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KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP v RAMS SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2013 AT Kick Off 3:00pm

Main Match Sponsor Match Ball Sponsor CLUB CONTACTS FROM THE Telephone: Facebook: 01942 487887 www.facebook.com/leighcenturionsfanpage EDITOR By ALAN EDGE Email: Twitter: General Enquiries – twitter.com/LeighCenturions WHO’S WHO [email protected] or tweet us @LeighCenturions At Leigh Centurions Today’s Visitors Although it is a huge ask of the team, they have already shown Hon Life President that they are capable of beating the three teams above us in the Mr Tommy Sale MBE his afternoon we table, and wouldn’t it be a great occasion to take part in a Grand Tbid a warm ‘Leyther’ Hon Vice President NEXT UP AT LSV Final, at our own stadium? Of course, there is just the small Mr Andy Burnham MP welcome to the players, matter of doing something that we haven’t achieved since 2004 – Hon Life Members officials and namely, actually winning a play-off game! Mr Brian Bowman supporters of Dewsbury Mr Tommy Coleman Kingstone Press Rams, for the final Kingstone Press Prize money is allocated to the participating clubs, as follows: - Mr Frank Taylor Championship Play-Offs Championship league fixture of the Championship leaders - £25,000; Grand Final winners - £50,000; Supervisory Board Chairman: season. Grand Final Runners up - £30,000; 3rd place (after play-offs) - Mr John Roddy If we finish 3rd or 4th, £12,000; 4th place - £10,000; 5th place - £6,000; 6th place - we will play away in Week 1 Operations Director: At the time of writing, Dewsbury occupy seventh place in the £4,000; 7th place - £2,000; 8th place - £1,000. Mr Allan Mazey Should we lose in Week 1, we will be at home in Week 2 Championship table and should, barring a freak set of results, be Board Of Management to be played between Friday 13th taking part in the end of season play-offs. That should be viewed The Whitehaven Game Mr Michael Norris and Sunday 15th September as a major achievement of new coach Glenn Morrison, who has In our previous home fixture, the 44-6 defeat of Mr Derek Beaumont If we win in Week 1, we will be at home in Week 3 invested in a number of youthful signings, to complement a few Whitehaven, our backs all registered tries. One of the Mr Andy Mazey experienced signings. We are delighted to welcome back, former Mr Alan Platt to be played between Thursday 19th features of this season is how the tries have been shared Mr Steve Openshaw and Sunday 22nd September Leigh forwards, Tommy Gallagher, and Steve Nash, in Dewsbury out among the team. colours. Mr Neil Wilcock Watch the press and club/fans websites for details Nevertheless, it is somewhat unusual to see the backs score all Ms Jackie Mottershead Whilst Dewsbury’s victories have (so far!) all been against teams All to pay eight tries, and for each one of them to score. was Mr Trevor Barton MBE below them in the table, it is well worth noting that they have the ‘greedy’ back who scored twice. Company Secretary picked up bonus points against , Featherstone and , The North Leigh Park Group Mr John Massey in addition to dumping Halifax out of the Northern Rail Cup, so First Team Coach Mr Paul and the boys will need to be at their best today, to gain the For the Swinton and Whitehaven home games, we Assistant Coach HONOURS CLUB RECORDS victory that would ensure fourth place in the table. received information from North Leigh Park Group too Mr Neil Jukes Championship Winners: Biggest Victory: In keeping with virtually all our visitors this season, (and late to publish in the programme. Under 20's Coach 1905-06 92-2 vs Keighley (1986) ourselves) Dewsbury’s home gates have shown a drastic reduction Their guests at the Swinton game were the , Leigh & District Mr Paul Anderson Division One Champions: Biggest Defeat: on last season’s. Their average home Championship crowd has Society for the Blind, who are a small charity working to help Under 18's Training Squad 1981-82 4-94 vs (1995) been 828, compared with 1,134 in 2012 – a reduction of 27% - blind and partially sighted people lead full lives in the local area. Coaches Division Two Champions: Highest Home Attendance: despite finishing outside the play-off spots last season. The charity is looking for help with collections; If you can help, Mr 1977-78, 1985-86, 1988-89 31,326 vs St Helens (1953) please visit www.wiganleighsocietyfortheblind.btck.co.uk. Mr Stuart Littler Winners: Lowest Post War Home Attendance: Jy-Mel Coleman Junior Elite Training Squad Guests at the Whitehaven game were Cadence Cafe CIC. Cadence 1920-21, 1970-71 451 vs Hull (1975) Highly talented Rams’ half-back Jy-Mel Coleman was one Coaches Cup Winners: Most Tries in a game: Cafe offers an oasis for young people interested in the arts, who Mr of coach Glenn Morrison’s first signings this season, from cannot usually access them, to nurture young talent across Wigan 1952-53, 1955-56, 1970-71, 1981-82 Jack Wood 6 v (1947), Keighley. The former Met. Student has, despite Mr Tim Hartley 6 v Workington Town (2001) and Leigh. The cafe are undertaking two six month courses for BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: only being in the professional game for two years, built Mr Martin Ellis Most Goals in a game: young people to get training in music and film production; to find Physiotherapists 1969-70, 1972-73 up a strong reputation based on his ability to find gaps, Promotion To Top Division achieved Mick Stacey 15 vs Doncaster (1976) out more, please visit http://www.cadencecafecic.co.uk Jo Seddon and his astute kicking game. Steve Blakeley (Not as Champions): Most Points in a game: Club Ambassador 1963-64, 1975-76, 1991-92 Neil Turley 42 vs Chorley (2004) Unfortunately, at the end of July, Jy-Mel collapsed at a training Mr Alex Murphy OBE Other Promotion season: Most Tries in a season: session, and spent a week in Dewsbury and District Hospital, Today’s Mascot Business Manager 1997 (Division 3 to Division 2) Neil Turley 55 (2001) undergoing tests to determine the cause of his collapse. He is Rob Parker Northern Ford Minor Premiership Most Goals in a season: under strict instructions not to over exert himself for six months, Lottery Manager Winners: 2001 Neil Turley 187 (2004) and is undergoing a strictly monitored recovery process. Everyone Today’s mascot is Ms Christine Brown Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: Most Points in a season: at the Leigh club would like to extend their best wishes to Jy-Mel Corey Mather, Corey Lottery Co-ordinator 2001 Neil Turley 468 (2004) for a swift and full recovery. is seven years old and Mr Jonathan Simpkin Arriva Trains Cup Winners: Most Tries in a career: attends Leigh CE Finance Manager 2004 Mick Martyn 189 (1954-67) The Play-Offs Junior School. Ms Jane Smith LHF Champions: Most Goals in a career: We will not know, until after today’s final round of Webmaster & Ticket Sales 2004 Jimmy Ledgard 1043 (1948-58) matches, who our play-off opponents will be next week. Mr Andrew Parkinson LHF National League 1 Grand Final Most Points in a career: Should we be fortunate enough today, to secure the one Club Accountants Winners: 2004 John Woods 2492 (1976-85, 1990-92) point necessary to keep Batley in fifth place, we will be Styles & Co Northern Rail Cup Winners: Most Appearances: Hon Programme Editor 2006, 2011, 2013 Albert Worrall – 503 (1920-38) away to either Featherstone or Sheffield in week one. Mr Alan Edge What happens after that is explained in my ‘Flat Cap’ feature, on page 12 of this magazine.

2 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 3 FROM THE TOP By Chairman JOHN RODDY

cannot believe how fast this relationships with so many individuals, groups and associations I season has gone; it really does connected with and our local community. seem like only a few months since I Our supporters really do need to appreciate that whilst Paul was studying the fixtures for the Rowley looks to build his very best team to deal with the playing 2013 season and wondering, probably demands, it’s my job to build the strongest team possible to like yourselves, what the season ensure that we can support Paul, and for us to achieve the very would hold for us. best results at the end of the 2014 season. Here we are end of season, Northern Rail Cup As part of my review, I have recognised that it is vital that the RFL Champions, securing a place in the Play Offs, changes in recognise Leigh Centurions’ strengths as a club financially, its management, a more positive cash flow and a feel of resources, and the passion of our supporters. Trevor will work with real optimism around the club. me to achieve this and I cannot think of a better person to take on Things are moving very quickly, particularly on the commercial this challenge. We have much to do in this area and our progress front, and during this week the Board of Management have met during the following months I am sure will become apparent to finalise our plans to improve our financial performance further during the next few months. and to enhance our performance in respect of existing and new revenue streams. Rob Parker We have taken into consideration our plans for the 2014 season For those who join us after the game in our Banqueting and how we progress during 2015 into the new league structure. suite, you will see Rob hosting the event and introducing Our plans will be announced very shortly and I really do believe individual presentations, including new sponsors, and that all our supporters will recognise from them, both our firm coordinating individual presentations. intentions to improve the capabilities of the club and how each I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Rob; I think and every one of you, can become involved in our objectives and he has really found his feet in his role of Business Manager and is to be part of the team. now identifying and forging new relationships with sponsors who Trevor Barton MBE see the benefit of partnering Leigh Centurions - Well done Rob, excellent work. May I take this opportunity to again welcome Trevor to Enjoy today’s game everybody, I expect this will be a tough our Board of Management. encounter with ; we really do need you to be very We are delighted that Trevor has agreed to join us. Trevor's loud and supporting the team today! appointment is key to our Club for many reasons - firstly for his Many thanks, sterling work with the Leigh Centurions Community Foundation (and I really do recommend that you look into the foundations John work and achievements) and secondly for Trevor's excellent John Roddy Club Chairman, Leigh Centurions RLFC

Trevor Barton - welcome to the BOM Rob Parker - an excellent matchday host

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

Head coach Paul Rowley chats to Dave back three, and they were unbelievable, Parkinson about wins, losses, referees, fantastic. Batley’s back three – in schedules and Friday nights in his latest What about preparation for Dewsbury? fantastic form last week. page. It’s a really, really big week. Dewsbury are It was a return to winning ways against another tough outfit and we need to be hitting Whitehaven where it was comprehensive form for the play-offs. in the end but didn’t look that way at half Dewsbury are still fighting for a home draw and time? it’s no different for us – business as normal. We Games aren’t won at half-time; it’s an eighty are looking forward to having a vociferous set of minute game. We recognised they were a bit fans behind us to be honest. I certainly think light on the forwards front and we saw that and Batley got the rub of the green there and I wore them down. We had a lot of patience to certainly think when the crowd is behind us, it our game in that second half and some of our can be influential. We are hoping our fans are execution was phenomenal. We were able to fix right behind us. up what wasn’t quite happening for us at half- Talking of preparation and game time and earned a good victory. schedules, what are your thoughts? Our ruck recognition in the first half was poor Last year if we’d played on a Thursday, we and we were eager to please and probably felt usually brought the lads in on Saturday for some the frustration of the crowd because the ruck activity. The schedule has been so intense this Greg Johnson was slow and the game a bit stop-start. We tried year that any Thursday games have been to play off those slow rucks and you can’t do followed by days off until the following Tuesday. that, but, when we were patient we kept banging on the door. We knew that quick play With the big occasions like Wembley, to then try would come and we were smart enough and in and force an extra fixture in there is a bit shape, ready to play. ridiculous. We’ve had a tough schedule but Workington Town’s schedule of late has been We are committed and we saw the fruits of our ridiculous. When there is such an emphasis on labour in the last twenty or thirty minutes player welfare, it always comes across as pretty Paul the side lost out narrowly last week. I shallow, because the actions don’t back up their thought it was a really good game and a (the RFL) words. top class finish, despite not favouring The welfare is heavily weighted on Leigh. players and not Championship, when really it I didn’t enjoy the game at all. Again I thought we should be the Championship players under most tried really hard but we gifted away some really consideration; they balance work, playing and silly penalties, some bad errors and executed life as well. They’ve been very neglected I’ve pretty poorly. thought, especially this year. There were some bad decisions from us, from the If you look at Thursdays straight away – it’s a day Johnny Campbell referee and it all ended up with the result that it or half a day off in going to the game and an did. Batley were going down and time-wasting extra day after because you are arriving home with twenty minutes to go, but that showed late. The referee from Thursday’s game at Batley what it meant to them, with the way they told me he’d come off a ten hour shift, so it also celebrated at the end of the game. For us it’s affects what referees are doing as well. about what comes next. We played tough but What I will say about games in the week is that there are certainly lessons to be learned and it’s a huge advantage to the home sides, and I there will be some harsh review. It would be easy suppose that’s why personally I enjoyed the to blame other things, but at the end of the day Friday night games from our point of view last it all comes down to what we do and we had season. enough ball and enough territory; we just weren’t as smart as we could have been. I am an advocate of Friday nights or Saturday kick-offs, although I realise that may be As always the players gave 100 per cent in a unpopular with our older fans. I think it brings tough game. Batley are a huge side and I’m not success on the field. For example, Sheffield meaning to be disrespectful to them in any way. haven’t lost a game at home all season when When you pick the bones out of the game, I played on a Friday night. don’t think either side was great. It happened Miles Greenwood last time but we won; we failed to control their Food for thought as always Paul!

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 11 A VIEW FROM UNDER TIME TO STOP A FLAT CAP By ALAN EDGE By THE ROT MIKE HULME Views expressed in this article are not necessarily Mike Hulme those of the Leigh Centurions club, or its Directors! Editor: - Formerly the editor of the Leigh Journal, Mike Hulme currently holds a similar role with “I do my best to avoid mysteries and winners then playing the lowest placed ones in succeeding the new local newspaper the Leigh Independent, copies of which can be obtained at any of the any kind of complications. I like rounds. supermarkets in town. Mike possesses a vast knowledge of Leigh Centurions and the world of everything around me to be clear as However the RFL, and Championship clubs, came up with the crystal and completely calm.” Rugby League and I am delighted to welcome him back to the pages of ‘The Centurion’. matrix I have attempted to replicate below. I say ‘attempted’ – film producer/director Alfred because I am not entirely confident that I have interpreted the Hitchcock. RFL’s press release accurately! I wonder how many of the HAVE had this article I will not go on about many of the other enough to cope with the loss of a couple of Oh for an Alfred Hitchcock to be in charge of the RFL, Championship club representatives understood this, when they Iin my head for several mistakes that have been made over the last clubs. especially when it comes to producing a format for the voted for it? Apparently it models the Sooper Dooper League play- months now and as the five years, but we have reached the point Championship play-offs! off format, without the added complication of the ‘club call’, business end of the where a think tank of the best brains in the Some of the experts the season approaches, game is needed to provide the medicine I thought last season’s whereby the top placed club winning a game in week one can author would like to see then select who they want to play in week three. perhaps it’s time to air rugby league needs. forming a ‘think tank’ on the format, involving six my views. It would be neglectful to sit quietly and clubs, was complicated Dave Parkinson and I were discussing the options in producing a future of the game. Let's begin by listing some facts. watch the game continue its slide into enough to understand, programme at short notice, for the play-offs. Dave reckoned that decline. The Super League competition has no major and rejoiced when I we would need to do one, and after hours spent studying the The growth of in the UK (which David Waite heard that eight clubs format, I’m reasonably convinced that he was right! Assuming we sponsor; the chairman of Hull KR has decided that he cannot justify losing more of can be measured in several ways, however would participate in finish fourth, then we would have to visit either Sheffield or his own money, just to rank as a mid-table you want to discuss it) and the lure and this year’s end of Featherstone – depending on who finishes first. If we lose that team; 's crowds are going down, not attraction of the NRL ‘Down Under’, (the season jamboree. At game, we would definitely then be at home in week two, and if up, despite all of the efforts put in to boost salary cap is increasing there significantly, last, I reasoned, we won in week one, then we should (I think) get a home game the game in the capital; there is no sensible whereas it hasn't increased significantly something in week three! pathway for players to progress to the here in the last ten years) are a massive challenge to rugby league in this country. straightforward, like we Anyway, I’ll leave it to you to decide, as my head is now hurting! highest level; (dual registration has been a Alfred Hitchcock - would have made disaster in my opinion) and the fact that a Unless we do something soon we will lose had in years gone by – Perhaps we should all approach this in a positive frame of mind, the majority of our best players. a good RFL supremo. 1v8; 2v7; 3v6; 4v5, city like Hull has not managed to produce a even if we don’t fully understand it – as American author Nora half back in the last decade is a sad We will get to a point when we can't call it with the highest placed Roberts said, “Nothing worthwhile is ever without complications.” indictment of our junior development. Super League. Gary We can add to all of this that the game's So being positive, optimistic and pragmatic, Hetherington KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP administrators are now discussing how what do we do? I do think there is a chance many teams we should have in the Super for us to change the way the game is going PLAY-OFF FORMAT 2013 League competition, less than three years and the new chairman, , joins since the second round of licenses were the sport at a pivotal moment. His bold and Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 granted to have 14 teams in the top brave leadership will define the fortunes of 6th - 8th September 13th - 15th September 19th -22nd September Sunday 29th September division. The majority of clubs are not the game for the next generation of followers. at Leigh Sports Village financially sustainable and some things need to change. I would strongly suggest he listens to the QUALIFYING PLAY-OFF PRELIMINARY SEMI-FINALS QUALIFYING SEMI-FINALS GRAND FINAL Unless we do something soon we will lose advice of people such as Ian Lenagan, Eamonn McManus and . (A) (E) (G) the majority of our best players, and we will 1 v 4 Highest ranked loser in (A)/(B) Highest ranked winner in (A)/(B) get to a point when we can't call it a Super I also think it would be a good idea to hear (B) vv League. from people such as David Waite and others 2 v 3 Lowest ranked winner in (C)/(D) Lowest ranked winner in (E)/(F) Winner of (G) who have a deep understanding of how the game should develop. To me, it would make ELIMINATION PLAY -OFF (F) (H) v sense to listen to men such as Jon Wilkin and and try to understand (C) Lowest ranked loser in (A)/(B) Lowest ranked winner of (A)/(B) Winner of (H) what the whole game needs to grow. 5 v 8 vv There are several examples of clubs and Highest ranked winner in (C)/(D) Highest ranked winner in (E)/(F) sports turning things around in a three year (D) period but it usually takes a change of 6 v 7 direction to pull this off. Currently we have several clubs struggling I have already stated that this format mirrors the SL one so, in the interests of completeness, I can inform you that the Championship which could quite possibly cease to exist. I One play-off consists of FIVE clubs, (with the top one being exempt) and the Under 20’s play-offs will involve THREE clubs. Nothing like Brian Barwick - new Chairman of the know this is not exclusive to rugby league, consistency, eh?! RFL. but unlike some other sports we are not big

12 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 13 IN TOWN TODAY THE NEW RAMS IN THE FLOCK - 2013 Probably the most notable new acquisition, unenviable task of stepping into the boots of was that of coach Glenn Morrison . The former Rams’ favourite, and play maker popular Australian had a distinguished ‘Patch’ Walker. Centre Scott Hale , at 21, is DEWSBURY RAMS playing career of over 200 games in the NRL, another former Academy star who makes the with Balmain, North , North step up into senior rugby with the Rams. Queensland and Parramatta, before racking Scott commenced his career with Haydock, By ALAN EDGE up almost another century of appearances in before being snapped up by St Helens, for Super League, with Bulls and whom he made four Super League DEWSBURY’s Homes 1972/3 saw the clubs only championship (the equivalent of Wildcats. Morrison cut his appearances. Last season he played in the current day Super League) success, when they defeated Leeds, at teeth in coaching, with a successful stint in Championship with Swinton, on a ‘dual’ Dewsbury have a long and proud history in the sport of Odsal. They had actually finished eighth in the league, but won charge of the Wildcats’ academy side, contract. At the time of writing, Hale is the Rugby League. their way through the play-offs! prompting first team coach to only ever-present in the squad. hand him an assistant role with the Super – Sugar Lane. The club was formed, as Dewsbury Football In , their famous, and recently re-furbished wooden stand Prop Tom Lillycrop (21) opted to link up 1875 1998 League outfit. Morrison’s wealth of playing and Athletic Club, following a meeting at the Saddle Inn, and was burned down, by three local youths, and the club lost with his coach again, despite the overtures of experience and coaching badges is sure to other Championship clubs, when it was Karl Pryce - a big capture for the played their first fixture on a field near to . Their first everything, including all their historical memorabilia. pay dividends at the Tetley’s Stadium. recorded fixture was against Heckmondwike Church Society. announced that he was to leave Wakefield, Rams this season. 1991 – Mount Pleasant. Following the fire, Dewsbury decided The new coach has made a number of where he gained recognition in the Academy 1876 – Crown Flatt. Quickly realising they needed a ‘proper’ to move home, into a purpose-built stadium, and ground-shared signings for this season, following the awards for 2012. Former Wakefield team ground, the club purchased a sub-tenancy at Crown Flatt, with neighbours Batley, while the stadium was being built. departure of several high profile players from mate , wing is just a year older opposite their original home. In 1879 the club changed their last season’s squad, including Steve than Lillycrop, but already has 27 Super original playing strip, of blue and ‘cardinal’, to the eye-catching 1994 – Crown Flatt – later to become The Tetley’s Stadium. Crossley, Pat Walker, Ryan Esders, Cain league games to his credit, bagging nine tries colours of black, crimson and yellow. 1881 saw their first cup Dewsbury celebrated their first home game at the new Crown Southernwood, Ayden Faal, and George in the process. Yet another former Wildcat to success, with a Cup final win over Wakefield. Flatt stadium, in Owl Lane, with a resounding victory over Flanagan . follow his coach, is prop Russ Spiers , (22) Barrow, by 82-6. In the main, Morrison has opted for youthful who made two appearances for Wakefield in By 1888 , the club, which was gaining a reputation as being the 2011. Last season, Spiers played his part in best equipped in Yorkshire, purchased their ‘Noah’s Ark’ stand, 1998 – The stadium was re-named as Ram Stadium. After replacements, as he sets out to build his squad, although he has blended the youth Doncaster’s Championship One Grand Final (I’m not sure whether the name relates to the design, Yorkshire being narrowly defeated by in the 1999 Northern Ford with experience in five of his signings, triumph, as a ‘dual’ contract player. weather, or the occupants!) and changed their name to the Premiership Final, Dewsbury Rams, as they were now known, starting with Halifax’ s Papa New Guinea Ryan Wright , (21) was Morrison’s first ‘Dewsbury and Saville Cricket and Football Club. In 1895, they went one better the following year, ousting Leigh by one point in another thrilling final. The sweet taste of success was, however, prop, Mikale Aizue , and Leigh forward signing for the Rams, who once again raided Kieran Hyde seen scoring a were the only members of the Yorkshire senior Competition, to the Wildcats’ production line to secure the soured when the RFL decided against admitting Dewsbury to Tommy Gallagher . Former Sheffield back Super league try for Wakefield. vote against joining the Northern Union – a decision they former Academy Player of the Year. Centre Super League, citing ‘insufficient ground capacity’ – this despite row Ryan Hepworth has moved to reversed in 1898, after electing to abandon playing rugby union. Brad Watkinson was a mid-season signing, the clubs proposal to ground-share with Sheffield, while their Dewsbury, having clocked up over 100 Crown Flatt was leased from Lord Saville, and the club adopted from the New Zealand Warriors reserve grade stadium was improved. appearances in seven seasons at the Don their current famous colours of ‘red, amber and black.’ (which Valley. Hepworth is seen as the tough, team. presumably differ subtly from those used in 1879) 2005 – Following a sponsorship deal, the stadium was re- uncompromising player that Dewsbury Dewsbury have formed a partnership In their first Northern Union game, Dewsbury were defeated at named as The Tetley’s Stadium. needed to bolster their pack. Experienced agreement with , but the SL three-quarter Karl Pryce was a major club has been forced to play many of the and, by 1901, when Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues The early years of the new century saw Dewsbury yo-yo between merged, they found themselves in Division 2. signing for 2013. Pryce’s ten year career in intended ‘dual’ signings in their SL team. the National leagues, until they were promoted to the Rugby League has always been at the highest Adam O’Brien and Jobe Murphy are two In 1912 , they won their first Challenge Cup final, defeating Championship in 2009, and have consolidated there to the level, with two spells at Bradford sandwiching of the ‘duals’ to have played for the Rams, Oldham at and, nine years later, beat the Australian current day. stints at Wigan and Harlequins. In all, Pryce who have been forced to turn their attentions touring team, 13-6. In 1920, the club achieved their highest made almost one hundred SL appearances, elsewhere in Super League for young talent. Mikale Aizue with new coach attendance, of 26,584, when Halifax were the visitors to Crown scoring seventy tries, in the process. Inevitably, that has led Morrison to make use Glenn Morrison. Flatt. Two years later, when the Northern Union became the Experienced New Zealander, hooker Kane of his contacts at Wakefield, and League, the club changed its name to Dewsbury Bentley has joined in recent weeks, from centre/second row Lucas Walshaw is yet Rugby Football Club, and in 1929, they fought their way through Lezignan. Most of Bentley’s career has been another Wildcat to try his luck at the Rams. to the Challenge Cup Final, the first ever played at Wembley in France, including a three year stint with Walshaw is 21, and is currently at Dewsbury Stadium, only to lose to Wigan. Their next visit to Wembley, in , for whom he turned out on a season-long . The 6 foot 5 1942/3, brought success, over Leeds, by 16-15. 39 times, representing the French youngster has played ten times in Super international side twice. league, where he undoubtedly possesses the During the Second World war, under the management of Eddie The rest of Dewsbury’s signings are distinctly physique to succeed. Half backs Keiran Waring, and including several big name ‘guest’ players, (who says youthful. 20 year-old centre Callan Backett Hyde (21) and Bobbie Goulding (20) are Dual Contracts are a recent thing?) they won the ‘Wartime signed from , where he was a two more young Wildcats, with Super League Emergency League’ – only to be stripped of the title when they prominent member of the club’s Academy experience, to have represented the Rams this were found to have included an ineligible player. side. Loose forward/half back Aaron Brown season. Goulding has made seventeen appearances, and Hyde fifteen so far. Ben In 1948 , star full back Jimmy Ledgard, was signed by Leigh, for is a year older than Beckett, having started his career with Oldham-based club Johnston (21) is yet another young on-loan a then-record fee – those were the days! Ledgard returned to half back who has tasted Super League, with Dewsbury to finish his career, after a long, distinguished spell Waterhead, before developing through the Tommy Gallagher in action for Leigh prolific Leeds Academy set up. He has the his ‘parent’ club Tigers. with Leigh, where he earned international honours. Dale Morton in action against Featherstone last season

14 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 15 LOTTERY NEWS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Main Match Sponsor We are delighted to welcome Match Ball Sponsor today, as our main match sponsor, Today’s match ball sponsor is Advanced Cladding A-Star Recruitment. Based in and Single Ply Systems, who specialise in both Wigan and St Helens, A-Star new and refurbished flat roof systems. specialise in providing both skilled Based in , Advanced Cladding can and unskilled workers, for be contacted on 0330 100 2355, or by email permanent or temporary at [email protected]. positions, in both these towns, in addition to , Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester. Their team specialises in: • Specialist industrial recruitment • Tailored recruitment packages • Temp to perm after 12 weeks • Competitive charge rates • Staff within the hour • On site management • 24 Hour account manager contact, We hope all our sponsors enjoy their day at Leigh (no call centres) Sports Village, and we thank them for their A-Star can be contacted on 01942 825500, or generous support. 01744 881205 KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE as at 24 AUGUST 2013

Team Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Points Diff Bonus Points Points 1 Featherstone 25 21 04894 354 540 4 67 2 Sheffield 25 22 03786 440 346 1 67 Fresh from their sixth appearance at the Fringe What the critics have to say: 3 Halifax 25 18 25777 458 319 1 59 Festival, the Faulty Towers Dining Experience comes to “a two-hour eat, drink and laugh sensation” 4 Leigh 25 18 07730 471 259 3 57 Leigh Sports Village on the 9th November. (Daily Telegraph, Edinburgh Fringe) 5 Batley 25 15 19636 378 258 7 54 This 2 hour spectacular combines a hilarious piece of interactive “the wackiest and happiest experience you’ll ever have” 6 Doncaster 25 11 1 13 559 574 -15 6 41 live theatre with a three course meal. This could possibly be the (Cork Evening Echo, Galway Comedy Festival, Ireland) 7 Dewsbury 25 11 0 14 468 598 -130 6 39 most entertaining dining experience you ever have. Places are “The cast is excellent and the laughs never-ending” 8 Workington 25 11 0 14 465 641 -176 6 39 strictly limited to 120, and are already starting to book up quickly, 9 Whitehaven 25 11 0 14 461 742 -281 3 36 so we advise you book your tickets as soon as possible. (Herald Sun, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013) 10 Keighley 25 8017 478 695 -217 8 32 Book your tickets today, either by telephone on 01942 “a great night out, excellent comic timing” (artsHub, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2013) 11 Swinton 25 8017 484 714 -230 7 31 487892, e-mail on [email protected], or simply enquire 12 Hunslet 25 6019 521 658 -137 12 30 “utterly delicious entertainment, spot on” (Edinburgh Evening News) at the ticket office. 13 Barrow 25 7018 458 778 -320 9 30 14 York 25 6019 477 693 -216 8 26

This Weekend’s Fixtures

Sunday 1st September v Doncaster RLFC v Halifax RLFC v Workington Town Hunslet Hawks v Leigh Centurions v Dewsbury Rams Whitehaven RLFC v v

16 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 17 LEIGH Sponsorship Opportunities Leigh Centurions have introduced additional sponsorship opportunities, to appeal to supporters and small businesses. CENTURIONS 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 SQUAD - 2013 Head COACH - PAUL ROWLEY Alf Ridyard on 07930 532154 or on email at [email protected]

No NAME Shirt Sponsor Player Sponsor SHORTS SPONSOR SOCKS SPONSOR

1 GregG McNally Marstrut CUT & BLOW BOND STREET CLUB

2 Padken Steel Erectors JMS INTERIORS FERROLI (BOILERS)

3 Stuart Littler Professional Witnesses CORLETT ELECTRICAL THE BOARS HEAD MICK LYNCH TFR

4 Matt Gardner Williams & Co - Personal Injury Solicitors DR DOUBLET-STEWART

5 Jon Pownall Grada UK LC COMMUNICATIONS NORTH STANDER

6 Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions Integrated Control Solutions LUNCH BOX MICHAEL CAINE

7 Leigh Sports Village Co LISA & HA ENGINEERS LTD ADS MARQUEES CENTURION HYDRAULICS

8 Sam Hopkins Styles & Co AB SUNDECKS

9 Bob Beswick Taylor Drilling Services ASK PLATT OFFICE SUPPLIES

10 Rob Parker Hamilton Fabrications Ltd TUFFNELLS TOYMASTER

11 Ask Platt Office Supplies CDA BUSINESS SERVICES

12 Tommy Goulden CDA Business Services INTRA HEALTH FAMILY PACTICE - LSV ALAN EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL BLACKBURN

13 Widdows Mason Solicitors LISA

14 Sean Penkywicz Leigh Market Traders Association HAMILTON FABRICATIONS LTD

15 Ale House Leisure Ltd Ale House Leisure Ltd

16 Craig Briscoe L.I.S.A. IN MEMORY OF TERRY WILCOCK

17 Tommy Coyle Greenheart Regional Park Project EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL

18 Anthony Nicholson AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

19 AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

20 James Taylor AVAILABLE KATIE WILLIAMS

21 Ryan Duffy AVAILABLE TROPHY ENGRAVING WIGAN TOMMY SALE MBE TOMMY SALE MBE

22 Adam Higson AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

23 Chris Rowe AVAILABLE LISA

32 ANTHONY BATE

34 Tom Spencer

JOE BULLOCK

18 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 19 MATCH ACTION UNDER 2o s Focus v WHITEHAVEN By DAVE PARKINSON

Photographs courtesy of award-winning photographer, Maurice Jones adly for the Centurions Under-20s while Mitchell Cox improved on S their season is over. Despite not his under-18 campaign last qualifying for the play-offs, it has season to notch 8 tries and play in been a good year for Paul Anderson’s 16 games. youngsters, each of whom has improved his game under the tutelage Australian Cameron Pitman of the former first team centre. also cemented a place on the wing after paying his own fare As for the competition, I hope something is done about it! In a lot over and coming to the club on a of respects it has been farcical with some teams treating the trial basis. The former South competition as an under-23s and win percentages being used to Sydney reserve played it tough decide league placings, like something out of the 1900s. throughout the season and scored Also unlike previous seasons, that have seen top four or top five 9 tries, but his best game of the Chris Rowe came good for the play-off systems incorporated, this year sees a two-game, top three year came at Salford when, after latter part of the campaign. play-off – all very confusing indeed. suffering three previous losses, he Leigh played 19 games in total this season while York played just inspired the Centurions to a 12 to take 3rd spot (Leigh finished fourth). rampant 44-10 win over the On a personal level the season has been a triumph for hooker league leaders. Pitman made his Aaron Lloyd and half-back Josh Ward . Both scored 14 tries first team debut at Barrow. during the campaign with Ward, stepping out of last year’s under- Other stalwarts of the side 18 set-up, also kicking 84 goals for an impressive 224 point haul. included Brad Ashurst , an old Another huge plus from this talented group is Anthony Bate . Paul fashioned prop forward with a Anderson plucked him from the first team at Thatto Heath, having good pass who claimed 5 tries, worked with him in the Lancashire set-up, and suggested “he could Joe Bullock who has since step up as a pro.” We haven’t been disappointed – Bate claimed enjoyed a run of six games in the 10 tries and skippered the side before being promoted into the first first team and secured a contract Leading scorer Josh Ward team where he has already appeared nine times and been given a for next year, Sam Peet who did contract for next season. well at centre and second row, and Chris Rowe , who made his first team debut last term and certainly strung some impressive form together over the last couple of months of the campaign. Other valuable contributors for the season included Adam Barber , Simon Finnigan offloads in heavy traffic. who suffered injury midway through the year; James Hill who stepped into the first team before moving with work and taking up a playing offer at ; Danny Waddy who converted from rugby union after being outstanding in 2012/13 with Sale RUFC, and really started developing as a prop forward; and ’ Tom Breheny who fought bravely for a spot all year despite injury. Action from one of the four games with SL side Salford. Tyler Spence also looks a good prospect for the future, grabbing three tries from seven games while Thatto Heath back rower Leon While Ward was grabbing the headlines, two players who really Tatlock came into the squad over the final month and a half and flourished over the season, were Matt and Luke really did make an impact, scoring a hat-trick in that victory at Warburton . Pendlebury was like the glue that kept the side Salford. together and played in all but the last two games after injuring Dylan James and Adam Simm also look promising while Eze himself in a 16-42 July defeat to Salford. He scored 7 tries and Harper linked up with the side from Eccles over the final month stepped up to goal-kicker superbly in Ward’s absence to add 21 and looked an assured player. goals of his own. For Warburton it was a slow start to the campaign Despite the club’s midseason financial worries, Anderson kept his but he was the sides ‘Mr Fixit’, playing roles at centre, stand-off and side together and got them playing some magnificent rugby. In loose forward throughout the year, to underline his versatility and their 19 games, Leigh notched 738 points which included 131 tries value to the side. Whitehaven's defence about to at an average of almost 39 points a game. Stuart Littler celebrates Tommy Goulden In the backline Andrew Cunningham from Wigan was an ever feel the force of another My thanks go to Paul and all the lads for a very another try. makes a break. present, learning a new role at as the season went on, Steve Maden charge. enjoyable season.

20 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 21 LOVE RUGBY CAPTAIN’S LOG By TONY LEAGUE WILLIAMS NATHAN LAWRENSON Tony Williams TALKS TO TEAM CAPTAIN, Editor: - Tony Williams is a leading journalist on the excellent ROB PARKER ‘Love Rugby League’ website. Rob Parker

espite last month pointing to Let’s start as always with last last round of the season is always exciting Final. We believe that’s a realistic Dthe Challenge Cup final as week’s result which in this case was as we’re all still fighting for that final expectation but that it can only be something to look forward to, the a defeat at Batley… position. achieved if we do have faith in ourselves. Wembley showpiece failed to provide the kind of spectacle most It was a cagey game because there was How vital is it to achieve a win Does it make it a little more special of us were hoping for. quite a lot riding on it and we were today with the play-offs looming? ending the regular season on home disappointed not to get the win. It was a soil? Hull fans, of course, went home with hopes dashed (Leigh I think I’ve mentioned before that it’s little bit scrappy in parts and I guess we massively important that teams play with I feel that it’s important for us to win this supporters, I’m guessing, were similarly disappointed!) but just lost our way a little. We could have even we neutrals were left unfulfilled by Wigan’s 16-0 win. confidence. Getting a win today will really game as it’s our last game before the probably pinched a draw on a couple of help us to believe in ourselves and play-off and we get to play that in front In part the game was ruined by the weather. The Wembley pitch was occasions but it wasn’t meant to be. Fair hopefully drive us forward in the play- of our own fans. They’ve stuck by us this absolutely sodden by kick off. Watching the highlights of the play to Batley, they chanced their arm year and their support has been vital – lunchtime game between Fulham and Arsenal on Match of the Day offs, because our aim is to win the Grand towards the end and got the points to notably in the Northern Rail Cup final. We that evening showed how bad the rain had been in London in the justify doing that. hours before kick-off, while the game between Charlton and feel that if we get the win, it’s a bit of a Doncaster was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. clinches the win for Wigan. This week’s game comes in the form thank you to them. of Dewsbury; what are you It’s also been a productive season Yet the number expecting from them? of handling but that hardly tells the whole story. The first half was a genuinely for the club off the field. John errors was entertaining affair (at least in my opinion). There may have only been Dewsbury went through a tricky patch to Roddy was recently announced as greater than one try, but Wigan had attacked well and Hull’s defence been up to start off with but they seem to be coming permanent Chairman and the signs you would the job apart from that one breach. Wigan had had the bulk of quite good. Fair play to Glenn Morrison off the field are just as positive as expect even in possession and territory, but Hull had their chances too. Had the Airlie the coach, because he’s assembled a they are on… such difficult Birds improved after the interval, we could have been talking about good squad together. There are some one of the better cup finals of recent years. It’s a huge appointment for the club. conditions. stand-out players in that team, who we When you first meet someone, there are Hull’s handling One of the advantages of Twitter is being able to follow peoples’ need to be aware of. But even so, they certain things you can tell from that first reactions as the game progresses, and at least on my timeline people was especially seem to be playing well as a team for impression. When I first met him, I could didn’t start to get fed up until the second half. The worst handling shambolic, each other. Going to Dewsbury is a tough tell he has a real drive to succeed and Iain Thornley registers Wigan's first try. destroying any errors from both sides came in the second period, and most viewers game because they always play to their Rob now has a goal of a Super League plenty of passion for what he does. He’s chance of a realised that the game was going to peter out rather than spark strengths. It will be interesting to see future for Leigh. into life. been inspirational to me in my daily role comeback. At just 10-0 up and with nearly ten minutes left in the what happens at the Sports Village as a game Wigan, under pressure, were caught in goal. The resulting drop in the business side of things and I think Even then there were one or two memorable moments: Sam Tomkins’ lot of teams enjoy coming here. he wholly deserves the role. Since he took out, however, was dropped by Daniel Holdsworth, summing up much try was superbly well-crafted, while ’s impressive run from over, the club have just got better and of Hull’s afternoon. deep in his own half was matched by ’s excellent Dewsbury are currently inside the top eight but could do with a result better both on and off the field. We’ve This game will live long in the memory, for all the wrong reasons. Yet defensive effort. Shaul’s performance throughout gave the impression got players signing and things I can’t just as the greatness of the most fondly-remembered cup finals that the 21-year-old full back could have a promising career ahead to guarantee a play-off spot. The increase with every re-telling, and are exaggerated as every of him. Championship has certainly been really go into yet that are happening off competitive this season, hasn’t it? the field. We’re really investing and he generation passes its memories on to the next, the mediocrity of this Make no mistake: this was a bad game. In what could have been a realises that you have to invest in order to particular final competitive outing only one team looked capable of winning – and I agree with that completely. You’ve seen will wax ever not even because they played particularly well – while handling errors Swinton turn over Featherstone and to grow and move forward. His aspiration greater as the ruined the flow of the second half. There’s no point pretending this some extent, Sheffield - being the form now is to get into Super League and we years go on. was anything other than a disappointment. team - being knocked out of the Northern both now think that is realistic. That’s Indeed, that really exciting for me, in whichever role I Yet there’s no need for despair – not every game can be great, or Rail Cup was a shock. The beauty of our process has take on, because we have an end goal. every cup final a classic. One bad game does not mean that the league is that it’s become a lot stronger already begun. We’re not just looking to tread water and Challenge Cup needs to be scrapped, or the final needs to revert to and you can see that in the last round of Collectively we Cardiff, or that rugby league is dying. It means simply this: it was a games of the season. Most teams need survive anymore; we’re looking to the will remember a disappointing cup final, and we hope that the next one will be better. something, whether that to be to make Rob in Super League action for future, to invest in the club, the town and game that was . the sport. [email protected] the play-offs or get home advantage. The putrid from Jamie Shaul 's long run came to nothing for Hull. start to finish, Twitter: @Tony_Williams88

22 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 23 2013 Leigh Career

Debuted Squad No DOB Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Goals Goals FACTS & STATS Martin Aspinwall 2013 13 21/10/1981 63 0 0 0 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 Anthony Bate 2013 28/04/1992 36 2 0 0 8 3 6 2 0 0 8 By DAVE PARKINSON Bob Beswick 2012 9 08/12/1984 29 15 0 0 20 52 480133 Ryan Brierley 2012 7 12/03/1992 20 6 22 12 92 27 26 47 62202 Craig Briscoe 2010 16 08/12/1992 88 1 0 0 4 28 23 80032 Hello and welcome to another ‘Facts n Stats’. After a couple of shorter Joe Bullock 2013 27/11/1992 15 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 versions, I’m hoping to bring you the full nine yards for this one (I say Greg Burke 2012 12/02/1993 30 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 nine because all teams stray offside don’t they!). Thomas Coyle 2013 17 10/05/1988 20 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 From a Leigh point of view things are still ticking along nicely, the side has scored Dominic Crosby 2013 01 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 160 tries so far this term and moved past 900 points for the season. Ryan Duffy 2013 21 13/05/1993 4 17 40 0 16 4 17 40016 Some players are also approaching milestones. Simon Finnigan 2013 11 08/12/1981 26 0 11 00 44 26 0 11 0044 Stuart Littler edges ever closer to the 100 appearances mark; should he run out Matt Gardner 2012 4 24/08/1984 27 0 12 00 48 57 0 26 00104 today it will be his 92nd game for the club. Tommy Goulden 2010 12 30/06/1981 22 38 0 0 32 95 10 39 00156 Johnny Pownall is nearing his 50th appearance and recently became a centurion Adam Higson 2008/2013 22 19/05/1987 41 3 0 0 12 43 22 16 0064 point scorer. He currently has 28 tries to his name in 47 appearances. James Hill 2013 20 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 The recent game against Whitehaven also saw Michael Ostick reach his 50th Sam Hopkins 2011 8 17/02/1990 17 8 10 00 40 35 28 26 00104 appearance for the club, while congratulations are also due to Steve Maden . His Jack Hughes 2013 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 two tries in that game took him to ten for the campaign but more importantly 100 Stuart Littler 2011 3 19/02/1979 31 07 0 0 28 90 1 30 00120 not out in a lengthy career. 2013 22/07/1993 30 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 Two more points from Martyn Ridyard will see him become only the fifth player in Gregg McNally 2012 1 02/01/1991 29 0 13 19 0 90 57 0 30 20 0 160 club history to reach 800 for the club. Currently Ridyard has 798 points in 129 Steve Maden 2004/2008 2 13/09/1982 27 0 10 00 40 203 3 73 00292 appearances, although he still has some way to go in order to overtake Chris Ryan Brierley Anthony Nicholson 2010 18 28/11/1990 26 1 0 0 4 19 26 80032 Johnson who notched 1073 points during his time at Leigh. John O'Donnell 2013 24/06/1993 61 2 0 0 8 6 1 2 0 0 8 From a dual contract/loan point of view Tom Spencer has made lots of friends at Michael Ostick 2012 19 23/01/1988 25 33 0 0 12 43 830012 Leigh this past two seasons and he recently played his 40th game for the club. Rob Parker 2012 10 05/09/1981 15 32 0 0 8 36 560024 I also thought it would be interesting to look where Leigh players are in relation to Sean Penkywicz 2013 14 18/05/1982 12 16 10 00 40 12 16 10 0040 the top point scorers throughout the game this season. Cameron Pitman 2013 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tries Jonny Pownall 2011 5 22/08/1991 25 0 15 00 60 45 2 28 00112 1 Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles) 40 Martyn Ridyard 2009 6 25/07/1986 27 09114 2 266 119 10 62 273 4 798 2 Josh Charnley () 39 Chris Rowe 2012 23 08/02/1994 00 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors) 34 Tom Spencer 2012 02/01/1991 12 11 40 0 16 23 18 70028 4 Quentin Laulu-Togagae (Sheffield Eagles) 30 James Taylor 2005 20 11/09/1984 46 2 0 0 8 148 36 24 0096 5 (Warrington Wolves) 27 Scott Taylor 2013 27/02/1991 02 1 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 4 6 Rob Massam ( Crusaders) 23 Andy Thornley 2011 15 01/03/1989 8 17 30 0 12 24 41 10 0040 7 Ryan Brierley (Leigh Centurions) 22 Iain Thornley 2013 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 = (Bradford Bulls) 21 403 124 160 134 4 912 1216 315 481 299 7 2529 () 21 Jessie Joe Parker (Whitehaven) 21 Try Tracker – For Try Tracker – Against TRY CREATORS Individual Pass Kick Other Total Goals 0-9 minutes 14 0-9 minutes 8 Martyn Ridyard 4 17 90 30 1 Dominic Brambani (Sheffield Eagles) 148 and Martyn Ridyard , up among the top scorers Sean Penkywicz 10 11 30 24 10-19 minutes 14 10-19 minutes 18 Gregg McNally 5 13 30 21 2 () 131 in RL this season. 20-29 minutes 17 20-29 minutes 10 Ryan Brierley 871016 3 (Featherstone Rovers) 131 Bob Beswick 390012 4 (Wigan Warriors) 126 30 minutes – half-time 22 30 minutes – half-time 14 Simon Finnigan 064111 5 Martyn Ridyard (Leigh Centurions) 114 40-49 minutes 15 40-49 minutes 14 Sam Hopkins 52007 6 Tommy Johnson () 98 Tommy Goulden 08008 7 () 95 50-59 minutes 23 50-59 minutes 17 Matt Gardner 24006 8 (Catalan Dragons) 90 60-69 minutes 31 60-69 minutes 9 Jonny Pownall 13015 Stuart Littler 13004 9 (Batley Bulldogs) 89 70 minutes – full-time 24 70 minutes – full-time 21 10 (Warrington Wolves) 88 Anthony Nicholson 02103 Steve Maden 11013 Points 160 111 Scott Taylor 11002 1 Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors) 333 John O'Donnell 01001 Michael Ostick 10001 2 Dominic Brambani (Sheffield Eagles) 317 Goal Kickers Goals Attempts % 3 Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers) 308 Ryan Duffy 10001 4 Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants) 292 Martyn Ridyard 114 145 79 Thomas Coyle 01001 Greg Burke 01001 5 Martyn Ridyard (Leigh Centurions) 266 Ryan Brierley 13 33 Gregg McNally 19 24 79 Anthony Bate 10001 6 Tommy Johnson (North Wales Crusaders) 240 Iain Thornley 01001 7 (Halifax) 228 Bob Beswick 01 0 Rhodri Lloyd 01001 8 Dylan Skee () 214 Totals 134 173 78 44 92 21 3 160 9 Brett Hodgson (Warrington Wolves) 213 Tom Spencer - over 40 appearances for Leigh. 10 Tom Hemingway (Batley Bulldogs) 206 Not bad for a Dual Contract player.

24 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 25 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 Trophy Engraving Wigan AVAILABLE L.I.S.A.

26 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 27 TOUCHDOWN CLUB By ALAN PLATT

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 MARK OWEN 07879 895 286 COLLINS & DARWELL CHRIS TRAVERS 01942 673166 WATERFIELDS BAKERY RICHARD WATERFIELD 01942 740000

LISA NEWS From LYNDA PIKE

Hi everyone, Lynda here. Tickets will, as usual, be available from the club Next LISA Meeting – The next LISA meeting will retail outlet. take place this coming Wednesday, 4th September Next Season – As you will be aware, next season at Leigh Miners Welfare Club, on Twist Lane. The is a crucial one for the club, with final league meeting starts at 8 p.m. and all will be welcome to placings deciding where the club will be playing, come and listen to the latest club news from Andy when the new league structure comes into place Mazey and Rob Parker. Please note, that the room in 2015. With that in mind, we are looking to is only available from 8 p.m. further increase our membership of LISA, to Play-Off Coach Travel – As soon as it is known provide additional funds for player recruitment. where/when we will be playing our Qualifying If you haven’t yet joined LISA, membership Play-off game, (sometime between Wednesday application forms can be downloaded from the 3rd and Sunday 8th September) details of coach LISA website, at www.leigh-isa.org.uk, or via the travel will be announced on the LISA website, as LISA link on the club website, at well as the club website and fans message board) www.leighcenturions.com

28 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com 30 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com Junior Centurions with SHARON DILLON THE FINAL STRAIGHT JUNIOR HE Kingstone Press Championship even closer, however, CENTURIONS TPlayers of the Year will be with form duo Gary decided using a new format this Middlehurst and Richard WRISTBANDS season – and a host of players are in Lepori just a point The popular wristbands are still contention in both competitions. behind. available to buy, but we only have In past seasons, the coaches from each league voted for Also in the top ten going limited stocks left, priced £1.00 the main awards, with each selecting a top three of into the closing weeks each. opposition players. That will again be the case for the were Skolars duo Mike They are available at the club retail Young Player and Coach of the Year prizes this time – but Worrincy and Dylan Skee, outlet, C & D Books and Shine the Players of the Year in both leagues are decided in a Oldham pair Lewis ...with Jewellers in the Market hall, Atico Hair new way. Palfrey and Jon Ford, Oxford centre Sean Studio, the club ticket office and All season, each coach is contacted every week for their feedback Morris, Crusaders cult Landside Store. We'd like to thank all on which players have performed well at the weekend, forming the awards that are released each Monday. hero Jono Smith and our stockists for supporting the Junior winger Gareth Centurions. As part of that, a cumulative table has been running all season Langley. with players earning points towards the main awards in their respective division. Every week five players are awarded points Though the remaining Junior Centurions towards the award – with the Premier Sports Player of the Week weekly points will not be handed five, the next player four and so on. publicised – ensuring September App that the awards are a Those tables will not be Below are scanning surprise on the night – publicised again now, ... and Andy Mousdale Birthdays codes which activate the a shortlist will be formed with the remaining votes Junior Centurion App for both divisions at the end of the league campaign. staying private until the Happy September birthdays to for android & iphone. the following Junior Centurions awards night is staged in Championship Player of the Year Table Leeds in September. 1. Mitchell Stringer (15 points) Harry-Jake Acton James Mee Sheffield Eagles prop 2. Quentin Laulu-Togagae (13 points) is 14 today – 1st September will be 11 on 18th September Mitchell Stringer topped 3 = Paul Cooke (12 points) Roan Van Cuylenburg Eleanor Dainty the Championship table Aaron Brown will be 7 on 4th September will be 12 on 19th September Mitch Stringer - leading the way for in the final week of 5 = Scott Leatherbarrow (10 points) Championship Player of the Year. publicised tables, a Elliott Hindley Lloyd Carrington Scott Murrell will be 1 on 8th September will be 7 on 20th September Android position he has held for much of the season. Teammate Quentin Laulu-Togagae was two points behind him, having made a late 8. (9 points) Hayden Williams Aaron Needham surge, with halfbacks Aaron Brown, Paul Cooke, Liam Finn, Scott 9 = Liam Finn (8 points) will be 4 on 9th September will be 8 on 24th September Leatherbarrow, Scott Murrell and Paul Handforth all in pursuit, Paul Handforth Jayden Wilding William Lynch along with arguably the find of the season, Workington’s young Miles Greenwood will be 6 on 10th September will be 13 on 28th September playmaker Callum Phillips. His teammate Jarrad Stack, Jarrad Stack Charlie Westwell Bailey Williams Featherstone prop Steve Crossley and Batley fullback Miles Greenwood made up the front runners with three rounds of points Championship One Player of the Year table will be 9 on 14th September will be 9 on 30th September iPhone still to be awarded. 1 = Mike Bishay (10 points) The Championship Stuart Reardon One Player of the Year Andy Mousdale www.leighcenturions.co.uk for more info table had joint leaders in 4 = Gary Middlehurst (9 points) Mike Bishay – who has Richard Lepori Join us for free today and don’t miss out! played for both Hemel 6 = Mike Worrincy (8 points) Stags and London Skolars Jono Smith on dual reg and loan 8 = Sean Morris (7 points) from the Broncos –North Jon Ford Wales Crusaders pair 10 = Lewis Palfrey (6 points) Dylan Skee Stuart Reardon and Andy Mike Bishay - currently joint leader for Gareth Langley 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. Mousdale. That table is Championship One Player of the Year...

32 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 33 FIXTURES AND R ESULTS 2013

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 Hooker Prop 2nd Row 2nd Row Loose Fwd Substitute Substitute Substitute Substitute Referee Penalties Attendance February Sun 3rd Featherstone Rovers CHAMP Lost 6 - 38 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 1G Beswick Ostick Penkywicz Spencer Finnigan Thornley Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Parker Briscoe Alibert 12 - 10 2841 Sun 10th HUNSLET HAWKS CHAMP Won 40 - 0 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 6G Beswick Ostick - 1T Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan Goulden Hopkins - 2T Brierley - 1T Aspinwall Taylor Spencer Leatherbarrow 6 - 8 1419 Thu 14th Whitehaven CHAMP Won 28 - 14 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 4G Beswick Ostick Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan - 1T Goulden - 1T Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Taylor Spencer Thomason 6 - 12 763 Sun 24th DONCASTER CHAMP Won 34 - 8 McNally Maden Littler O'Donnell Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 4G Brierley - 1T, 1G Spencer Beswick Parker Finnigan - 3T Goulden Aspinwall Penkywicz - 1T Briscoe Hopkins Duffy Stokes 12 - 9 1522 March Sun 3rd Keighley Cougars CHAMP Won 46 - 16 McNally Maden - 1T Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 7G Brierley - 3T Taylor Beswick Spencer Finnigan Goulden - 1T Hopkins Penkywicz Duffy - 1T Briscoe - 1T Ostick Laughton 12 - 9 859 Fri 8th SHEFFIELD EAGLES CHAMP Lost 18 - 40 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 3G Brierley Taylor Beswick Parker Finnigan Goulden Hopkins - 1T Penkywicz Duffy - 2T Spencer Briscoe Stokes 7 - 8 1581 Sun 17th Dewsbury Rams CHAMP Won 36 - 6 Brierley Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 1T, 6G Beswick Ostick Penkywicz - 2T Parker Finnigan Goulden Duffy O'Donnell Thornley Hopkins Taylor -1T Thomason 19 - 12 935 Thu 21st BARROW RAIDERS CHAMP Won 42 - 30 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 7G Beswick - 1T Duffy Penkywicz Parker Finnigan Goulden Ostick Brierley - 1T Hopkins - 2T Taylor Thornley - 1T Hewer 11 - 9 1290 Fri 29th Swinton Lions CHAMP Won 20 - 12 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner - 2T O'Donnell Ridyard - 1T, 2G Beswick Ostick Penkywicz Parker Finnigan Goulden Aspinwall Brierley Hopkins Duffy Thornley Alibert 6 - 7 1172 April Mon 1st WORKINGTON TOWN CHAMP Won 42 - 22 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner O'Donnell - 1T Ridyard - 7G Brierley Taylor - 1T Beswick - 1T Parker Finnigan Goulden - 1T Aspinwall Penkywicz Thornley Hopkins - 1T Ostick - 1T Thomason 13 - 9 1446 Sat 6th EAST LEEDS TCC3 Won 50 - 4 Brierley - 2T Maden - 1T Littler - 1T Gardner - 2T O'Donnell - 1T Ridyard - 5G Coyle Ostick - 1T Penkywicz - 1T Taylor Finnigan Bate Parker Parker Finnigan Thornley Higson - 1T Campbell 7 - 7 728 Sun 14th Halifax CHAMP Lost 10 - 60 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1G Beswick Spencer Penkywicz - 1T Parker Finnigan Briscoe Hopkins Brierley - 1T Ostick Thornley Taylor Leatherbarrow 3 - 7 2161 Sun 21st Wigan Warriors TCC4 Lost 10 - 60 McNally - 1T Maden Littler Gardner O'Donnell Ridyard - 1G Brierley Ostick Beswick Parker - 1T Finnigan Briscoe Hopkins Penkywicz Duffy Thornley Taylor Thomason 5 - 11 6889 Sun 28th BATLEY BULLDOGS CHAMP Won 20 - 0 McNally O'Donnell Littler Gardner - 1T Hill Ridyard - 4G Brierley - 1T Ostick Beswick Parker Lloyd Briscoe Hopkins - 1T Nicholson Thornley Spencer Duffy Thomason 8 - 9 1635 May Sun 5th York City Knights CHAMP Won 52 - 4 McNally Maden - 1T Littler Gardner Hill Ridyard - 8G Brierley - 3T Ostick Beswick Parker Finnigan - 1T Thornley Hopkins - 1T Penkywicz - 1T Spencer - 1T Goulden - 1T Duffy Brooke 6 - 8 709 Sun 19th Featherstone Rovers NRC Won 22 - 12 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 1T, 3G Brierley - 1T Ostick Beswick Ostick Finnigan Thornley Hopkins Penkywicz S. Taylor Goulden Duffy Thomason 4 - 7 1745 Sun 26th KEIGHLEY COUGARS CHAMP Won 62 - 12 Pownall - 3T Maden - 1T Littler Lloyd Gardner McNally - 4T, 9G Beswick - 1T Ostick Penkywicz Burke Finnigan Goulden Hopkins Nicholson - 1T Briscoe S. Taylor - 1T Duffy Hewer 11 - 5 1551 June Sat 1st FEATHERSTONE R CHAMP Lost 8 - 23 Pownall Maden Littler Hughes Gardner McNally - 2G Nicholson Spencer Beswick Briscoe Finnigan Thornley Hopkins Penkywicz Goulden Crosby Duffy-1T Stokes 13 - 9 2077 Sun 9th Workington Town CHAMP Lost 22 - 26 Pownall Maden - 1T Littler Lloyd Gardner McNally -3G Beswick Ostick Penkywicz Spencer Finnigan - 3T Goulden Hopkins Nicholson Thornley Briscoe Duffy Turley 9 - 8 725 Sun 16th WHITEHAVEN NRC QF Won 34 - 18 McNally -5G Maden Littler Gardner Pownall - 3T Coyle Beswick Ostick Penkywicz - 1T Spencer Finnigan - 1T Goulden Hopkins - 1T Nicholson Thornley Bate Duffy Leahy 12 - 12 1320 Sun 23rd YORK CITY KNIGHTS CHAMP Won 42 - 20 McNally - 1T Maden - 2T Littler - 1T Gardner Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 5G Nicholson Ostick Penkywicz Bate - 1T Finnigan -1T Goulden - 1T Hopkins Penkywicz Thornley Bullock Duffy Thomason 6 - 7 1373 Thu 27th BATLEY BULLDOGS NRC SF Won 23 - 6 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 3G, 1D Brierley - 3T Ostick Beswick Bate - 1T Finnigan Goulden Hopkins Penkywicz Thornley Spencer Duffy Leahy 6 - 5 1807 JuLY Sun 7th Doncaster CHAMP Won 36 - 30 McNally - 1T Maden - 1T Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 6G Brierley Ostick Beswick - 1T Burke Finnigan Goulden Hopkins - 1T Nicholson Spencer Thornley Bullock Laughton 3 - 6 595 Sun 14th Barrow Raiders CHAMP Won 34 - 22 McNally Pitman Littler - 1T Higson - 1T Pownall Ridyard - 5G Brierley - 1T Ostick Penkywicz Parker - 1T Thornley Goulden - 1T Hopkins Nicholson Spencer - 1T Bate Duffy Hewer 9 - 6 972 Sat 20th Sheffield Eagles NRC F Won 43 - 28 McNally Maden Littler - 2T Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 7G Brierley - 1T, 1D Ostick Beswick Spencer - 1T Finnigan Goulden - 1T Hopkins Penkywicz - 1T Thornley Parker Bate - 1T Leatherbarrow 8 - 6 4179 Sun 28th Hunslet Hawks CHAMP Won 19 - 12 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall -1T Ridyard - 3G Brierley - 1DG Ostick Beswick Parker Thornley (1T) Burke Briscoe Penkywicz Spencer - 1T Duffy Bate Hewer 7 - 5 432 Wed 31st HALIFAX CHAMP Won 11 - 4 McNally - 1T Higson Littler I. Thornley Pownall -1T Ridyard - 1G,1D Brierley Ostick Beswick Spencer Finnigan Goulden Briscoe Penkywicz Thornley Bate Bullock Hewer 11 - 4 1773 August Sun 4th SWINTON LIONS CHAMP Won 32 - 22 McNally Higson Littler - 1T Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 1T, 4G Brierley Ostick Beswick - 1T Duffy Finnigan - 1T Goulden - 1T Briscoe Penkywicz Thornley - 1T Bullock Spencer Bloem 7 - 7 1614 Fri 9th Sheffield Eagles CHAMP Lost 8 - 20 McNally Maden Littler Gardner Pownall Ridyard - 2G Brierley - 1T Ostick Beswick Duffy Thornley Goulden Briscoe Penkywicz Spencer Aspinwall Bullock Thomason 12 - 15 1012 Sun 18th WHITEHAVEN CHAMP Won 44 - 6 McNally - 1T Maden - 2T Littler - 1T Higson - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 1T, 6G Brierley - 1T Ostick Beswick Spencer Finnigan Goulden Bullock Penkywicz Thornley Aspinwall Duffy Laughton 12 - 9 1523 Thu 22nd Batley Bulldogs CHAMP Lost 18 - 24 McNally Maden Littler Gardner - 1T Pownall - 1T Ridyard - 3G Brierley - 1T Ostick Beswick Spencer Thornley Goulden Aspinwall Penkywicz Briscoe Bate Hopkins Merrick 7 - 6 704 September Sun 1st DEWSBURY RAMS CHAMP

34 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 35 DEWSBURY RAMS HEAD COACH - SQUAD - 2013 GLENN MORRISON

No NAME DEWSBURY 2013 1 James Craven up to and including 22nd August 2013 2 Dale Morton Appearances: (Maximum 29) Average Home 3 Scott Hale 29 – Hale; Attendance 2012 4 Greg Scott 28 – Morton, Scott; 1,072 (all competitions) 27 – Pryce; 1,134 (Championship) 5 Jamaine Akaidere 25 – Aizue, Hepworth; 23 – Gallagher; Highest Home 6 Aaron Brown 21 - Brown, Lillycrop, Nash. Attendance 2013 1,396 7 Jy-mel Coleman Tries: (Total 104) (v Halifax – Championship) 8 Tom Lillycrop 9 – Brown, Morton, Scott; 8 – Craven; Highest Home 9 Ryan Wright 7 - O’Brien, Hale; Attendance 2012 6 – Walshaw; 1,703 10 Russ Spiers 5 – Coleman; (v Batley – Championship) 11 Rob Spicer 4 – Akaidere, Gallagher. Lowest Home Attendance 12 Josh Tonks Goals: (Total 79) 2013 42 – Goulding; 404 13 Tommy Gallagher 21 – Morton; (v Myton Warriors – Challenge 9 – Hyde; Cup) 14 Matthew Tebb 5 – Coleman; 693 15 Dario Esposito 2 – Spaven. (v Swinton – Championship) 16 Ryan Hepworth Drop Goals: (Total 2) Lowest Home Attendance 1 – Coleman, Schofield. 2012 17 Johnathan Schofield 606 18 Elliot Cosgrove Average Home (v Thatto Heath – Challenge Cup) Attendance 2013 835 19 Callan Beckett 800 (all competitions) (v Swinton – Championship) 828 (Championship) 20 Michael Platt 21 Austin Buchanan 22 Ben Jones 23 Scott Spaven 24 Adam OBrien 25 Stephen Nash 26 Karl Pryce 27 Bobbie Goulding 28 Lucas Walshaw BOBBY GOULDING SCOTT HALE 29 Jobe Murphy Leading Points SCORER WITH 88 EVER PRESENT 30 Brad Watkinson 31 Kieran Hyde 32 Makalie Aizue Ben Johnston Referee: Mr J Bloem Touch Judges: Jon Molloy Mr P STOCKMAN, MR P WARD

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