LEIGH Centurions saw their 100 per cent start to the Kingstone Press Championship season ended in their 19th game as Doncaster fought back at the Keepmoat Stadium to confirm victory in a compelling game.

Both sides went on the attack from the outset in a frenetic opening.

Leigh pressed the Doncaster line but could not take advantage and when Liam Kay lost possession, Tom Hodson kicked forward for the home side before claiming back possession and outpacing the defence for a great try that was converted by Dave Scott.

The Centurions’ response was quick and with Sam Barlow at the heart of the attack. His offload saw Martin Aspinwall score his first try for the club and Ryan Brierley converted to bring the scores level at 6-6.

Next, a long-range attack from the Centurions brought a try for Brierley, but he was injured in the act of scoring and spent the next 50 minutes receiving treatment on the sideline.

The Centurions then had to withstand a huge amount of pressure before hitting back in brilliant fashion through Sean Penkywicz.

Kurt Haggerty goaled to open up a 16-6 half-time lead.

Leigh spurned three good scoring chances after the break that they would come to regret.

First Kay was tackled short, then Gregg McNally broke through only to see his pass spilled.

McNally then saw a try ruled out for double movement after Scott Spaven had dragged the hosts back into the contest with a smart dummy half try.

Trailing by six points, Doncaster launched wave after wave of attack at the Leigh line and they finally got through after 61 minutes when Hull dual contract players Jacob Miller and Ben Crooks combined, with the latter touching down a high kick.

The conversion from Scott tied the game and a sweeping passing movement brought a second try for Hodson to nudge Doncaster ahead by 20-16.

During the last 10 minutes, Leigh had all the ball and all the play but could not find a way through a valiant defence with Crooks’ final score following an interception putting the game to bed.

Featherstone Rovers cut Leigh’s lead at the top of the Championship to 10 points after winning 48-24 at Swinton Lions.

Results

Today 

First Utility Super League: Warrington Wolves 72 London Broncos 12.

Kingstone Press Championship: Sheffield 24 North Wales Crusaders 16, Batley 22 Halifax 22, Doncaster 24 Leigh Centurions 16, Keighley 12 Workington 16, Rochdale 54 Barrow 22, Swinton 24 Featherstone 48, Whitehaven 40 Dewsbury 34.

Yesterday 

First Utility Super League: Salford Red Devils 35 Hull FC 22, Catalan Dragons 16 Wigan Warriors 37.

Friday

First Utility Super League: Castleford Tigers 44 Huddersfield Giants 30, Leeds Rhinos 30 Hull KR 6, St Helens 46 Bradford Bulls 22.