FROM THE TOP By CEO Trevor Barton MBE

t is strange to from poor attendances and it will Ireflect on how two be interesting to see how many heavy defeats can be of their fans travel. WHO’S WHO viewed so differently. Looking back at the travelling At The Halifax one was a real bad Leigh fans that went to , Hon. Life Presidents: day at the office, whilst the one you begin to wonder if, with no Mr. Tommy Sale MBE, at Wigan was uplifting, both promotion and relegation, some from the effort on the field and fans view the Championship as Mr. Arthur Thomas the support from the stands. It being irrelevant. I hope not, if Hon. Vice President: was an honour to be there. The only from supporting the boys on Mr. Andy Burnham MP Wigan Chairman stated the field, who train and play their Hon. Life Members: afterwards that the support and socks off for relatively little Mr. Brian Bowman, noise from our supporters had reward and from the point of Mr. Tommy Coleman been the best that they had had view, of course, that without a Mr. Frank Taylor all season. financially supportive fan base, Chairman: So, we get back to the usual we will not continue long into Mr. Keith Freer business today of playing our the future. Directors: friends and rivals in the Trevor Barton MBE Mr. Phil Coffey; Championship, . Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Roddy, They too have been suffering Ms Miranda Barker Company Secretary: CLUB RECORDS Mr. John Massey HONOURS Biggest Victory: Chief Executive: Championship Winners: 1905-06 92-2 vs Keighley (1986) Mr. Trevor Barton MBE Division One Champions: Biggest Defeat: Head Coach: 1981-82 4-94 vs (1995) Mr. Division Two Champions: Highest Home Attendance: Club Ambassador: 1977-78, 1985-86, 1988-89 31,326 vs St Helens (1953) Winners: Lowest Post War Home Attendance: Mr. Alex Murphy OBE. 1920-21, 1970-71 451 vs Hull (1975) Business Manager: Cup Winners: Most Tries in a game: Mr. Rob Parker. 1952-53, 1955-56, 1970-71, 1981-82 Jack Wood 6 v York (1947), Lottery Manager: BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: Neil Turley 6 v Workington Town (2001) Most Goals in a game: Ms. Christine Brown. 1969-70, 1972-73 Promotion To Top Division achieved Mick Stacey 15 vs Doncaster (1976) Lottery Co-ordinator: (Not as Champions): Most Points in a game: Mr. Jonathan Simpkin. 1963-64, 1975-76, 1991-92 Neil Turley 42 vs Chorley (2004) Finance Manager: Other Promotion season: Most Tries in a season: Ms. Jane Smith. 1997 (Division 3 to Division 2) Neil Turley 55 (2001) Northern Ford Minor Premiership Most Goals in a season: Club Chaplain: Winners: 2001 Neil Turley 187 (2004) Mr. Sam Edwards Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: Most Points in a season: Webmaster & Ticket Sales: 2001 Neil Turley 468 (2004) Mr. Andrew Parkinson. Arriva Trains Cup Winners: Most Tries in a career: 2004 Mick Martyn 189 (1954-67) Honorary Programme Editor: LHF National League 1 Champions: Most Goals in a career: Mr. Alan Edge 2004 Jimmy Ledgard 1043 (1948-58) Club Accountants: LHF National League 1 Grand Final Most Points in a career: Styles & Co. Winners: 2004 John Woods 2492 (1976-85, 1990-92) Northern Rail Cup Winners: Most Appearances: 2006, 2011 Albert Worrall – 503 (1920-38)

2 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com FROM THE

EDITOR By ALAN EDGE

Today’s Visitors Where Have The Crowds Gone? This afternoon we bid a warm ‘Leyther’ Artist David Hockney once said, “I'm a bit claustrophobic, I welcome to the players, officials and don't like crowds, I live by the sea - that's what I see when I supporters of Batley Bulldogs, for the come out of my house in Bridlington.” Kingstone Press Championship round Whilst we obviously can’t attribute the current decline in crowds, to twelve game. claustrophobia, I’m at a loss to understand what exactly is causing it. As a result of our resounding defeat at Halifax, Our average crowd last season was 1,660 – if you exclude the two in the previous fixture, we currently occupy lucrative home cup ties against and Halifax. This season we are fifth place in the Championship table, having averaging 1,331 – a decrease of almost 20%. Prior to today, we had been comprehensively beaten by three of the teams above us. Today only played two league games against teams who figured in last we play the fourth of those teams, and a quick glance at the table season’s Championship, Hunslet and Sheffield. These two fixtures saw below, illustrates the magnitude of our task. Batley have the meanest a reduction of just 11%. Of course, it’s not as simple as the bald defence in the league, averaging just 13 points conceded in their ten statistics suggest – for instance, those games against the Hawks and Championship games. Indeed, that was exactly how many they Eagles were played in the ‘Summer’ last season, whilst the conceded against Huddersfield in last week’s Challenge Cup tie. corresponding fixtures in 2013 were played out in near-Arctic Whilst four teams, including Leigh, have scored more points than conditions! them, the Bulldogs are proving true the adage that a sound defence Today’s visitors seem to be suffering similar problems. Their average wins matches! Their sole defeat this season was a narrow one at gates in 2013, excluding the cup tie with Huddersfield, are 778 – Sheffield, and their draw at home to Halifax was the only game in down by 18% on last season. Batley have played four teams, who which the ‘Shaymen’ have dropped a point so far. they met in 2012, and gates for those games are down by 19%. Encounters with the Bulldogs in recent seasons have proved difficult to forecast. Since 2006, we have managed to win five of the seven Latest Championship Table home league games, and four of the away ones. However, in knockout competitions, Batley have twice been victorious in the three games at KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE - Leigh, whilst we have won the only cup game at Batley. Seven of as at 24th April 2013 those eighteen fixtures, have ended in ‘bonus point’ margins of less Team PWDLFor Against Points Bonus Points than twelve points. In 2011, we completed a league ‘double’ over the Points Diff Bulldogs, but last season they gained revenge by returning the compliment! 1 Halifax 11 10 10352 142 210 0 32 2 Batley 10 811270 129 141 1 27 Deja-Vu 3 Featherstone 10 802351 164 187 2 26 4 Sheffield 10 802307 192 115 1 25 Our last two away games have, oddly, produced the identical 5 Leigh 11 803322 246 76 0 24 score line – unfortunately both were defeats, by 10-60. The 6 York 10 406207 246 -39 3 15 first of those games, at Championship leaders Halifax, was a 7 Dewsbury 10 406191 259 -68 2 14 severe disappointment, as the home side monopolised 8 Whitehaven 11 407192 299 -107 2 14 possession, and utilised it magnificently, to put us to the 9 Swinton 10 307190 271 -81 4 13 sword. It’s not difficult to see why ‘Fax sit proudly at the top 10 Hunslet 10 307212 256 -44 3 12 11 Keighley 9306158 244 -86 3 12 of the Kingstone Press Championship. 12 Workington 9306160 230 -70 2 11 Last week’s defeat, in the Challenge Cup at Wigan, was an altogether 13 Barrow 11 209192 352 -160 5 11 different affair. Whilst the home team proved their undoubted 14 Doncaster 10 208164 238 -74 4 10 pedigree as leaders, and were good value for their sixty points, the margin of victory surely flattered them and was scant reward for the spirit and enterprise shown by our lads, in attack. Today’s Indeed, we managed to score two tries and had a further three Mascot disallowed. If we had managed to record those ‘tries’ the margin of defeat could have been halved. Today’s mascot is Josh Hatherell. Josh is nine years old and Another pleasing factor of last Friday’s game, was the rowdy level of attends Bedford Methodist Leigh support, estimated at over 1,300. I’m sure the players Primary School. appreciated the constant backing. Hopefully some of those ‘new’ His favourite player is Ryan Brierley. supporters will have seen enough spirit and skill on display, to have Josh is pictured proudly wearing his had their appetites whetted sufficiently to want to see more of the Leigh Miners Rangers kit and Centurions, starting today. holding aloft a trophy he recently won at Miners Rangers.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 3 PAUL’S PAGE PAUL ROWLEY TALKS TO DAVE PARKINSON

It has been a few weeks since we caught up with the thoughts of Head Coach Paul Rowley. Here are Paul’s thoughts on all the games since the Good Friday encounter with Swinton. Swinton reaction: (Won 20-12) Swinton had mammoth territory on our line in that second half. They only breached our line once at the very end; their other try was an intercept. In terms of desire shown and defensive commitment, it was outstanding. It was the slowest game of that I’ve seen for a long time. The rucks weren’t well controlled and that didn’t suit us. But in saying that we were pleased to get the win in “our house.” I’m pleased we got the win. There was every Ryan Brierley splits the Wigan defence reason for Swinton to be optimistic; they had Wigan reaction: (Lost 10-60) a new coach and a strong side out. But in getting Thomas Coyle and Adam Higson back Looking back on it, ten of their eleven tries saying that, I thought that we were strong in action. I got exactly what I expected from came from their back three. It’s a testament to winners. Anthony; he gives nothing less than 100% is our defence. Those three players are World Workington reaction: (Won 42-22) a rugged competitor and he acquitted himself Class. They had to go round us and get a bit of luck and use their tremendous skills. It was I think the lads can be satisfied; they deserve really well. He’s been doing that really consistently for the U20s. a good effort and we really had a crack at a big pat on the back and I think we've them. To cross the whitewash five times is a probably ended the Easter campaign with Higson had a decent spell out there. He got big effort and we probably broke them more arguably our best all round performance. involved with a couple of challenges and times than they will have been comfortable Our shape in attack and cutting edge was tackles, which will probably have ticked a few with, or used to in the Super League very good and to be honest we had a couple boxes with regard to confidence. I’m sure he environment. of tries disallowed, and three or four more is glad, and we are glad he’s got that first one under his belt. We were pretty good and while they were held over the line. We executed really well never under threat of losing the game, for and I thought we were very dominant in the Halifax reaction: (Lost 10-60) to compliment our efforts, it’s no game. Every player seemed to have an off day. There more than the lads deserved. The score probably doesn't reflect how were some very big errors from us and we When we got the ball our skill and execution dominant we were. We played in the right made it very, very easy for Halifax. It was a was fantastic. All the ingredients are there for areas of the field. Our pivots were good; our very uncharacteristic performance, but us to move forward this year. Everyone can middle unit was very dominant against a side everyone had it on the same day. We let take something away from their performance; that pride themselves in being dominant. We ourselves down and the lads know that. It’s something they will talk about with friends identified that as being one of their strengths not nice; it wasn’t a pleasant experience and and family for years to come. It’s about and more than matched it. we will work even harder. making memories and they did that. Workington are big all over and they play to I don’t agree that everything came from their their strengths; that was a challenge to our kicking game. I didn’t think Halifax had to do boys and I thought they handled it really well. anything spectacular. It was our errors and East Leeds reaction: (Won 50-4) with something like ten minutes to go in the second half we’d only had the ball five or six It was East Leeds’ big day and they can be times. It was a phenomenal amount of rightly pleased with what they achieved. They possession. Our completion rate was the came up with some really good stats, which lowest it’s been all year, at around the fifty more than matched ours at times. From our percent mark and you can’t win games on point of view we had a really low week, a that. really relaxed week in training. We were quite confident of always getting the result and Nobody goes out to play badly, but the fact of that’s what we got in the end. the matter is that we are now fourth or fifth in the table and that is where we deserve to We were able to have a look at Anthony Bate, be. We are still in with a fighting chance, but who made his first team debut, as well as it was certainly three points gone adrift. upended at Wigan

4 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

6 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 9

LEIGH CENTURIONS TV

By JOHN RODDY John Roddy

eigh Centurions plan, L during the forthcoming home match with Keighley, to formally launch Leigh Centurions TV. This will be a Pay to View (PTV) service, which will provide those supporters who wish to subscribe with an additional insight into Paul Rowley and his team, plus extra features including match highlights after each home game and where possible away games too. Features will include: • Pre-match interview with Paul Lights... • Pre-match interview with Player • Post Match Interview with Paul • MOM interview • Captains table - Rob Parker interviewing players current and past • Dave Parkinson Interviews • ‘Riddy & Brierley’ • Match highlights • Match Archive Club Director John Roddy commented that “We have been working on the development of LCTV for the past eight weeks and have introduced a number of introductory trailers through social media and our website, to provide our supporters with a feel of the quality of the product which we wish to put out on a regular basis.” We intend to charge just £3.50 per month for the service and Camera, Action.... when you think that that all filming, editorial and planning is carried out by volunteers, we feel that the cost is both affordable and will be from the outset seen as Value for Money! More information will follow during the weeks ahead. We do plan to involve supporters in a number of the features, as well as club groups including Junior Centurions, the Lottery and LISA. The LCTV team includes myself, Rob Parker, Fred and Dave Parkinson, Emma Costello, Alastair Crosby and Stefan Sale. Our first trailer attracted over 1000 views and once our supporters like what they see and want more, we are confident that LCTV will become an additional revenue stream for the club. Match day commentator Dave Parkinson. John

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

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

Wake Up and Smell The drug test. As it happened, he left it to team-mate Ben Cockayne Coffee to pick up the cup – although it wasn’t reported what he then did with it! Comedian/actor/writer Eddie Izzard once said, “I like my Anyway, it looks like the 29 year-old Mathers was lucky to have coffee like I like my women, in a plastic cup.” been assaulted by caffeine so late in his career – actress That’s just what full back Richie Mathers got thrown at Elizabeth Hurley reckons that she “didn’t have a cup of coffee, him, (a plastic cup of coffee, not a woman) on a recent return until she was 27!” visit to former club . It would appear that Mathers’ ‘crime’ was to rather enthusiastically celebrate his try against his And the lights all went former team-mates, who are having a rough time of it lately, in out in…………..Castleford? Sooper Dooper League. ”After I scored I celebrated like any sportsman is entitled to do, and a steaming hot cup of coffee “Feel I’m going back to Massachusetts; Something is whistled past my head,” rued Mathers. telling me I must go home; And the lights all went out in Massachusetts…..” – The Bee Gees. Eye-witnesses would suggest that Mathers went a tad further than ‘any sportsman’ might do in celebrating, but even so, that is Perhaps one Castleford official had absolutely no excuse for a mindless idiot to lob a Starbuck’s the lyrics of the huge hit on his mind, Americano at him. You may remember Gregg McNally’s muted at that recent Castleford v Wakefield celebration when he scored at Whitehaven recently? Now Gregg derby, when a floodlight bulb ‘caught can celebrate with the best of them, but he was mindful of the fire’? (well, certainly the line about respect and support that his former Whitehaven mates and fans ‘Something is telling me I must go had shown him. Of course, that could be because our Gregg was home’!) Spectators were evacuated expecting to score, whereas a try might have come as a total from parts of the Wish surprise to Mathers?! Communications Stadium, as a safety precaution, while the local fire Unfortunately, sport is littered with Richie Mathers - upset brigade examined the offending incidents of objects being thrown at his former Castleford fans. candle – sorry, bulb! participants. Remember the coin that hit Rio Ferdinand in the Manchester According to the Tigers’ subsequent statement, “Upon inspection, derby? Ok, there was compensation for the Fire Service said it (the bulb) was not on fire. After Rio, in that he was able to pocket the consultations between the match officials, and coaches…. the coin and supplement his meagre decision was taken to abandon the game, with just over seven Phil Tufnell learned minutes remaining, with player safety in mind.” how to deal with a income, but how should sports hostile crowd. personalities respond, when they are on The game was abandoned with Wakefield leading by 37-16, and the receiving end? Do they react, and the RFL confirmed that the result would stand – a decision further inflame the situation, or do they respond with humour in endorsed by Tigers’ coach – “There was no way we an attempt to defuse the problem? Ex-England cricketer Phil were going to win the game from there and we haven’t taken too Tufnell has reacted both ways. In a test match in Madras, in much time off the spectators. I felt they won the game fairly and 1993, Tufnell was being pelted by a cocktail of fruit and finally squarely. I was very happy to stop the game.” I bet he was. lost his rag, when a second successive satsuma hit him on the Goodness knows how much more damage would have been back of the head. An angry ‘Tuffers’ retaliated by hurling the fruit inflicted on Castleford’s fragile points difference, currently back at the Indian supporters. However, Tufnell does concede standing at minus 181, if the extra seven minutes had been that, on a hot day, some of the ripe fruit provides welcome played! refreshment, between drinks breaks! I guess more than one Cas’ player, official, or supporter was On some grounds, the coffee problem wouldn’t have arisen – mindful of this anonymous quote, when the ‘emergency’ arose – surely nobody in their right mind would fork out an arm and a leg “You always have that bit of hope inside you during a fire drill, for a coffee at LSV, just to waste it on a visiting full back? So, that your school is actually on fire...” what should Mathers have done? I suppose he could have picked And there we have it – an entire ‘Flat Cap’ feature without it up and gulped it down, although there would have been the mention of Dr. Marwan Koukash, or Salford City Reds! attendant risk of the caffeine fouling up any potential post-match

12 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com WHISTLE

By STOP MIKE HULME Mike Hulme

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

OVE ‘em or hate ‘em. people a second chance when they get LBut you can’t ignore something wrong and, secondly, why do ‘em! we need to penalise the team with the Every sport needs a referee; otherwise ball? Have they gained an unfair contest would descend into pantomime advantage? farce and would be meaningless. We need If you think about it logically, they've these ‘policemen’ with whistles. slowed down their own attack. If we are But what is the role of the referee? to be consistent here we need to allow the ref to shout 'play on' even if a pseudo Let's begin by agreeing on what the rules play the ball has taken place. in sport are for: they are principally designed to prevent cheating; to stop one I know that we managed to introduce a team gaining an unfair advantage and new rule a few weeks ago when we provide a spectacle that allows the game banned the shoulder charged mid-way through the season and cannot think of a to flow. Held. Phil Bentham directs a Super League player back to play the ball. reason why we cannot do something I appreciate that the rules in rugby league similar here. are not perfect, and I know that we have a lot of grey areas, but this is an issue We should not need to wait until the end that had me frustrated for some time. of the season to sort this out. All of this, though, avoids the bigger issue. Should The rules committee have decided that the referee simply apply the rules or is it when a player does not hear the referee best if he tries to manage the game to when he calls 'held' in an upright tackle make it a better spectacle? and either offloads the ball or tries to carry on running, then penalising him is I've got a Genghis Khan attitude here and too harsh. would simply have the ref adopt a black and white mentality: penalise the players The important bit here is that if the if they break the rules and don't give referee is of the opinion that the player as does Ben Thaler . them a second chance or advise them on did not hear him then the player gets how to do something. another chance and goes back to the point where the ref called 'held' and plays If they don't get six players to form a the ball. scrum, it is not the ref's job to help them. Just penalise them. The will learn. Same However, when a player thinks he heard goes for play the ball - touch it with your the referee call 'held' or feels that the foot or conceded a penalty. tackle has been completed and he plays the ball on the spot, the rules committee The game’s got to decide what is it we have deemed that there is no other way want them to do? Apply the rules or of restarting play other than by giving a manage the match? penalty to the other team! I do not agree with either 'rule'. Enough's enough for Steve Ganson , Firstly, we are making our game look like who recently announced his retirement from whistle blowing. an Under-7s match when you allow

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 13 IN TOWN TODAY

BATLEY BULLDOGS By ALAN EDGE

BATLEY’s Home won at Leigh in the semi-final, and then snatched a dramatic late victory over Widnes, in the final. The Bulldogs are a rare breed among Rugby League clubs, only ever having played their home games at the Their home is now known as the ‘LoveRugbyLeague.com’ Mount Pleasant Stadium. Stadium. In 1880 , members of Batley Cricket Club decided they would like to have a football club affiliated to them and Batley Athletic were eventually awarded that honour, following a disputed BATLEY challenge match against the town’s other top team, Batley Mountaineers! Batley Cricket, Athletic and Football club was Statistics 2012 born, winning its first ever game against Bradford Zingari. The dressing rooms in the early years were at the Royal Hotel on 2012 Tries - (Total 143) – 19 – Potts; 14 – Moore; Bradford Road, some eight minutes’ walk from the ground. 10 – Brown; 9 – Black; 8 – Maun, Preece, Campbell, (imagine our players getting changed and walking from The Bretherton. Tamar!) In those early seasons, Batley played in shirts that were 2013 Tries (to 14/4/13) – 7 – Greenwood; described as ‘cerise and fawn’! In 1884/5, the club won the 6 – Flanagan, Campbell; 5 – Hemingway; 4 - Bretherton Yorkshire (RU) Cup, beating such illustrious opponents as Heckmondwike, Pudsey, Halifax, Salterhebble, Bradford and 2012 Goals – (Total 117) Manningham in the final. In 1893/4, a huge stand, purchased 107 - Moore; 8 – Palfrey; 2 – Mennell. from the Yorkshire Agricultural Showground, was erected at 2013 Goals (to 14/4/13) Mount Pleasant. 42 – Hemingway; 3 – Moore. On 29 August 1895 , Batley became one of the 22 founder 2012 Drop Goals - (Total 2) – 2– Moore. clubs of the Northern Rugby Football Union, and early seasons Average Home Attendance – 2012 - 947 (all saw the club occupy a series of healthy positions in the Yorkshire competitions); 2013 – 737 - (5 Championship games, Senior Championship. In knock out competitions, the club was plus one Challenge Cup tie) supreme, winning the first Challenge Cup Final against St Helens, Highest Home Attendance – 2012 - 1,553 v at Headingley in 1897, and then repeating the success against Halifax (Championship); 2013 – 948 (v Halifax) Bradford, the following year. Two Yorkshire League titles followed, before Batley made their third and final (to date) appearance in a Lowest Home Attendance – Challenge Cup Final, this time vanquishing . 2012 - 601 – v Skolars (Northern Rail Cup); 2013 – 484 v Gateshead – (Challenge Cup) In 1912 , Batley won their only Yorkshire Cup Final, defeating Hull at Headingley – a stadium that witnessed all four of their cup final victories, in those early years. Twelve years later, the ‘Gallant Youths’ recorded their only Championship trophy, beating Wigan in the final, and the following year attracted their biggest ever gate of 23,989 at ’The Mount’ for a Challenge Cup tie with Leeds. Following the War, Batley made it to the Yorkshire Cup Final again in 1952, but were defeated by Huddersfield. In 1979, the club ditched its lengthy title, in favour of ‘Batley Football Club’ and two years later celebrated their centenary with a victory over the league’s new London team, known in those days as Fulham. In 1994/5 , Batley finished as runners-up to Keighley, in the Second Division but, when the format of the inaugural Super League was announced, both Keighley and Batley were left out, leaving their supporters wondering ‘What if?’ had they been given the nod, to the ‘Promised Land’. The following season, Batley adopted the nickname ‘Bulldogs’, but it didn’t stop them finishing bottom of the First Division. More success was to follow, in the form of the Trans-Pennine Cup, in 1998, and then the Tom Hemingway Ryan Esders Northern Rail Cup, in 2010 when, against all the odds, Batley -briefly a Leyther.

14 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com The New BULLDOGS IN 2013

Batley have been forced into something of a major re- the clubs ‘Player of the Year’ awards in 2012. Hooker Danny build in 2013, following the departure of a clutch of Whitmore is another former Oldham recruit, who started his players from last season’s squad. career with Waterhead, before progressing to Bradford Academy. Long-serving stalwarts Ian Preece, Kris Lythe, Johnny Walker and The lively youngster signed for Oldham, after a spell at Salford. Mark Toohey have all hung up their boots. Powerful winger Alex Big back row forward John Davies , joins from , Brown has deservedly earned a Super league contract at Hull KR, where he made his Super League debut in 2009. He struggled to whilst Chris Buttery, Luke Menzies, (both Hunslet) and Daley hold down a regular spot, making just seven appearances in Williams (Dewsbury) have both decided to try their luck with rival three years. Last season he spent time on loan at York. Powerful Championship teams. Lewis Palfrey (Oldham) and Gareth impact prop Alex Rowe has made the move from Sheffield Frodsham (Rochdale) have dropped down into Championship Eagles, where he spent a frustrating season recovering from a One, to get back over the ‘right side’ of the Pennines, and Darren broken arm and a loan move to Doncaster. Rowe is another Williams and Craig Potter were released. former Castleford Tiger. In replacing some of these players, coach hasn’t shied Former Huddersfield and Wakefield wing Greg Johnson will add away from turning to bitter ‘Heavy Woollen’ rivals Dewsbury, from pace and power to the three-quarter line and promising utility whom he has plucked three highly-rated members of the Rams’ forward Jay Leary from Academy, is seen as a first team squad. Hooker is no stranger to bright prospect at Mount Pleasant. Leary was formerly with our Batley, having spent three years at the ‘Mount’, before opting for recent Challenge Cup opponents East Leeds. a move to Dewsbury. Flanagan started off in the Bradford Batley Bulldogs have signed a ‘partnership’ agreement with Academy, before becoming an instant hit on moving to Batley, Super League club . It is somewhat confusing where his inventive play from dummy half, and feisty nature, then to learn that two of their current ‘dual contract’ players are swiftly earned him cult status among Bulldogs’ followers. Having Daniel Fleming from Castleford Tigers, and Alex Walmsley , spent a disappointing season at Dewsbury, Flanagan will be from St Helens! Apparently, both these deals were agreed, eager to regain the form he showed a couple of seasons ago. BEFORE the arrangement with Huddersfield. Welsh international Centre Ayden Faal earned a contract after figuring prominently prop Fleming joined Cas’ from Halifax and made his SL debut this in derby games with Batley, as indeed he did in games against season, in the recent home defeat to . Walmsley Leigh last season. Previously with Leeds, Doncaster and Hunslet, enjoyed a sensational Championship debut season in 2012, after Faal is known for his power and determination, although he also joining John Kear’s side from Leeds Carnegie, where he earned displayed superb centre skills, in creating a try for Dewsbury the accolade of ‘Student RL Player of the Year’. Expecting to play against the Centurions last season. Back row forward Ryan “the odd game now and again” for Batley, the big young prop Esders started his career at Hull KR, where he made one Super was an instant hit, and deservedly gained the award of ‘Young league appearance, before moving to in 2007 Championship Player of the Year’ in 2012. His aggressive and to gain first team experience. His performances at the Huntington athletic displays for the Bulldogs caught the eyes of St Helens Stadium earned him the ‘Young Player of the Year’ award, and a coaching team, and he recently earned rave reviews for his return to Hull KR who, in turn, loaned him to Harlequins in 2009. performance in the Easter derby defeat at Wigan. It is unlikely Esders’ move to London became permanent and he made 22 that Batley will be able to call on this hot talent, too many times appearances for the Harlequins, before returning to York in 2011. this season! So far, just one Huddersfield Giant, Anthony Unfortunately, the ‘big name’ signing had a somewhat turbulent Mullally , has figured for the Bulldogs this season, although season at York, who released him to sign for Dewsbury in 2012. Jacob Fairbank did play in a pre-season game. Half back Tom Hemingway is another former Bulldog, who returns to Mount Pleasant, after a spell with Featherstone. He has played a key role in the early season, following Gareth Moore’s corrective surgery. Hemingway started his career at Huddersfield, from whom Leigh took him on a brief loan spell, before moving on to and then Featherstone. During his spell at Blackpool, he equalled an RL goal-kicking record, by converting all 22 tries in a 132-0 Challenge Cup win over Gateshead. Hemingway made just 22 appearances in his four years at Huddersfield. Another former Centurion joining the Bulldogs’ ranks is full-back Miles Greenwood . Greenwood was an instant hit in Tony Benson’s side, as an exciting attacking full back. His development continued at Halifax, but a couple of horrific injuries set him back. However, Miles dropped down a division, at Oldham, where Alex Walmsley receiving his Former Leigh full back Miles Championship award last Greenwood BSc. his confidence flowed back, to the extent that he won three of season.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 15 LOTTERY NEWS

During the week running up to Easter I visited Various places delivering easter eggs kindly donated by friends and supporters of our great club. I was touched once again by the generosity and support from the fantastic people of our borough. Myself, our team captain Rob Parker and Ryan Brierley visited Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Future Steps at LSV, Royal Bolton Hospital Children's Ward and Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where we were given an amazing reception from patients and staff alike. It's a very humbling experience to visit these places and I am massively thankful to be a part of Leigh Centurions which enables me to be part of such great events. A massive thanks and much respect must go out to The Rotary Club of Astley,The Shield Guarding Company, The Tanning Studio at Dave Browns, Leigh Sports Village Company, The Railway Pub, Astley Labour Club, The Leigh Centurions Retail Outlet and not forgetting the public of Leigh and Fans of Leigh Centurions. Your generosity and kindness put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces of adults and children who find themselves in times of adversity. Centurions top try scorer Ryan Brierley told me 'It was a pleasure for me to represent the club and help Parky bring smiles to peoples faces and bring a little bit of joy to their lives. I hope that I can take part again next year. Once again on behalf of myself and all the Staff at Leigh Centurions... THANKYOU Parky Pig

16 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com MATCH ACTION from RECENT GAMES AT LSV

Photographs courtesy of award-winning photographer, Maurice Jones

Sean Penkywicz looks for the gap in the game 'at' Swinton.

Another blockbusting try from Sam Hopkins against Workington.

Michael Ostick on the charge Ryan Brierley used his pace to great against Workington. effect against East Leeds.

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 17 LEIGH CENTURIONS

SQUAD - 2013 Head COACH - PAUL ROWLEY

No NAME Shirt Sponsor

1 GregG McNally Marstrut

2 Steve Maden Padken Steel Erectors

3 Stuart Littler Professional Witnesses

4 Matt Gardner Williams & Co - Personal Injury Solicitors

5 Jon Pownall Grada UK

6 Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions

7 Ryan Brierley Leigh Sports Village Co

8 Sam Hopkins Styles & Co

9 Taylor Drilling Services

10 Rob Parker Hamilton Fabrications Ltd

11 Ask Platt Office Supplies

12 Tommy Goulden CDA Business Services

13 Martin Aspinwall Widdows Mason Solicitors

14 Sean Penkywicz Leigh Market Traders Association

15 Andy Thornley Ale House Leisure Ltd

16 Craig Briscoe L.I.S.A.

17 Tommy Coyle Greenheart Regional Park Project

18 Anthony Nicholson AVAILABLE

19 Michael Ostick AVAILABLE

20 James Taylor AVAILABLE

21 Ryan Duffy AVAILABLE

22 Adam Higson AVAILABLE

23 Chris Rowe AVAILABLE

31 John O Donnell ' 34 Tom Spencer

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

Player Sponsor SHORTS SPONSOR SOCKS SPONSOR

DAVID ECKERSLEY CUT & BLOW BOND STREET CLUB

JMS INTERIORS FERROLL (BOILERS)

CORLETT ELECTRICAL

DR DOUBLET-STEWART

LC COMMUNICATIONS NORTH STANDER

Integrated Control Solutions LUNCH BOX MICHAEL CAINE

LISA & HA ENGLAND ENGINEERS LTD ADS MARQUEES CENTURION HYDRAULICS

AB SUNDECKS

ASK PLATT OFFICE SUPPLIES

TUFFNELLS TOYMASTER

CDA BUSINESS SERVICES

INTRA HEALTH FAMILY PACTICE - LSV ALAN EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL BLACKBURN

LISA

HAMILTON FABRICATIONS LTD

Ale House Leisure Ltd

IN MEMORY OF TERRY WILCOCK

EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL

AVAILABLE

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KATIE WILLIAMS

AVAILABLE

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LISA

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 19 Part-time players Bears keen to be next deserve huge credit new boys BATLEY Bulldogs coach John Kear recently gave a fascinating IT was hugely encouraging to chat to Coventry Bears director Alan insight into the sacrifices that players at Championship level make Robinson about the club’s aim to join Kingstone Press every week. Championship One next season. Kear was talking about the busy Easter schedule, and how he feels that The Bears have been holding talks with the RFL’s Club Support Unit, have success over that weekend is down to attitude. Playing two games in the submitted a draft business plan and will put their aims to the other space of four days has again attracted plenty of criticism this year, especially Championship clubs when they host a meeting soon. in Super League, where Widnes coach used the word “cruelty”. For Robinson, success would mean the culmination of almost two decades of But the commitment from players is arguably greater in the Championship – hard work, after he founded the club and played several years in their colours. something that Kear was keen to point out when highlighting the schedule of The Ireland international took up the sport as a student at Coventry an unnamed member of his Bulldogs squad. Batley beat both Hunslet and University, and almost since then has held a vision of establishing a Dewsbury over Easter, to push themselves up to second in the Kingstone Press professional club in the city. Championship table. “There is a lot of talk about playing two games over Easter, but there might He feels that the club has several unique strong points that will strengthen be less if they realised what one of our players went through,” Kear said. “On their case for 2014. Thursday he worked all day and then trained, and because Good Friday isn’t a “We’ve been working close with Andy Lindley in the RFL’s Club Support Unit Bank Holiday in Yorkshire, he then worked before playing against Hunslet. He for the last 18 months, and hopefully the business plan that we’ve put in will did some overtime and worked on Saturday, then on Sunday we had a be successful.” Robinson said. “We’ve got to keep our feet on the ground recovery and video session at training. still, but the most exciting thing from our point of view is that we have built a He actually had Monday off, but played against Dewsbury at night, and was club foundation up over the last 15 or 16 years. This has always been the then back to work on Tuesday morning. Through all of that there wasn’t an dream of the club, to become semi-professional, and we’ve done it in a element of moaning – he just wanted to play rugby.” similar way to the way Hemel have gone about it.” This is far from an isolated example as well. “The main difference is that we have the potential to be the only professional Whitehaven hooker Carl Sice tweeted the following after the Easter weekend: club in the Midlands, and that’s a massive catchment area. We are based out “Betts complaining about two games over Easter weekend! Try squeezing a of Coventry RU, which has a 2,000 seat stadium right in the heart of the city, night shift weekend in then back at work Tuesday morning as well! five minutes’ walk from the centre. The potential that we have is huge, and Last year, at the televised Thursday Championship One clash, between now it’s a matter of realising that and getting the nod.” Doncaster and Workington, Town hooker Graeme Mattinson had to travel to The way that Hemel, Gloucester and Oxford have taken to life in the the game separately from the rest of the team with joint coach Gary Charlton. professional ranks has only enthused Robinson further. The reason was that after a gruelling 80 minutes on the field, Mattinson “We’re keeping a close eye on them and learning a few lessons from them,” needed to leave immediately afterwards to head north and start a night shift he said. “So far they seem to be competing well. We’re looking on with at Sellafield! envious eyes, because we’re hoping to get over the line and put ourselves in There are doubtless countless other similar stories every single weekend at that position as well.” Championship level. Yet still these players serve up fantastic entertainment on “We have put a draft business plan in place to the Club Support Unit, and are a regular basis. getting feedback from that now. On May 8 we will host a meeting of Part-time players deserve an immense amount of credit for the contribution Championship clubs and I’ll be presenting to their chief executives about the they make to the professional game – and it’s great to see the likes of John way we’ve gone about things and the key aspects of what we’re doing. It will Kear highlighting that fact in the public domain. put us right in the shop window and let people see what we’re all about.”

Coventry Bears director Alan Robinson - hoping for the nod Whitehaven's Carl Sice - squeezing games inbetween night shifts. from Championship clubs

20 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com UNDER 20s

FOCUS By DAVE PARKINSON

After a brilliant start to the season, the Under-20s have the new half and got the leg up they needed when Kurtis Jackson faltered in recent weeks, having suffered two big defeats. was sin binned. The Centurions got on the board when Sam Peet Having put together an impressive run that brought wins over found Alex Davidson and he went under the posts for Josh Ward to Oldham, South Wales, Featherstone and Keighley; the Centurions goal, but this was like poking a stick in a hornets nest. have since lost their last two games heavily. Three tries in six minutes saw Rovers ominously advance to 54-6 and SALFORD CITY REDS 48 there was only brief respite when Thomas Coyle strolled through the LEIGH CENTURIONS 30 middle of the Featherstone defence from close range after 57 minutes. Another brilliant spell of three Featherstone tries in five A first half of dominance from Salford saw them go in at the minutes moved the score line to 70-12 and there was one last try for interval with a 30-0 buffer. Leigh found their hosts too the home crowd to cheer when prop James Kitchen barrelled over clinical during the first period and despite mounting a beneath the posts for Scott to strike his twelfth goal, to confirm an number of promising attacks, they were thwarted while the embarrassing loss for the Centurions. City Reds put the points on at the other end. The only bright point in a poor team performance was the non-stop An embarrassing score looked on the cards early in the second half efforts of Anthony Bate in attack and defence. when Salford added a further six points to their score, but this Featherstone sparked the Centurions and the last half hour was much better with Matty Pendlebury creating problems for the defence and Aaron Lloyd T: Fox 2, Joint 2, Humphries 2, Lee 2, Bussey, Pickerill, Scott, Helliwell, finally beginning to profit from a quicker ruck. Kitchen Leigh’s fight back began after 56 minutes when Brad Ashurst put G: Scott 12 Pendlebury over for the first of his two tries before the prop burst Leigh: Andrew Cunningham; James Hill, Mitchell Cox, Joe Bullock, over himself on the hour. Cameron Pitman; Matt Pendlebury, Thomas Coyle; Alex Davidson, Josh Ward scored the Centurions third try after Adam Simm had Aaron Lloyd, Brad Ashurst, Matty Crow, Sam Peet, Anthony Bate. exploited a hole in the defence and there were even more nerves for Subs: Tom Breheney, Josh Ward, Dylan James, Luke Warburton the City Reds when Connor Partington’s run scattered the defence T: Davidson, Coyle and Lloyd chipped the line and chased through to collect a brilliant G: Ward 2 solo try with Ward hitting his fourth goal, to close the deficit to 36- 24. Leigh Under 20’s Statistics To Date Two long range tries settled the game in the Super League side’s LEIGH UNDER 20s Apps Sub Tries Goals DG Pts favour, although Pendlebury added further respectability to the score Ashurst, Brad 3120 08 with a late try. Barber, Adam 3000 00 Salford City Reds Bate, Anthony 5040 016 T: Ford 2, J Walne 2, Evalds, Tyson, Hankinson, Hope Breheney, Tom 0400 00 Bullock, Joe 6020 08 G: Lomax 8 Cox, Mitchell 6030 012 Leigh: Andrew Cunningham; Joe Bullock, Mitchell Cox, James Hill, Coyle, Thomas 1010 04 Cameron Pitman; Matt Pendlebury, Josh Ward; Alex Davidson, Aaron Crow, Matty 1200 00 Lloyd, Brad Ashurst, Chris Rowe, Sam Peet, Connor Partington. Subs. Cunningham, Andrew 6010 04 Adam Simm, Matty Crowe, Tom Breheny, James Marsh. Davidson, Alex 5110 04 Hill, James 4010 04 T: P endlebury 2, Ward, Lloyd, Ashurst James, Dylan 0200 00 G: Ward 4, Pendlebury 1. Lloyd, Aaron 6060 024 76 Marsh, James 0400 00 LEIGH CENTURIONS 12 Nicholson, Anthony 2010 04 O'Donnell, John 3030 012 Featherstone were left smarting by the severity of their loss at Ostick, Michael 1000 00 Leigh East a few weeks ago and fully atoned for it with a Partington, Connor 1200 00 sensational 13 try rampage. Peet, Sam 4240 016 Leigh opened brightly, but once Rovers gained field position they Pendlebury, Matt 6021 010 Pitman, Cameron 4020 08 trampled all over the visitors. First team squad member Rowe, Chris 5000 00 scored the first try in the sixth minute and was at the hub of play again a Simm, Adam 0210 04 couple of minutes later as Joe Fox raced away for the first of his two Singleton, Sam 0100 00 tries. Thornley, Andy 1000 00 Four more tries followed in the first half from Fox (after an 80 metre Warburton, Luke 0200 00 intercept), Jake Joint and Richard Humphries with Scotland international Ward, Josh 51633 0 90 Dave Scott converting from all angles to make it 36-0 at half-time. Totals 78 24 40 34 0 228 With warning lights flashing brightly, Leigh needed a positive start to

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

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

ike most fans, I’ve never been one Lto hold back from criticising the RFL throughout my time as a rugby league supporter. When licensing was first introduced I argued for promotion and relegation; when the Crusaders were chosen for Super League I continually attacked the RFL’s decision; and most recently I’ve taken issue with the RFL and the RLIF for allowing players like to switch international allegiance at will. Yet over the last year or so I’ve found myself sounding It wasn't the RFL's fault that Australia and New Zealand opted for frighteningly like an apologist for the RFL, and I seem to spend an Strictly Come Dancing rather than participate in last season's increasing amount of time thinking that they’re unfairly Autumn international. condemned for matters very much beyond their control. The most recent situation People have criticised the RFL for allowing Bacon to conduct the for which those at Red Hall draw, but how were they to know he’d behave like an eight year old have taken an unfair degree that needs a good slap? People have criticised the RFL for not of blame was last week’s arranging for the draw to be made live on TV, but if the BBC don’t shambolic Tetley’s want to do it then the RFL can’t force them. Remember the BBC Challenge Cup draw, in can’t even bring themselves to broadcast the Super League Show which Radio 5Live presenter nationally without doing it as a repeat at some odd hour of the Richard Bacon conducted night. the draw in a very unprofessional manner, We had the same situation for last season’s Autumn making silly mistakes like Internationals, where the RFL received the blame for, among drawing number 6 and other things, the one-sided score lines and general lack of saying number 9, referring excitement. Yet what are they supposed to do when the to Workington as Australians and New Zealanders don’t want to play – snap their “Woking”, forgetting he fingers and conjure up competitive international opponents? had drawn Widnes away at The RFL also recently took the blame for the World Cup “Woking” and announcing broadcasting rights, in which England games and selected others it was Hull KR, and so on. will be shown on the BBC and the rest on Premier Sports. It’s not BBC Radio presenter Richard the best deal, but it’s certainly far from the worst – yet from the Bacon , suitably attired for the It’s understandable that reaction you’d think the RFL had deliberately set out to sabotage wrath of RL fans, after belittling fans were annoyed – the their sport during the Challenge whole thing was cringe their own tournament by banishing the majority of games to Cup draw. worthy from start to finish. some distant corner of TV land, not that Sky had withdrawn their There was the apology for interest and the RFL had to make the best of a bad situation. interrupting the show for the draw, his appraisal of the trophy – There are always legitimate issues that rugby league fans might “two rugby players looking incredibly camp” – and his complain about, even moan about. Yet all too often supporters of interjection near the end – “if you’re just tuning in and this game seem to go through the season in perpetual outrage, wondering what the hell’s going on...”. Words like disrespectful always on the lookout for incompetence, ineptitude and and unprofessional have been bandied about, but with good conspiracies to destroy the game / northern clubs / lower-league reason. clubs / their club. Maybe perpetually lacking a sense of Yet it’s hard to see why this is the RFL’s fault. They rightly perspective should be referred to as the rugby league disease. arranged for the cup draw to be broadcast on national radio, only [email protected] to see the event made a mockery of by the presenter. www.twitter.com/Tony_Williams88

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

ROB PARKER Rob Parker

Was the 10-60 score line at Wigan a little deceiving, as I thought you deserved much more credit than that? I thought we were very spirited but I wasn’t too sure how the fans would take it, because it’s not the most flattering of score lines. I think we have adopted a ‘never say die’ attitude which, from what I’ve been told, the fans appreciated, as we didn’t give in. I don’t want to make any excuses, but I feel there was at least one try of ours that should have been, and there were a couple of theirs which I felt a bit dubious about. Those 12-16 points really make a difference in terms of the score line which would have perhaps looked a little better on us. We had a few injuries, but I still feel there’s a lot we can improve on and take on board. However we can take a lot from that game and now we need to learn from it when we play the A section of the fantastic North Stand Leigh support at the DW Stadium last week. teams in our division. Paul Rowley mentioned after the match report and at 31, I don’t quite think that he always manages to get his lads game he was proud your middle were I’m at that stage yet, but maybe people can playing for him. There are some good players able to stop their forwards from write in and let me know! Hopefully you in that team but we have our plans. Without dominating the game and instead said something nice in your report or I may disrespecting them, we are just thinking they went around out wide, with their have to hunt you down! about ourselves because, at the end of the pace. Presumably that’s because you And the fans were extremely vocal day, we are looking to do our job as that’s were defending in the forwards? providing support from minute one to our ethos. Haha, I’ll take that! You don’t want any side, the very end… Finally, competition sponsors regardless of who they’ve got, to be I agree and the boys are really grateful for Kingstone Press are asking fans to breaking you down in the middle and I their support. It was a brilliant atmosphere name a ‘Man of Steel’ style trophy. thought we stood strong against them. and that engulfed us when we came out Any ideas? They’ve been doing that to Super League and they were singing and jumping around. I don’t know! Man of Apples? I’m just trying teams of late which just shows that was one It was a really big thing for me personally to think of something ‘punny’ relating to good aspect to our game. We knew that we and to have so many of them getting behind cider! We’re only at a midpoint of the didn’t want them to go through us but they us after our unacceptable performance at season so maybe it’s a little early to think of went around us. We knew that it’s a big field Halifax the week before, showed that our someone to be up for the award. Some and that they would try to exploit that with fans are a special breed. That will be a players are standing out but there’s a lot of the crop of players they have out wide. In all memory for the younger players and the rugby to be played. fairness they had some brilliant skill on older ones too – the likes of myself and show and their players were white hot that Stuart Littler might not get to play in many night. more of those games. One positive from the game was that Looking forward to today, Batley are you scored your first try of the season, on good form so how do you avoiding any end of season approach them? punishments! There’s never really a good time to play Yeah I guess that’s one thing. One thing I against Batley because they are a well want to know is when does a player become drilled team who have started the season a veteran? I’ve heard from a few mates that strongly. I’ve played under John Kear in a The skipper opens Leigh's account at I was described as a veteran player in a couple of representative teams and I know Wigan - with an 80 yard sprint.

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

ello, and hopefully a warm welcome to Heveryone at the Sports Village today. It seems a good while since I last penned a ‘Facts’ and indeed the clipboard and pen have been working overtime to bring everything up to date. Belated congratulations to Gregg McNally and Steve Maden who both reached personal career milestones in recent weeks. Gregg has now notched over 100 professional appearances while Steve has played 250 games in his career, a tally also reached a few weeks ago by Bob Beswick . Congratulations too Sam Hopkins . He reached his 50th Leigh game at the DW last weekend...... On a purely Centurions level, a couple of landmarks are looming. Stuart Littler has made 73 appearances for Leigh so far. Andy Thornley has made 48 appearances in total for Leigh before today. Matt Gardner and Craig Briscoe have notched 42 games before today. Tommy Goulden is eleven games away from a career 100 with Leigh, while Steve Maden has made 192 appearances for the club across his two spells. Martyn Ridyard is also nearing two more career totals, as he attempts to move up the top ten list of all-time club point scorers. Ridyard has currently notched 664 points for the club, with Tommy Clarkson (who played in the immediate aftermath of the First World War) on 681 points and prolific (if unfortunately injury prone) centre Mick Stacey (688) in 9th and 8th spot respectively. We have played out some interesting games against Batley in recent years and as you can see below, they have a pretty decent record here at this stadium. Steve Maden Year Result For Against Comp Crowd 2009 Lost 28 34 League 1727 2010 Won 26 4 League 2246 2010 Lost 4 25 Northern Rail 2058 2011 Won 36 12 League 2285 2012 Lost 18 24 League 1663 2012 Won 32 12 Northern Rail 2002 Totals 3W 3L 144 111

A glance at how Batley are travelling this season suggests a tough encounter in prospect. Currently the Bulldogs are sitting in second position on the table having won eight, lost one and drawn one of their ten games. They also gave Huddersfield a run for their money in last week’s Challenge Cup tie, at the LoveRugbyLeague.com Stadium.

Theirs is the meanest defence in the Kingstone Press Championship, conceding just ...and Bob Beswick - 250 career 129 points so far. games played

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

2013 Leigh Career

Debuted Squad No DOB Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Apps Sub Tries Goals Drop Points Goals Goals Martin Aspinwall 2013 13 21/10/1981 5100 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 Anthony Bate 2013 28/04/1992 1000 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Bob Beswick 2012 9 08/12/1984 12 12 0 0 8 35 45 0 121 Ryan Brierley 2012 7 12/03/1992 7691 038 14 26 34 60148 Craig Briscoe 2010 16 08/12/1992 2510 0 4 22 20 80 032 Thomas Coyle 2013 17 10/05/1988 1000 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Ryan Duffy 2013 21 13/05/1993 2530 012 2530012 Simon Finnigan 2013 11 08/12/1981 13 04 0 0 16 13 04 0 016 Matt Gardner 2012 4 24/08/1984 12 07 0 0 28 42 0 21 0084 Tommy Goulden 2010 12 30/06/1981 9030 012 82 7 34 00136 Adam Higson 2008 22 19/05/1987 0110 0 4 39 22 14 0056 Sam Hopkins 2011 8 17/02/1990 5760 024 23 27 22 0088 Stuart Littler 2011 3 19/02/1979 13 01 0 0 4 72 1 24 0096 Gregg McNally 2012 1 02/01/1991 11 05 0 0 20 39 0 22 1090 Steve Maden 2004/2008 2 13/09/1982 13 02 0 0 8 189 3 65 00260 Anthony Nicholson 2010 18 28/11/1990 0000 0 0 17 20 70 028 John O'Donnell 2013 24/06/1993 5120 0 8 5 1 2 0 0 8 Michael Ostick 2012 19 23/01/1988 8330 012 26 83 0 012 Rob Parker 2012 10 05/09/1981 11 11 0 0 4 32 35 0 020 Sean Penkywicz 2013 14 18/05/1982 8570 028 8570028 Jonny Pownall 2011 5 22/08/1991 9020 0 8 29 2 15 0060 Martyn Ridyard 2009 6 25/07/1986 13 0654 0 132 105 10 59 213 2 664 Chris Rowe 2012 23 08/02/1994 0000 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tom Spencer 2012 02/01/1991 4300 0 0 15 10 30 012 James Taylor 2005 20 11/09/1984 4620 0 8 148 36 24 0096 Andy Thornley 2011 15 01/03/1989 1710 0 4 17 31 80 032 Totals 169 52 68 55 0 382 982 242 389 220 3 1999

Goal Kickers Goals Attempts % TRY CREATORS Individual Pass Kick Other Total Martyn Ridyard 54 69 78 Sean Penkywicz 742013 Ryan Brierley 13 33 Martyn Ridyard 2 10 10 13 Simon Finnigan 05218 Gregg McNally 23207 TRY TRACKER After 7 games Ryan Brierley 34007 Bob Beswick 23005 Try Tracker – For Try Tracker – Against Sam Hopkins 40004 0-9 minutes 6 0-9 minutes 5 Matt Gardner 12003 10-19 minutes 5 10-19 minutes 11 John O'Donnell 01001 20-29 minutes 7 20-29 minutes 4 Jon Pownall 01001 30 minutes – half-time 8 30 minutes – half-time 7 Michael Ostick 10001 40-49 minutes 9 40-49 minutes 9 Steve Maden 01001 50-59 minutes 12 50-59 minutes 8 Ryan Duffy 10001 60-69 minutes 11 60-69 minutes 6 Tommy Goulden 01001 70 minutes – full-time 10 70 minutes – full-time 8 Stuart Littler 01001 Thomas Coyle 01001 68 58 23 37 71 68

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 27 TOUCHDOWN

CLUB By ALAN PLATT

CS CIVILS AND GROUNDWORKS

We also carry £10m Employers Liability and £5m Public Liability insurances. Based in North West England and covering projects nationwide, our experienced management team holds over 100 years combined experience to ensure works are carried out to the satisfaction of our clients at all times. We are a dynamic organisation, delivering CS Civils and Groundworks Limited are a contracts repeatedly to the approval of our 100% privately owned specialist customers. Those contracts are delivered with groundworks and civil engineering integrity, performance value, and contractor. client satisfaction. This provides repeat work and Self-funded and sustainable, we are able to maintains our long term relationships with entertain contracts up to £10m. established Main Contractors. Touchdown Corporate Gold Members 2013 Company Contact Tel JAMES ‘QS’ LIMITED IAN JAMES 07831 412960 ASTLEY HIRE COMPANY STEVE DORRICOTT 01942 608822 BURLINGTON BUILDERS LTD PAUL SUMNER 07774 920854 GRADA (UK) LTD PHIL OWEN 07967 049966 HIRE ‘N’ HIRE KEITH STACEY 01942 676406 TOPPING PARTNERSHIP PETER BENTHAM 07771 581115 EUROSCREEN LIMITED CHRIS GARFIN 01942 673333 CS CIVILS AND GROUNDWORK STEVE OPENSHAW 07805 056625 ASK PLATT OFFICE SUPPLIES LTD ALAN PLATT 07774 756223 PROFESSOR AND MRS BARRIE DALE BARRIE DALE 01204 882977 IMPACT INSURANCE LTD MOIRA GRIFFITHS 01204 848481 GLOBAL SURVEY EQUIPMENT MATTHEW 01942 896244 COLLINS & DARWELL CHRIS TRAVERS 01942 673166

28 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

30 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com

Junior Centurions with SHARON DILLON

We now have over 140 Junior Members and are still looking for more to join us. Application forms are available at the ticket office & Leigh Centurions retail outlet in the market hall. Junior Centurions wristbands are now available to buy, priced £1.00 each. They are available at the club retail outlet, C & D Books and Shine Jewellers in the Market hall, Atico Hair Studio, the club ticket office and Landside Store. We'd like to thank all our stockists for supporting the Junior Centurions.

Summertime Event

We are also in the process of putting together a Summertime Event, hopefully in July. This will include a singer, DJ and performances from the Dance Academy. Watch out for more details on this event.

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. NORTH LEIGH PARK GROUP From Tim Niblock Centurions’ sponsors North Leigh Park Group Limited would like to welcome local charity Winston's Wish, to enjoy its special Match Day Experience. Winston’s Wish helps young people re-adjust to life following the death of a loved one, thus preventing potentially damaging consequences in later life. The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 of funds to continue providing leading and pioneering support to children who face bereavement, in the local area. For more information, or to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/WWNorthWestAppeal

32 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com MATCH ACTION from THE WIGAN GAME

Photographs courtesy of award-winning photographer, Maurice Jones

Gregg McNally outjumps Martyn Ridyard was at the heart of many excellent Leigh moves. Here he's watched by Ryan Brierley, while Simon Finnigan appears to be waving to the photographer!

Some of the Leigh contingent of over 1300 in the North Stand

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

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

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

Sun 5th York City Knights CHAMP Sun 19th NRC Sun 26th KEIGHLEY COUGARS CHAMP June Sun 2nd FEATHERSTONE R CHAMP CLUB Sun 9th Workington Town CHAMP CONTACTS Sun 16th NRC QF Sun 23rd YORK CITY KNIGHTS CHAMP Sun 30th NRC SF Telephone: July 01942 487887 Sun 7th Doncaster CHAMP Email: Sun 14th Barrow Raiders CHAMP General Enquiries – Sun 21st HALIFAX CHAMP [email protected] Sun 21st NRC F Facebook: Sun 28th Hunslet Hawks CHAMP www.facebook.com/leighcenturionsfanpage August Sun 4th SWINTON LIONS CHAMP Twitter: twitter.com/LeighCenturions Fri 9th Sheffield Eagles CHAMP or tweet us @LeighCenturions Sun 18th WHITEHAVEN CHAMP Thu 22nd Batley Bulldogs CHAMP September Sun 1st DEWSBURY RAMS CHAMP

34 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com SULTS 2013

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

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

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

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

NEXT UP AT LSV

SUNDAY 2ND JUNE 2013 SUNDAY 26th MAY 2013 Kingstone Press Kingstone Press Championship Championship Round 15

Round 14 CENTURIONS CENTURIONS v v FEATHERSTONE

KEIGHLEY COUGARS ROVERS Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. Kick-Off 3:00 p.m.

Season Tickets Apply Season Tickets Apply

www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 35 BATLEY BULLDOGS Head COACH - SQUAD - 2013 JOHN KEAR

No NAME 1 Miles Greenwood 2 Gareth Potts 3 Danny Maun 4 Jason Walton 5 Johnny Campbell 6 Ben Black 7 Gareth Moore 8 Byron Smith 9 Paul Mennell ALEX BRETHERTON JOHNNY CAMPBELL 10 11 Alex Bretherton 12 Mark Applegarth 13 Ash Lindsay 14 George Flanagan 15 Keegan Hirst 16 John Davies 17 Ian Walmsley 18 Richard Waterworth 19 Alex Rowe 20 Ayden Faal BEN BLACK KEEGAN HIRST 21 Greg Johnson 22 Adam Scott 23 Tom Hemingway 24 Danny Whitmore 25 Jay Leary 26 Alex Walmsley 27 Anthony Mulally

28 Jacob Fairbank Referee: 29 Daniel Fleming Mr. M. THOMASON 32 Ryan Esders Touch Judges: Mr. T. Mahar & Mr. S. Kilpatrick. DANIEL FLEMING

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