New boss off to flying start PAUL Terzis couldn't have planned things better had he scripted it himself. The new Centurions coach made a dream start to his Hilton Park career as top-of-the-table Leigh ground out another crucial victory.

Terzis declared himself totally satisfied as Leigh maintained their lead at the top of the Northern Ford Premiership and stretched their winning league run to nine games.

"That was a victory for controlled football in difficult weather conditions," he declared after seeing his side in the flesh for the first time.

"Our attack was sharp and, defensively, we were very committed. I couldn't have wished for a better start.

"I've only fully realised today what a great bunch of players I've inherited here. The platform has been built, now I aim to drive this team on to Super League." Terzis found it difficult to single out any of his team for particular praise, pointing out it was a victory for teamwork.

"I looked all across the park and there were 17 heroes but I think the one thing that was vital to our success was the leadership from Andy Fairclough," he said.

"He was very inspirational and all the players looked up to him."

Leigh took a lead they were never to lose in the 13th minute when Fairclough shot through a gap after foxing the Rovers defence with a dummy. The supporting Stuart Donlan took his well-timed pass and shot through to score under the posts. Paul Wingfield added the first of three goals.

Fairclough and Paul Anderson both had tries disallowed for forward passes but second-placed Rovers stuck to their guns and narrowed the gap to two points just before half time. Heath Cruckshank lost the ball in a two-man tackle just before Andy Bastow dummied his way over. The deadlock was broken by sub Radney Bowker who set up Leigh's match winners with two second half tries.

His break just after the hour sent Fairclough in for another six-pointer and, just before the end, his defence-splitting pass found Anderson and he powered in from 15 metres to crown his 23rd birthday in fine style.

Rovers' only second half success was a last-minute try from Matt Bramald.

"We've now had three quality wins in a row. That shows the spirit and ability we've got," added Terzis.

"But we've now got to re-focus and start to prepare for Sheffield next week. It's not about what you do now, it's about what you do next."

Leigh: Donlan; Wingfield, Anderson, Cross, Hadcroft; Fairclough, Dean; Street, Higham, Whittle, Baldwin, Cruckshank, Bristow. Subs (all used): Murray, Causey, Norman, Bowker. Attendance: 3010.

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