Victory marred by pub violence THUGS called up reinforcements on mobile phones as violence erupted in Leigh town centre between rugby fans following the historic Challenge Cup win by Leigh over Salford.

Two rugby supporters were taken to hospital when a mass brawl broke out, in which bottles and glasses were thrown and a chair used as a missile, at the Moonraker Pub on King Street hours after the match at Hilton Park.

Police said that a small group of Salford fans had been spotted in the pub making calls on their mobiles.

A few minutes later a group of around 20 visiting supporters arrived and began brawling with Leigh fans.

Two injured fans were later taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital with cuts to the head.

One supporter was said to have been knocked unconscious.

Fighting continued outside the pub until the police arrived to break up the rival groups.

A group of Salford fans had also earlier thrown out of the Waterside Pub on nearby Canal Street.

Moonraker landlord Charles Collier said: "The Salford fans came in looking for trouble. The Leigh fans were not doing anything, just drinking. More fans came in and they just started punching the Leigh fans and throwing bottles. I tried to get them outside and then the police turned up. I saw one bloke with blood on his face and what looked like a ring mark from a punch. We've never had anything like that happening here before. Normally some of the players and the management of Leigh come in after the game. I was shocked by it."

Commercial manager of Leigh Centurions Kevin Ashcroft was also in the pub when the trouble started and left in disgust. He said: "The fight broke out and I just went home. I just didn't want to see that kind of behaviour."

The pub was closed for the rest of the night.

The disturbance followed the 16 - 12 victory by Leigh over Salford in the fourth round Silk Cup Challenge clash at Hilton Park - the first time in four years a non-Super League club has triumphed over top flight opposition.

A crowd of 6,000 watched the match which kicked off at 1.45pm.

There were no other reports of trouble.

Witnesses to the incident which happened at around 8.30pm should contact Leigh police on 0161 872 5050.