Don Boyle, Reserve team reaching and their recently opened Centre of Barrow (a) W 38-18 Keighley (h) W 36-12 2 at Leigh East 5 at LSV manager Excellence is a facility that would be the envy of David Hobbs scores his first try in Rovers’ most Super League clubs. 1983 Cup Final victory over Hull FC.

16 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 17 IN TOWN TODAY FEATHERSTONE ROVERS

eigh and Featherstone Rovers round tie at . But Paul Coventry scored three tries as Lhave met on nine previous Rovers ran out 23-14 winners before a crowd of 5,539. Dave occasions in the Challenge Cup, Macko and Mantle scored tries for Leigh, who had Paul Grimes Rovers running out winners on six sent-off late in the first-half. Rovers lost to Leeds in the semi- occasions, including semi-final final. triumphs in 1952 and 1974. It was to be 25 years before the teams met again in the The teams first met in the competition in February 1948 when competition, Rovers defeating the Centurions 28-22 in a fourth first round ties were played over two legs. In the first leg Leigh round tie in 2003. In a game of six sin-binnings, four against won 18-3 at , getting on top in the forwards in Leigh, the visitors staged a late revival with tries by Dale the second half. Standoff Jimmy Rowe scored Leigh’s first try just Cardoza, David Alstead and Damian Munro but Rovers held out before halftime and Frank Daley, Harry Dagnan and Jack Wood in an exciting finish. Danny Seal scored two of Rovers’ four tries, added second half tries. The return leg was dominated by Leigh Stuart Dickens kicking five goals. Rovers lost to Swinton in the giving a debut to their new record signing Jimmy Ledgard. The next round. ex-Dewsbury kicked two penalty goals and Wood scored :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: two fine tries on a pitch that resembled a sea of mud in Leigh’s 10-6 victory before a crowd of 10,000. Leigh lost at Warrington Leigh v Featherstone Rovers in the next round. in the Challenge Cup In March 1952 Leigh met Rovers in the semi-final at Headingley, Played 9, Leigh won 3, Rovers won 6, and a stern, forward duel took place on a cold and windy day Points: Leigh 115, Rovers 134. before a crowd of 35,000. Ledgard gave Leigh the lead with a 1948 First Round (two legs): penalty goal in the ninth minute and they maintained that Rovers 3 Leigh 18 (5,000); Leigh 10 Rovers 6 (10,000); slender advantage well into the second half. With the elements at his back Miller levelled the scores with a penalty after 63 minutes 1952 Semi-Final (at Headingley): and kicked two more in the final six minutes to send Rovers to Rovers 6 Leigh 2 (35,000); Wembley for the first time in their history, where they lost 18-10 1955 Third Round: to Workington Town in the final. Leigh 9 Rovers 13 (20,000); Leigh rued missed chances when the sides met again in a third- 1957 First Round: round tie three years later. Rovers edged home 13-9 at Kirkhall Leigh 17 Rovers 11 (12,000); Lane before a crowd of 20,000, Metcalfe scoring a crucial try and 1962 Third Round: Fennell kicking four goals, Fox the other. Bill McFarlane gave Rovers 23 Leigh 9 (11,000); Leigh hope with a late try and Ledgard kicked three goals. Rovers lost to Workington in the last four. 1974 Semi-Final (at Headingley): Rovers 21 Leigh 14 (7,971); Leigh beat Rovers at home 17-11 in a first round tie in 1957 after another tough game. Jack Gibson, Bill Kindon and Brian 1978 First Round: Fallon scored tries and Joe Hosking kicked four goals before a Leigh 14 Rovers 23 (5,539); 12,000 crowd. Leigh went on to reach the semi-final but lost to 2003 Fourth Round: Barrow after a replay. Rovers 28 Leigh 22 (2,257) Rovers’ pack dominated a third round tie at Post Office Road in 1962, and beat Leigh 23-9 before 11,000 spectators. Fox (2), Waterworth, Lingard and Lambert scored Rovers’ tries, Mick Martyn grabbing Leigh’s consolation. Rovers lost to in the semi-final. Forty years ago Leigh faced Rovers in the semi-final at Headingley before the smallest semi-final crowd in the competition’s history, just 7,971. Leigh were well in the game until Rovers took control in the second half with tries by Bridges, Dyas, Smith and Mason to run out winners by 21-14. Tommy Davies and Denis Boyd scored Leigh’s tries and captain Jimmy Fiddler kicked four goals. Rovers lost 24-9 to Warrington in the final at Wembley. In 1978 player-coach led from the front as then second division Leigh put up a stern fight against Rovers in a first Tommy Davies’ try in the 1974 semi-final

18 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 19 IN RESERVE Leigh Centurions have confirmed that two more of their promising young players have committed their immediate futures to the Club by signing extended contracts until November 2016. Halfback or hooker Lewis Foster and centre or second row , both aged 20, have Coach Paul Anderson both impressed for Paul Anderson’s Reserves side so far this season and the Coach has worked closely with Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont and the Centurions board to secure the duo on contracts. The dual signings follows on from the similar recent new deals handed out to young Reserve Team players Sam Baggaley, Frankie Halton and Sam Peet. Commenting on the signings Anderson said: “I am very Martyn Ridyard lines up a kick. pleased that the Directors have again backed my judgement and in recent weeks we have now signed up five players who all have the potential to become good players for Leigh Centurions. “Lewis played for St Helens Under-19s and has a big future ahead of him. He prefers playing nine but could easily become a seven over time. He had a great pre-season and featured well in the first-team pre-season friendlies. “Chris is a Wigan lad who can play in the pack or three- Cameron Pitman scythes over for his first Leigh Centurions try. quarters and could even become a prop. He is a versatile player and got a taste of first-team action when he made a try-scoring debut off the bench in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup-tie against Wigan St Pats.” Meanwhile the Centurions will break new ground when their Reserves Team fixture against Midlands Academy on Saturday 28 June will be played at Leigh RUFC’s Hand Lane ground (2-30pm). ACTION The move marks the latest move in the Centurions’ bid to establish and develop links with the Community Clubs in the area, having already staged fixtures at Leigh Miners, Leigh v SWINTON LIONS East and Golborne Parkside ARL Clubs. Oli Wilkes on the charge. The staging of the game at Hand Lane forms an integral part of the “Leigh Centurions Community Partner Club Scheme” which was launched in November 2013, with the aim to take a series of Reserve team fixtures out on the road and to create a host of all-day family fun events. Centurions Director Andy Mazey said: "This initiative further strengthens our relationships with our community partner clubs. It breaks new ground in that it includes the local club, with whom we have an excellent relationship. "The game also enables us to further publicise the Centurions club and to give our Reserve team players the opportunity to play in front of a large and appreciative audience at a great venue. Our Reserve Team manager Don Boyle and Coach Paul Anderson have fully embraced this initiative and our stars of the future will be on show as part of what will be a great day of fun. “ On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Leigh RUFC for making this event possible and would urge Liam Kay dives over for the first of his Liam Kay burns off the cover defence Ryan Brierley evades the Swinton defence as many of our loyal supporters to get down to hat-trick tries. for a spectacular hat-trick try. what is a fine venue and enjoy the day.”

20 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 21 ON THIS DAY APRIL IN HISTORY 27 By MIKE LATHAM

2008 - A high-scoring National League One game at Hilton 1973 - In the last season of one division Leigh finished in Park, but the Centurions finished on the losing end of a 36-42 13th place and visited in the first round of the score-line against Halifax, despite leading 24-6 at half-time. Top 16 Play-Off. St Helens won 29-14 before a crowd of 5,000 David Alstead scored two tries for Leigh with Dave McConnell, with Billy Melling and Frank Barrow scoring tries and Jimmy Dennis Moran, Mike Wainwright and Chris Giles also going over. Fiddler kicking four goals. The game was marred by Leigh loose- Ian Watson kicked five goals and Lee Marsh one. forward Tony Barrow suffering a broken leg. Chris Hill was sent-off for a high tackle on the half-hour. Future Centurions Sean Penkywicz (two tries) and Paul Smith (one) were 1969 - Leigh’s season ended with an 11-9 Play-Off defeat at among the Halifax try-scorers. at the hands of Workington Town. ’s The Leigh side was: Moran; Giles, Thomas, Kohe-Love, Alstead; converted try gave Leigh a 9-8 lead with five minutes remaining Marsh, Watson; Morrison, McConnell, Price, Taylor, Doran, but Ian Wright scored an injury-time winner for Town in front of Wainwright. Subs: Roberts, Smith, Hill, Hobson. The attendance 3,663 spectators. was 2,212. 1964 - Leigh finished second in Division Two but as the RFL 1997 - Leigh’s fifth successive league win, 34-14 at home to had decided to bring back one division for the following season York featured a brace of tries apiece by Paul Daniel and Dean their efforts went largely unrewarded. Mick Martyn celebrated the Purtill with David Ingram and Jimmy Veikoso also crossing. Purtill award of his Benefit cheque (£910) by scoring two tries to take added five goals, but the crowd was only 1,240. his tally to 22 for the year, as Leigh wound up their campaign with a 21-7 home win over Champions Oldham (4,000). 1986 - Leigh had one of their hardest away games of the season on their way to the Second Division Championship, before 1957 - Leigh’s season had faded away with just two points defeating Doncaster 20-12. It was Leigh’s 25th successive league in their last eight league games after the disappointment of a win. Challenge Cup semi-final replay defeat at the hands of Barrow. Steve Halliwell took his tally for the season to 33 with two tries- They finished 17th in the league and their final game was a 27- he eventually scored a club record 49 tries. and 15 defeat at Warrington (8,000) after Leigh led 15-8 at one Phil Fox also scored, Chris Johnson kicking five goals. stage. But Bill Kindon was among the Leigh try-scorers, his 36th of a marvellous personal campaign- a new club record that lasted 1980 - John Woods scored the only try of a hard fought and for 29 years. occasionally brutal Play-Off tie at as Leigh beat Hull FC 8-0 before a crowd of 13,120. 1950 - Leigh finished sixth in the league, their best position Woods’ try was a brilliant 90-yard solo effort early in the game. for 26 years. Their season closed with a dour 6-2 success at Duncan Scott added two goals and a late drop-goal. Leigh lost to Widnes, their eighth win in a row. Ted Kerwick and Jimmy Rowe Northern in the two-legged semi-final. scored their tries (9,000).

Bill Kindon ended the Jimmy Rowe scored in 1956-57 season with a Leigh’s win at Widnes 64 Club record 36 tries. years ago.

22 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 23 LEIGH CENTURIONS COMMERCIAL NEWS By COMMUNITY TODAY’S GAME and Military personnel as well as normal consumers, from all over the world. They proudly donate a percentage of each calendar sale to TREVOR Good afternoon and welcome everyone to the fantastic various war veteran charities including Help for Heroes. For more Tetley’s Challenge Cup 5th round tie against Featherstone FOUNDATION information please visit www.edgarbrothers.com. BARTON Rovers. Today’s ball sponsor is Atico’s Hair and Beauty. Gary Pollitt, who has The Challenge Cup certainly holds some fantastic memories for both run Atico’s so successfully for over 15 years, has been associated with Play Touch Rugby League in Leigh is thriving! me personally when I was privileged enough to win it with Bradford the Club since starting in business and we truly thank him for his Bulls back in 2003 and for the town of Leigh back in 1971, as not a loyal support. eigh has always been a Joanne has been taken by the PTRL concept of 'why work out when day goes by when people stop me in the streets to talk about their Lstronghold of Rugby League and you can play'. For anyone who is thinking of joining their local PTRL experience at Wembley that memorable year. Our friends from As a true indication that the club is growing from strength to it’s no different with Play Touch site but has not yet taken the final step she says: "It certainly beats a Featherstone enjoyed Wembley success on three occasions in 1967, strength I’m pleased to announce today that so is our backroom staff. Rugby League (PTRL). treadmill!" 1973 and 1983 which is a fantastic achievement. We have appointed sales executive Amanda Lee, who will start with the club in May and she will be challenged with increasing our Today it gives me great please to welcome another new company to Wednesday's action saw eight teams competing in matches Rebecca Armstrong, another Sports Lecturer said: "I'm really enjoying sponsorship sales and looking for new ways to generate extra income the Leigh Centurions family in Edgar Brothers, who are today’s across two time slots throughout the evening. everyone playing together and the social aspect of playing alongside for the Club. people from work and making new friends." Matchday Hosts. Edgar Brothers mastermind a highly successful This brought together a real mix of former professionals, amateur So if your business needs that extra advertising push or you are Joanne, Rebecca and their colleagues are entering their own PTRL calendar Hot Shots and contribute hugely to the “Help for Heroes” players from all levels and new recruits to the game, both male and charity. looking to entertain clients then please drop me an e mail to female. team next week, just three weeks after giving PTRL a try. This is being [email protected]. replicated in PTRL across the country. Hot Shots has risen from conception in early 2009 to become a true Professional referee Warren Turley has both played and supported success story with a global following to match. Showcasing their Be as loud as ever and enjoy the game. PTRL takes place every Wednesday from 6pm at Leigh PTRL in Leigh over recent weeks and he commented: "The league is gorgeous Hot Shots girls alongside some of the latest tactical kit, Hot Rob Parker Miners Rangers ARLFC, Leigh. For more information contact building each week and one of the great things has been introducing Shots calendars have become a pin-up mainstay with serving Police General Manager new players to the game.” John Duffy by email [email protected] or by telephone on 07823321877 This week staff from Leigh Sports College started playing the game for MATCHDAY HOSTS MATCHBALL SPONSOR the first time thanks to the Leigh PTRL competition. PTRL is aimed at anyone looking to improve their fitness, learn new skills and make new friends along the way. All Joanne Bishop, Sports Lecturer at the College, has been introduced to the while the key ingredient is having fun. To find out more PTRL this year and is using it to improve her fitness, agility and speed. on the game, or to find your local venue, Joanne says she enjoys outdoor sport and is introducing more girls visit www.playtouchrugbyleague.co.uk. each week.

LISA NEWS From LYNDA PIKE COACH TO FEATHERSTONE LISA will be running a coach to the away Kingstone Press LISA is an acronym for Leigh Independent Supporters Championship game v Featherstone Rovers on Sunday 4 May Association, and as the name suggests is an Independent (3pm kick-off). Supporters Group for the Leigh Centurions. LISA has been in existence for over 10 years, with the main goal Pick up points are: of helping to finance new players to the club which is 12.00 LSV ~ 12.05 St Mary’s Way ~ 12.15 Atherton mainly achieved by members’ contributions. COACH TO DEWSBURY Through generous contributions by LISA members and support by LISA will also be running a coach to the away Kingstone Press Leigh fans in general we have managed to help the club bring in Championship game v on Sunday 11 May (3pm players who would have not normally been signed. Please see the kick-off). LISA Roll of Honour page on our website for the list of players the club have signed over the years with the help of LISA. Pick up points are: For the 2014 season LISA will be proudly sponsoring Tom 12.15 LSV ~ 12.20 St Mary’s Way ~ 12.30 Atherton Spencer. Seats can be booked at the retail outlet on Leigh Market. For The more members we have enables us Leigh fans to help make Featherstone the prices are £8.50 for members and £9.50 for non our great club the best it can be. It’s no coincidence that Leigh members. For Dewsbury it’s £8 for members and £9 for non have been one of the most successful teams outside of Super members. League since LISA was formed. Thanks, Lynda

24 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 25 CHAMPIONSHIP By GARETH WALKER TALK of Rugby Leaguer & League Express

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

even Kingstone Press with both men integral to their respective side’s SChampionships clubs remain prospects. standing as we enter the last 16 of Watson has done a terrific job in difficult circumstances the Tetley’s Challenge Cup this after starting pre-season well behind his peers, while weekend. March has compiled a squad that should really make the Leigh, Featherstone, Keighley, Swinton, Doncaster, play-offs in the Championship this year. and Sheffield all have their own reasons to relish It should be a fascinating match – and the carrot of a the challenges in front of them. major payday in the last eight is a big one for both clubs. The pick of the ties, as far as the Championship goes, is Elsewhere, that payday will come in Round Five for two undoubtedly at Leigh Sports Village, where the other clubs in Doncaster and Hunslet, who have been Centurions host Featherstone Rovers in a game many drawn away at Warrington and Wigan respectively. believe could be 2014’s Grand Final at this level. Paul Rowley’s Centurions are now the only undefeated Both prudently-run clubs in recent years, those ties side in the professional game and will start as marginal should ensure a financially stable 2014, as well as offer favourites. the Dons and Hawks players the chance to test themselves against some of Super League’s very best. Featherstone have yet to fully hit their straps this season, but with a high turnover of players, an in-coming coach Last but not least, Sheffield Eagles travel to Castleford in John Bastian, and a new style of play, that was always Tigers in a match that pits old friends and likely to take time. Daryl Powell against each other. There have been signs in recent weeks that they are It finished one-all in Championship Grand Finals between beginning to gel, and the fact that they will be roared on the two, with Powell’s Featherstone winning in 2011 by at least nine coach-loads of supporters will be a big only to have that result reversed the following year. boost. This time Powell will start as strong favourite, but given It isn’t the only either all-Championship clash either – a the Tigers have been beaten by lower opposition twice in fact that makes progression to the last eight even more recent years – to Powell’s Featherstone plus Barrow – enticing. they should be fully on their guard for what should be an There will be at least two Championship clubs in the interesting clash. draw as Swinton Lions host Keighley Cougars on Then the competition moves to the quarter-final Saturday. stage. With at least two Championship sides in the That will see a battle of the two player coaches in the last eight, that Challenge Cup magic is going to last competition in the shape of Ian Watson and , a bit longer for clubs at this level of the sport.

26 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 27 LEIGH CENTURIONS

18 19 Mick Govin 20 22 Adam Higson SQUAD & SPONSORS - 2014 1 Gregg McNally C S Civils and AB Sundecks TOMMY SALE MBE Impact Insurance Marstrut Groundworks

23 Jonathan Pownall 24 Craig Briscoe 25 26 Ryan Duffy 3 Stuart Littler 4 Tom Armstrong 5 Alex Brown 2 Grada UK KREMPFAST/ Liniar DR. DOUBLET-STEWART JMS INTERIORS Marstrut Junior Centurions Corlett Electrical BRIAN HILL FAMILY

6 Martyn Ridyard 27 Anthony Bate 28 Joe Bullock 29 Jake Emmitt 30 KURT HAGGERTY 7 Ryan Brierley 8 Tom Spencer 9 Prof. BarrIE Dale & Integrated Control Taylor Drilling EVANS HALSHAW K. DARLINGTON & SON MRS AUDREY DALE Solutions LTD ONeills L.I.S.A. Ask Platt Office Supplies NEXT UP AT LSV

10 Oliver Wilkes 11 Matthew Sarsfield 12 Tommy Goulden 13 Sam Barlow 31 CAMERON PITMAN Prof. BarrIE Dale & SUNDAY SUNDAY SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE MRS AUDREY DALE Pam Ties CDA Business services The Shield Group 18TH MAY 2014 8TH JUNE 2014 Kingstone Press Kingstone Press Championship Championship Round 11 Round 14 CENTURIONS CENTURIONS v v DONCASTER HALIFAX Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. SEASON TICKETS APPLY SEASON TICKETS APPLY

14 Sean Penkywicz 15 Liam Kay 16 17 Matt Gardner HFL AB Sundecks C & S Tyres UK Liniar

28 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 29 Junior Centurions with SHARON DILLON Junior Centurions 2014 Junior Centurions now have 257 Junior members to date and this figure is increasing by the week. April TOM ARMSTRONG SHIRT SPONSORSHIP Birthdays Junior Centurions are proud to be shirt sponsor for Tom Armstrong in 2014. Junior Links Noah Bottomley 02/04/2012 There are links to the Junior Centurions page on Ryan Morkmoon 03/04/2009 www.leighcenturions.co.uk and on www.leighlife.com for any Jazmine Sawyer 04/04/2007 news or information. Leila Stringer 04/04/2003 Follow @jnrcenturions on Twitter for the latest updates on the Travis Barrett 06/04/2008 SSpecialistsSpecialispecialisttss in MecMechanical,hanical, JC’s Club. Leah Rowland 07/04/2009 NEW MERCHANDISE Lewis Boardman 07/04/2003 The picture shows our new merchandise, all of which is Noah Lancelott 07/04/2003 ElectricalElectriicalcal and Public Health.Health. available at Leigh Retail. Sean Gallagher 10/04/2002 Carrie Allison 12/04/2005 Thomas Collins 12/04/2008 -DPHV46/WG‡1HZQKDP6WUHHW‡%ROWRQ‡%/4$‡-DPHV46/WG‡ 1HZQKDP 6WUHHW ‡ %ROWRQ ‡ %/ 4$ ‡   Cobyn Fletcher 13/04/2002 Ryan Calland 13/04/2003 Emily Camm 14/04/2004 Allan Gaskell 15/04/2004 Shannon Jackson 17/04/2004 Gabriel Backler 18/04/2007 Abigail McCabe 20/04/2002 Robert Sculthorpe 20/04/2002 Aimee Cargill-James 22/04/2007 Josh Hatherall 22/04/2004 Derelle Wildman 23/04/2006 Matthew Bailey 24/04/2007 Molly Barnes 25/04/2005 24/04/2004

30 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 31 32 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 33 Leigh Q&A Centurions STUART LITTLER

My Best characteristics good night and Oasis were immense Name Stuart Littler Date of Birth 19 February 1979 Sense of humour Famous person I would hate to be Place of Birth Billinge My Bad Habits stuck in a lift with and why Height 6ft 3 Leaving towels untidy in the Jamie Acton and Tom Spencer Weight 100kg bathroom arguing over who knows more WWE Chest size 44” My Phobias - Cats Waist size 35” wrestlers Boot size 10 Who I look up to - my Dad My most treasured item Eye colour Brown My Sporting hero My family, especially my Son Caleb Eric Cantona My hobbies My best event at London 2012 I like to listen to fishing on the radio would have been with Jonny Pownall Gymnastics, due to my amazing flexibility Music I listen to A very eclectic mix (check my i-pad Sport I like to watch All Sports- I am a Sports Nerd on lol) the quiet A good night out Famous person I would most like Would be abroad, I like the sun see to have dinner with & why My motto in life Stuart Littler gets the ball away despite the attention of Whitehaven Players. Liam Gallagher, think it would be a Don’t die with the music in you My Rugby League dream team

1 7 13 2 8 3 9 Subs 4 10 , , 5 11 Sonny Bill Williams , 6 12

For all your property requirements contact Simon Cooke

Fairclough House, 51 Lord Street, Leigh WN7 1BY Tel 01942 603000 Fax 01942 603442 email [email protected] web www.cookeandcompany.co.uk

34 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 35 FACTS & STATS

DOB Squad No Apps Subs Tries Goals DG Points Leigh Career Apps Subs Tries Goals DG Points Total Leigh Apps Jamie Acton 04/04/1992 18 33000 0 3 30 0 00 6 Tom Armstrong 12/09/1989 49070028 18 6 14 0056 24 Martin Aspinwall 21/10/1981 16 30000 0 12 30 0 0 0 15 Sam Barlow 07/03/1988 13 72100 4 7 21 0 04 9 Anthony Bate 28/04/1992 27 10000 0 4 82 0 08 12 Bob Beswick 08/12/1984 96330012 61 7 11 0145 68 Ryan Brierley 12/03/1992 7 10 0 18 16 0 104 40 26 68 22 2 318 66 Alex Brown 28/08/1987 52000002000002 Craig Briscoe 08/12/1992 24 00000 0 28 24 80032 52 Joe Bullock 27/11/1992 28 00000 0 1 60 0 00 7 Ryan Duffy 13/05/1993 26 30100 4 8 18 50020 26 Jake Emmitt 04/10/1988 29 19100 4 7 16 90036 23 Lewis Foster 21/12/1993 00000 0 0 00 0 00 0 Matt Gardner 24/08/1984 17 00000 0 58 0 26 00104 58 Tommy Goulden 30/06/1981 12 90500 20 107 10 45 00180 117 Mick Govin 05/12/1984 19 00000 0 21 18 9 31 0 98 39 Kurt Haggerty 08/01/1989 30 44300 12 12 66 0 0 24 18 Chris Hankinson 30/11/1993 01100 4 0 11 0 04 1 Adam Higson 19/05/1987 22 10 0800 32 55 22 25 00100 77 Sam Hopkins 17/02/1990 35 21100 4 37 31 27 00108 68 Liam Kay 17/12/1991 15 82700 28 8270028 10 Stuart Littler 19/02/1979 3701004100 1 32 00128 101 Gregg McNally 02/01/1991 1 10 0800 32 70 0 39 20 0 196 70 Steve Maden 13/09/1982 2000000206 3 73 00292 209 Michael Ostick 23/01/1988 25 00000 0 46 85 0 0 20 54 Sean Penkywicz 18/05/1982 14 44300 12 16 24 13 0052 40 Cameron Pitman 09/07/1989 31 40100 4 5 01 0 04 5 Jonny Pownall 22/08/1991 23 10200 8 49 2 32 00128 51 Martyn Ridyard 25/07/1986 690149 1 103 131 10 63 329 5 915 141 Matthew Sarsfield 10/09/1991 11 70200 8 7 02 0 08 7 Tom Spencer 02/01/1991 88230012 33 21 10 0040 54 Andy Thornley 01/03/1989 20 02000 0 26 44 10 0040 70 Oliver Wilkes 02/05/1980 10 27300 12 41 12 12 0048 53 130 40 80 65 1 451 1219 334 556 402 8 3036

Goal Kicking KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP Goals Attempts % PWDLBP FA DIFF PTS Martyn Ridyard 49 65 75 Leigh Centurions 88000349 142 207 24 Ryan Brierley 16 19 84 Featherstone Rovers 86022256 117 139 20 Gregg McNally 00 0 Doncaster 86021174 166 8 19 Halifax 85033230 158 72 18 Kurt Haggerty 00 0 Dewsbury Rams 85032211 166 45 17 Mick Govin 00 0 Sheffield Eagles 74033222 160 62 15 Batley Bulldogs 84042145 187 -42 14 TRY TRACKER (MINUTES) Keighley Cougars 83052194 215 -21 11 For Against Workington Town 82064122 178 -56 10 0-9 83Whitehaven 73041126 188 -62 10 10-19 11 4 Rochdale Hornets 73041130 214 -84 10 20-29 84Swinton Lions 82063183 249 -66 9 30-40 14 4 72052124 191 -67 8 40-49 82 50-59 10 6 81071128 263 -135 4 60-69 10 3 70-80 11 4 with thanks to Dave Parkinson 80 30

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HEAD COACH - SQUAD - 2014 PAUL ROWLEY

No PLAYER SPONSOR

1 Gregg McNally Marstrut 2 Steve Maden JMS Interiors 3 Stuart Littler Marstrut 4 Tom Armstrong Junior Centurions 5 Alex Brown Corlett Electrical 6 Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions LTD 7 Ryan Brierley ONeills 8 Tom Spencer L.I.S.A. 9 Bob Beswick Ask Platt Office Supplies 10 Oliver Wilkes Prof. BarrIE Dale & MRS AUDREY DALE 11 Matthew Sarsfield Pam Ties 12 Tommy Goulden CDA Business services 13 Sam Barlow The Shield Group 14 Sean Penkywicz HFL 15 Liam Kay AB Sundecks 16 Martin Aspinwall C & S Tyres UK 17 Matt Gardner Liniar 18 Jamie Acton C S Civils and Groundworks 19 Mick Govin AB Sundecks 20 Andy Thornley TOMMY SALE MBE 21 22 Adam Higson Impact Insurance 23 Jonathan Pownall Grada UK 24 Craig Briscoe KREMPFAST/BRIAN HILL FAMILY 25 Michael Ostick Liniar 26 Ryan Duffy DR. DOUBLET-STEWART 27 Anthony Bate Taylor Drilling 28 Joe Bullock Prof. BarrIE Dale & MRS AUDREY DALE 29 Jake Emmitt EVANS HALSHAW 30 KURT HAGGERTY K. DARLINGTON & SON 31 CAMERON PITMAN SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE 35 SAM HOPKINS SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

OFFICIALS Referee: Mr. B. THALER Touch Judges: MR P. GRUNDILL, Mr G. JONES RESERVE: MR S. ANSELL MATCH COMMISSIONER: MR D. ASQUITH

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