Dewsbury Rams 10 Leigh Centurions 36: Defeat for Rams in opening fixture against promotion contenders

After a brave first-half display against one of this season’s promotion favourites, the Centurions scored 24 unanswered second-half points to take the victory.

The Rams were only two points behind at the break and were leading three minutes before the interval when Cameron Scott, on loan from Hull FC, put Leigh in front. Paul Sykes scored the first points of the evening when he kicked a penalty for a 2-0 lead.

The Centurions were without Jarrod Sammut and Mark Ioane but hit back when Josh Woods powered over from close range with Ben Reynolds adding the conversion.

The hosts replied through Adam Ryder following some smart play on the right edge. Sykes landing a superb conversion from the touchline.

The veteran half-back added a second penalty seven minutes before the interval, but that would prove the Rams’ final score of the match.

Scott - who has previously featured for Dewsbury - dotted down to give Leigh the lead for a second time, one which they wouldn’t relinquish this time round.

Ben Hellewell put Leigh further ahead when he barged over from Gregg McNally’s well-timed pass.

Ben Reynolds increased the lead as he finished a nice move, taking a pass from Danny Addy after a break down the centre of the field from Liam Hood.

Adam Higson rounded off the scoring for the visitors as he pouched a kick from Paul Sykes and sprinted the length of the pitch to ground.

Reynolds converted for his sixth conversion from six attempts.

Dewsbury Rams: Martin, Gabriel, Ryder, Fleming, Oakes, Sykes, Finn, Scott, Speakman, Reilly, Esslemont, Johnson, Annakin. Subs: Day, Dixon, Nelmes, Magrin.

Leigh Centurions: McNally, Scott, Thornley, Sa’u, Higson, Reynolds, Woods, Mason, Hood, Spencer, Hellewell, Glohe, Addy. Subs: Wildie, Thompson, Gerrard, Field.

Referee: Cameron Worsley.