LEIGH'S tumble out of the play off semi-final on Sunday was enough to make a grown man cry - and they did.

Players and spectators, young and old, wept openly with frustration as the Hilton Park heroes came to terms with the fact that their vision of a Super League place was shattered for another season.

It all fell apart at the next-to-last obstacle as the Centurions failed to deliver again, following a season of such high hopes.

And once again Leigh ended up as the Tony Jarrett of the high hurdles - always runner-up to world champ, Colin Jackson.

The crestfallen Centurions will now have to watch Widnes Vikings play Oldham tomorrow for the spot they should have won, and deserved to take after their, up till now, all-conquering season.

Two men were whingeing about the match in Bradshawgate on Monday, and one's wife remarked: "It's only a game".

That's true, but it's one the fans who feel let down care about passionately.

The team will now have to brush off the disappointment, pick themselves up and hold the dream for next season. They can do it.