Leigh Centurions 22-64 Hull FC

Hull FC took on Leigh Centurions on Saturday afternoon. Brett Hodgson’s men entered the fixture with 9 first team injuries, despite this could still name a strong looking starting XIII. A great display on the road last time out against Castleford had steered Hull away from difficult form including two defeats on the bounce against St Helens. Leigh are a side under increasing pressure, no wins in Super League since their controversial promotion. Although the Centurions have run some sides close but to no avail.

An error from the hosts at the kick-off presented Hull FC with a great opportunity in the opening moments of the game. Jake Connor gratefully accepted and in under a minute Hull led. It was the beginning of a hectic start to the game. James Bell dotted down next for the Centurions. Some good invention from Adam Swift, kicking and chasing his own kick on the wing put the Airlie birds back ahead. A scrambling Leigh defence could not halt Ma’u from touching down after quick FC hands found space on the left edge once again. The fourth try for the visitors came after 26 minutes, Wynne in an unusual centre position for this game with excellent handling, feeding his winger Faraimo who scored in the corner. Houghton with a quick change of direction from the play the ball saw the Black and Whites burst through again, Fonua this time with a try. The next try came from a Leigh offensive play. Loose handling and even looser defence allowed Adam Swift the room to race 80 meters and bag his second of the afternoon. The final try of an exciting half saw Andre Savelio battle his way over from a Jake Connor pass. 34-6 at half-time could have been 42 if Marc Sneyd had kicked his first four conversions.

The second half started just like the first. Leigh’s defensive efforts were shoddy, Hull took full advantage with more good work from Connor put Wynne in for a breakaway try under the posts. Leigh had not given in just yet. Ben Reynold’s individual effort three minutes later gave some slender hope for the hosts. These hopes were quickly extinguished after a brilliant team try. Exhibition rugby league from Hull FC. Offloads and quick handling drew defenders in allowing Jack Brown to slide home. Savelio was on the scoresheet again as the score ticked over the 50 mark in the 53rd minute. Ryan Brierley had looked lively for much of the afternoon and danced his way over for Leigh’s third try. Normal service was resumed shortly after, Chris Satae bounced his way through defenders to celebrate his new contract with a try. The twelfth and final FC try was Andre Savelio’s hat-trick and a well deserved one from the ever-threatening second-rower. Jake Connor with yet another assist in the game. Ryan Brierley scored his second try of the game and hit a career milestone of 150 league tries in the final moments. Emphatic in offence. Hodgson’s men looked unstoppable with ball in hand at times. Leigh did help with a multitude of errors but this is not quite a full-strength FC side and would be hopeful of further improvement too.

Reported by: Simon Bromwich

Leigh Centurions 22 (6)
Tries: Bell, Reynolds, Brierley 2. Goals: Brierley 3

Hull FC 64 (34)
Tries: Connor, Swift 2, Ma’u, Faraimo, Fonua, Savelio 3, Wynne, Brown, Satae. Goals: Sneyd 8