KIERON Purtill had the historians scrambling for the record books when he scored an astonishing SEVEN tries in the Alliance team's 48-0 win at Whitehaven on Saturday.

The half-back and club captain made a surprise comeback despite a major shoulder problem and ended the game with record-keepers pondering if his seven-try tally had ever been bettered at reserve team level.

"It was really a brave effort from Kieron. He knew that we we had a depleted squad for the trip to Whitehaven and put his hand up to volunteer," says coach Paul Terzis.

"He couldn't have damaged his shoulder any more than it already is. It just shows the guts and commitment of the bloke. He knew about it the following day, however, and it's pretty safe to assume he won't be playing this week!"

The victory lifted the Alliance side up to third place in the table, eight points behind leaders Widnes but with two games in hand.

Leigh's other tries at the Recreation Ground came from Alan Cross and Craig Wingfield with Wingfield adding six goals.

L The Academy team made it four wins in a row as they beat previously undefeated Featherstone 26-16.

Leigh could not have had a better start, scoring inside the first minute when Danny Mole crashed over for the opening try.

Defences were generally on top but after 18 minutes Featherstone crept in front when their prop barged over for a converted try from close in.

But four minutes from the break Chris Mellor intercepted and raced in at the corner to give Leigh an 8-6 lead.

The young Centurions increased their lead early in the second half when, after good work by Lee Rowley, Mellor went in for his second and added the conversion for 14-6.

Just six minutes after coming on as a substitute, Keiron Maddox scored to stretch Leigh's lead to 18-6.

Featherstone pulled a try back but in the 63rd minute the best try of the game settled the result in Leigh's favour. Alan Kilshaw started and finished a fine move to score wide out. When second rower Martin Wilson added Leigh's final try 10 minutes from time, the points were in the bag even though Rovers hit back with a six points in the last minute.

Danny Mole won the man of the match award with Lee Rowley, Steven Cooper and Chris Mellor in strong contention.