Leigh Centurions 21 Whitehaven 14 by Mike Hulme: LEIGH'S ability to raise themselves for 'big' games gives them the inside running to claim the National League One Minor Premiership.

Their victory over their only rivals for the title lifts them into pole position on points difference going into the final round of league games next weekend.

Leigh put a whole series of indifferent performances behind them to win a tight and tense struggle in the Hilton Park heat.

"It's all about commitment and desire," said buoyant Leigh coach Darren Abram. "We had both by the bucket-load today.

Leigh certainly needed to dig deep especially when Whitehaven came back at them in the final 15 minutes in an attempt to claw back a 21-8 deficit.

So good was Leigh's defence that they only managed one try from outstanding scrum-half Am Best.

"It needed sheer guts and determination to hang on considering the amount of pressure we were under in those closing stages," added Abram. "This proves we know how to win big games."

Leigh made a flying start with a Neil Turley penalty goal and a lucky try. John Duffy's kick struck Ian Knott in an offside position but once referee Bob Connolly had allowed play to go on Rob Smyth, Phil Jones and Chris Percival made all the running for David Alstead to score.

'Haven were soon level with a David Fatialofa try goaled by Mick Nanyn and when Nanyn landed a penalty soon afterwards Leigh were behind for the only time in the game.

Just when it seemed Whitehaven were taking control Turley produced a 70 metre break from his own posts to send Alstead racing in for his second try. Moments later Leigh had opened up an 18-8 lead when hooker Dave McConnell went in from close range and Turley converted from the touchline.

Defences dominated the second half but when Turley was obstructed 40 metres out he smacked over a penalty to give Leigh a 12 point cushion. That was crucially stretched to 13 with a 62nd minute field goal from Turley.

Whitehaven were far from out of it and when Obst scored with nine minutes left, Leigh had to defend desperately to protect their lead.