Super League: Leigh Leopards 8-20 Wigan Warriors

Leigh had Wigan on the back foot initially and after Adam Cook put them ahead with a straightforward penalty, the Leopards delivered the opening try in the 13th minute through Innes Senior. It was the Leigh wing’s tenth try of the season from a slick assist by centre Andy Badrock, recalled from his loan with Widnes Vikings.

But they were left kicking themselves after switching off in defence to allow man of the match Field to show his scorching pace three minutes before half-time with a breakaway try.

It was quick thinking as well as quick feet from the Wigan full-back who raced 80 metres through a dozy Leigh defence after tapping a penalty.

Four minutes into the second half French gave Wigan the lead with Leigh again contributing to their own downfall. Jack Hughes’ offload attempt to Gareth O’Brien went to ground allowing Wigan wing Hodkinson to pick up the loose ball and feed French who went over.

Another offload error from Lazarus Vaalepu in the 51st minute as French drove him back in the tackle saw Eckersley intercept and speed in from halfway for his 22nd try of the season.

Then a poor pass from Owen Trout presented Wigan with the position to strike just before the hour and they took it with some terrific handling as Hodkinson scored in the corner from Eckersley’s tip pass.

Harry Smith added two goals for Wigan with Adam Keighran ruled out because of a groin injury.

Wigan’s defence did the rest as the visitors closed out victory with room to spare.

Leigh: O’Brien; Armstrong, Badrock, Hanley, Senior; Cook, Lam; Ofahengaue, Horne, Liu, Trout, Hughes, Brogan.

Interchanges: Mulhern, Vaalepu, Alick-Wiencke, Davis.

Wigan: Field; Hodkinson, Eckersley, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Harvard, O’Neill, Thompson, Walters, Partington, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Kerr, O’Loughlin, O’Connor.

Referee: Chris Kendall.