LEIGH Centurions returned to winning ways with a hard fought 26-12 win at Batley.

Paul Rowley's side fired out of the blocks with two tries in the first 10 minutes to help the Centurions into a 10-0 lead.

The first try came from Leigh's first possession when Ben Reynolds took the ball down the right on halfway.

He linked up with Gregg McNally and the fullback broke the line for Adam Higson to support and hand off former Centurion Alex Brown and go over for the first of his hat-trick.

Moments later a penalty saw Leigh push deep inside Batley territory and quick hands left Liam Kay went over in the corner for his 23rd try of the season.

Leigh continued to look threatening for the next few minutes before Batley turned tables and lay siege to the Centurions line.

The visitors held out and Batley rarely threatened for the remainder of the first half until Wayne Reittie picked off a Ridyard pass and raced 65 metres to the posts to reduce the deficit to four points.

Early in the second half, an injury to Ben Reynolds led to Mickey Higham entering the fray at hooker and Batley edged ahead for the first time when substitute Alistair Leak plunged over from dummy half down the slope.

Gradually the Centurions worked their way back when Ridyard fired a pin-point ball right for Adam Higson to finish athletically.

They extended their advantage on 70 minutes when Jake Emmitt twisted and spun his way over the line for Ridyard to goal and open an eight point advantage.

With less than 10 minutes remaining a deft kick from Gregg McNally was collected by Higson to go under the posts and complete his hat-trick.

A third goal from Ridyard opened a 26-12 score and neither side added to the board until a late feud occurred between Tom Lillycrop and Jamie Acton.

Both props were handed red cards with Hock sinbinned for a second time.

Despite the late distractions, the Centurions held out to claim an important Kingstone Press Championship win.

Team: 1 Gregg McNally, 2 Adam Higson, 3 Greg Worthington, 4 Tom Armstrong, 5 Liam Kay, 6 Martyn Ridyard, 17 Ben Reynolds; 8 Fuifui Moimoi, 9 Bob Beswick, 26 Gareth Hock, 22 Andrew Dixon, 12 Tommy Goulden, 21 Jamie Acton

Subs (all used): 18 Tom Spencer, 20 Sam Hopkins, 29 Jake Emmitt, 30 Mickey Higham

Referee: Chris Kendall

Attendance: 1,125.