Leigh Leopards 22-14 York Knights: Match Report

21 minutes ago
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York Knights put in a huge effort against Leigh Leopards at the Progress with Unity Stadium, but couldn’t take the points, losing 22-14 in their Betfred Super League encounter.

A tight first half, including two tries from Jon Bennison, meant there were only two points between the teams at the break.

However, a second half where Leigh dominated the possession meant the Knights weren’t able to regain their early lead.

A late try from Bennison completed his hat-trick, and although York finished strongly, Leigh held out for the win.

It was a dream start for the Knights, when a great break from Ata Hingano gave York excellent position with just five minutes gone. From the next set, they shipped the ball left and Jon Bennison crossed in the corner for a try he converted himself.

Leigh hit back quickly after they regained possession from an error at the kick off. Umyla Hanley opened up play to put Josh Charnley in by the corner flag.

As the game settled, both sides had back to back sets on their opponents’ line but neither could break down some resolute defence.

Eventually, Joe Ofahengaue crashed through two defenders close to the line to score a converted try for Leigh and put them ahead. With a penalty from Cook when York were caught offside moments later, the Leopards held a 6 point advantage.

That gap was closed by the Knights, courtesy of a long looping pass from Cody Hunter to Bennison who battled his way over in the corner again. He wasn’t able to convert this time, so they went into the break just two points behind.

Early second half pressure from the Leopards set the tone for the rest of the game and they forced back to back drop outs in a period where they were camped in York’s half. Despite some heroic Knights efforts in defence, Andrew Badrock eventually found a way to score.

Fifteen minutes of the half passed before York had a chance, following an interception from Cody Hunter which took them up field. However, Leigh soon moved to regain the momentum.

York’s defence was still catching the eye, and while they weren’t getting the better of the possession, they were working hard to restrict the Leopards.

However when Lam’s pace split the line, he fed David Armstong to finish off behind the posts and put the game ultimately just beyond York’s reach.

Nikau Williams managed a great pass to put in Bennison, who produced an acrobatic finish for his hat-trick, and get York back to within eight points.

It was a strong finish from the Knights, but weren’t able to add more points in a well contested game.

Leigh: Armstrong, Senior, Badrock, Hanley, Charnley, Cook, Lam, Ofahengaue, Horne, Mulhern, Trout, Alick-Wiencke, Brogan

Subs: (all used) Liu, Davis, O’Brien, Ipape

18th Player: McNamara

Tries: Charnley (9), Ofanhengaue (24), Badrock (47), Armstrong (63)

Goals: Cook (3/5)

York: Mata’afa, Galeano, Wood, Williams, Bennison, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Va’a, Foster, Field, Hingano

Subs: (all used) Balmforth, Vaughan, Thompson, Dee

18th Player: Buchanan

Tries: Bennison (5, 34, 72)