Betfred Super League

Leigh (8) 8

Tries: Senior Goals: Cook 2

Wigan (6) 20

Tries: Field, French, Eckersley, Hodkinson Goals: Smith 2

Wigan made it ten wins in a row in all competitions as a careless Leigh were made to pay for their mistakes in an enthralling Battle of the Borough.

The Leopards, crushed 54-0 in the first meeting between the sides this season, dominated the opening half hour and led at the break but self-destructed afterwards at the Leigh Sports Village.

Wigan cashed in with four tries from Jai Field, Bevan French, Zach Eckersley and Noah Hodkinson in the space of 22 minutes either side of half-time to secure a comeback win that moves them up to second in Super League.

The defeat ended a run of five successive wins for Leigh who dropped to fifth place in the standings.

Leigh had Wigan on the back foot initially and after Adam Cook put them ahead with a straightforward penalty, the Leopards delivered the opening try in the 13th minute through Innes Senior. It was the Leigh wing’s tenth try of the season from a slick assist by centre Andy Badrock, recalled from his loan with Widnes Vikings.

But they were left kicking themselves after switching off in defence to allow man of the match Field to show his scorching pace three minutes before half-time with a breakaway try.

It was quick thinking as well as quick feet from the Wigan full-back who raced 80 metres through a dozy Leigh defence after tapping a penalty.

Four minutes into the second half French gave Wigan the lead with Leigh again contributing to their own downfall. Jack Hughes’ offload attempt to Gareth O’Brien went to ground allowing Wigan wing Hodkinson to pick up the loose ball and feed French who went over.

Another offload error from Lazarus Vaalepu in the 51st minute as French drove him back in the tackle saw Eckersley intercept and speed in from halfway for his 22nd try of the season.

Then a poor pass from Owen Trout presented Wigan with the position to strike just before the hour and they took it with some terrific handling as Hodkinson scored in the corner from Eckersley’s tip pass.

Harry Smith added two goals for Wigan with Adam Keighran ruled out because of a groin injury.

Wigan’s defence did the rest as the visitors closed out victory with room to spare.

Leigh: O’Brien; Armstrong, Badrock, Hanley, Senior; Cook, Lam; Ofahengaue, Horne, Liu, Trout, Hughes, Brogan.

Interchanges: Mulhern, Vaalepu, Alick-Wiencke, Davis.

Wigan: Field; Hodkinson, Eckersley, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Harvard, O’Neill, Thompson, Walters, Partington, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Kerr, O’Loughlin, O’Connor.

Referee: Chris Kendall.