LEIGH Leopards produced an impressive five-try performance to see off Warrington 28-12 in Joe Philbin’s testimonial at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Coach Adrian Lam gave a run-out to 28 members of his 31-man squad a run out in front of a remarkable 2,000-strong travelling contingent of Leopards fans packed.
Starting with his top numbered 1-13 – there were significant changes after 30 minutes but the influential halves Lachlan Lam and new NRL recruit Matt Moylan played the best part of an hour.
Moylan scored a second half try in an impressive first outing and he was join on debut by Owen Trout, Ben McNamara, Louis Brogan and Jack Darbyshire.
Also pleasing was the sight of Ricky Leutele and Frankie Halton returning after long term injuries.
Leopards started strong with tries from Josh Charnley and Zak Hardaker with the latter slotting two goals to make it 12-0.
Wire replied when James Harrison powered over from close range try.
But Leopards pulled away with tries from Umyla Hanley and Moylan pushing the Leopards advantage to 22-6.
Frank Sergent’s try converted by Leon Hayes cut Leigh’s lead to 10 points but Leigh finished strongly after Wire’s Brad Dwyer was sin-binned for a high tackle.
Tom Nisbet crossed for Leopards’ fifth try with McNamara converting to cap a fine performance against Sam Burgess’ Wolves.
Leopards: 1 Gareth O’Brien, 2 Tom Briscoe, 3 Zak Hardaker, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Josh Charnley, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Lachlan Lam, 8 Tom Amone, 9 Edwin Ipape, 10 Robbie Mulhern, 11 Kai O’Donnell, 12 Jack Hughes, 13 John Asiata (capt). Subs: 14 Dan Norman, 15 Matt Davis, 16 Frankie Halton, 17 Owen Trout, 18 Ben Nakubuwai, 19 Ed Chamberlain, 21 Ben McNamara, 22 Keanan Brand, 23 Nathan Wilde, 24 Umyla Hanley, 25 Tom Nisbet, 26 Jacob Gannon, 28 Jacob Jones, 30 Louis Brogan, 31 Jack Darbyshire.
Tries: Charnley (4), Hardaker (22), Moylan (52), Hanley (57), Nisbet (80); Goals; Hardaker 2/ 2, Chamberlain 1/ 2, McNamara 1/ 1.
Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Toby King, Connor Wrench, Jake Thewlis; George Williams, Josh Drinkwater; Zane Musgrove, Danny Walker, Joe Philbin, Ben Currie, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Jordan Crowther.
Subs: James Harrison, Leon Hayes, Gil Dudson, Brad Dwyer, Luke Thomas, Adam Holroyd, Sam Powell, Arron Lindop, Max Wood, Nolan Tupaea, Cai Taylor-Wray, Frank Sergent.
Tries: Harrison (31), Sergent (64); Goals: Josh Thewlis 1/ 1, Hayes 1/ 1.
Sin bin: Wrench (19), Dwyer (74) Referee: Ben Thaler; T-Js: M Griffiths, T Jones.
Attendance: 6,976.
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