A LUKE Robinson field goal eight minutes from time robbed Leigh Centurions Academy side of a draw in their pre-season friendly against a strong Wigan Warriors side last Saturday.

The game marked a return from injury for star full-back Neil Turley and while obviously a little ring-rusty he played for 70 minutes, kicking two goals as well as his heels following his sin-binning late in the first half.

It was Turley who opened the score after five minutes with a penalty before Wigan replied through centre Taylor, crossing in support of a fine offload by loose forward Allen. Although Robinson couldn't convert he was at the hub of the move that brought Wigan's second try, an inside ball finding Hock who went over by the posts.

Steve Bennett forced a drop-out with a low kick for Eric Andrews but Leigh pressure came to nothing when Darren Woods was forced in touch by three men close to the line.

Distribution

With 22 minutes gone Wigan opened a 12 point lead when the distribution of Robinson again opened the visitors defence and Sykes scored. The signs were ominous as further line-breaks followed but Leigh somehow held out with a tackle from Gary Rourke on full-back Briscoe being a highlight.

If Wigan expected Leigh to roll over for them they were sadly mistaken. The Centurions gained good field position and Keiron Maddox had enough presence to scoot over from acting halfback for a Turley improved try.

The period leading up to half-time was crucial. Wigan began to take control but couldn't get past a spirited defensive line, even after Turley was sin-binned for holding down. The first half ended with the home side in ascendancy by 14-8.

Leigh started the second half in superb fashion with Maddox scored after just six minutes, running 20 metres to the line on the last tackle. With Turley in the bin, former Barrow stand-off Gary Winstanley stepped up, and struck a fine touchline conversion to level the scores.

Hit back

Again the home side went in front with a try in from the left touchline but spirited Leigh hit back with a Bennett 40-20. Leigh couldn't take advantage and had to defend doggedly on their own line before a breakthrough on 64 minutes led to Richard Grimes scoring.

As the clock ticked down, Wigan atacked with renewed vigour but a spirited line held before Robinson dropped the crucial goal eight minutes from the end.

Coach John Pendlebury says: "We've got to be happy with that performance. The encouraging thing is that we can improve. The lads never let their heads drop and showed good character. You can tell Wigan are a good side but we stuck with them. If I can get that sort of effort every week then I'll be happy."