LEIGH Centurions' new midfield triangle of John Duffy, Tommy Martyn and Ian Knott could be just the sort of combination that will make them major contenders again in the race for Super League.

Half-backs Duffy and Martyn and loose-forward Knott had a first half field day as Leigh wrapped up their pre-season games with a resounding win over Widnes U21s last night.

Martyn laid on two tries in the first eight minutes for Dave Larder and Neil Turley and then scored one himself after 14 for an 18-0 lead.

With Leigh's attack in full cry, Duffy and Knott created a try for Oliver Wilkes; Knott and Martyn got Chris Percival in and before half time Duffy had set up two more touchdowns for Turley and Dan Potter. With Turley kicking seven goals from seven shots, Leigh ended the half 42-0 up.

The young Vikings, who beat Chorley by two points at the weekend, made more of a game of it in the second half as a procession of substitutions disrupted Leigh's performance.

Hooker Dave McConnell's try, goaled by Martyn, made it 48-0 before two Widnes tries gave them a reward for their efforts.

Leigh finished strongly with Knott putting Andy Isherwood in and Martyn's high pass finding Percival for his second. Turley landed an eighth goal for a match tally of 24.

The only downside for Leigh was a serious ankle injury for on-loan winger Shabe Irabor.