PAUL Terzis pinpointed the thorough professionalism of his Leigh side as the key factor in the Centurions' victory at Whitehaven - the club's first at the Recreation Ground since 1989.

The Hilton Park head coach was quick to praise his players after they had chalked up a second successive Northern Ford Premiership victory.

"We came up here with a mission," Terzis declared. "All the way up on the bus and throughout the week's preparation the players were completely switched on and focused on the job in hand.

"All last week's training sessions were first class and it all culminated in a great performance.

"On reflection we could probably have put a few more points on them. We bombed three or four tries but again defensively we were outstanding.

"I know the boys are kicking themselves that they even let that one try in. We're only going to improve in defence and attack as the season unfolds. "We worked well collectively as a team at Whitehaven. Against Barrow it was probably individual brilliance that got us through. But today the team showed great character to come all the way up here and create a bit of history for the club. It's something all the players wanted to be a part of and it was great that our large army of travelling support was able to share that with us."

While Terzis rightly emphasised Leigh's hard work ethic as the game's key feature, he did single out two individuals for special praise: Neil Turley and Simon Baldwin.

"Neil's adapted to life in this league like a veteran. He is so calm. He knows what he's doing when he goes out there on a rugby league field. Sure, he's got natural ability but he also works hard at his game. He gets the little things right and the big things naturally follow.

"Sid's performed outstandingly in the two games so far this year and he's determined to hold his spot because he knows that if he switches off there is somebody waiting to come back in. All the players are feeling that way at the moment. But then again we are a squad. Even next week there could be one or two changes. It's horses for courses.

"The guys can now enjoy Christmas after this result. It's a bit of a Christmas present for themselves as well as for the supporters."