This match had a real big game feel to it. Elland Road is a stadium steeped in tradition and history. People may say it’s looking a little tired these days but I think that adds to the character of the place and as the two sides strolled round the pitch prior to the warm up the excitement began.

Despite taking some real hammer last time out Loghan Lewis was on the bench for Salford with Brad Singleton and Shane Wright the starting props. Joe Mellor started at hooker with Joe Shorrocks on the bench. The Salford seventeen has been pretty settled for a number of weeks and at this stage of the season that can only be a good thing. 

Leigh were missing Matt Moylan and the very dangerous Josh Charnley who has one of the best try records in Rugby League. Former Salford favourite Gareth O’Brien started at stand off alongside the all action Lachlan Lam. 

John Asiata was the loose forward with Kai O’Donnell and Frankie Halton a powerful back row.

Perfect conditions on a fine, dry day with a slight breeze awaited the players for the first match on day two of the Magic Weekend. The Salford supporters were behind the sticks in the Don Revie stand with the Leigh fans in the opposite end of the ground. 

The Leopards immediately got on the front foot with plenty of ball movement and offloads. On a repeat set Edwin Ipape went over from close range with Zak Hardacker converting. From the kick off Salford forced Leigh over their own try line for a drop out. Another mistake ended a promising attack. 

Referee Liam Moore sent Ethan Ryan to the sin bin for a high tackle where surely a penalty would of been sufficient. Moore seemed to stand and watch the video replays before making his decision.

Salford were reduced to eleven men when Brad Singleton caught O’Brien high. The Leopards stand off seemed to wrong foot Singleton who was then off balance to be fair to him. Moore showed the yellow card.

Umyla Hanley raced forty yards to score a nice try and Hardacker booted off the touch line to double the Leigh score to 0-12.

Salford’s first real try scoring opportunity came three minutes before halftime but the video referee ruled no try as Shane Wright and Tim Lafai failed to finish cleanly.

The Leopards had no hesitation in kicking for goal from a penalty early in the second half. This extended the lead to 0-14. 

Salford fullback Ryan Brierley left the field to be replaced by Chris Hankinson. Brierley looked to be struggling.

O’Brien raced to the line in what looked a certain try but a magnificent cover tackle from Hankinson dislodged the ball.

As the game entered the final quarter the Red Devils were desperately seeking points but no real chances came their way. The Leopards were far superior in every department. They seemed a more enthusiastic team full of energy and perhaps they felt they had to win to keep their season alive. 

Salford forward Sam Stone had gone off injured in the first half and he never returned to the action which will be a concern. 

With just seven minutes remaining Asiata and Ipape linked up brilliantly to cut right through the middle of the Salford defence. Hardacker was in support to take the game out of reach with the try of the match.

It was definitely Leigh’s day and a few minutes later they produced a slick move to the left and Ricky Leutele scored a try from a flying finish. 

Hardacker’s goal kicking had been perfect and he capped off a fine performance with his fifth conversion of the afternoon.

Momentum is definitely a big factor at this stage of the season and Leigh seem to have plenty of confidence as they sit just three points behind Salford in seventh place. The Leopards travel to London Broncos next Sunday. 

Salford have a crucial meeting with Huddersfield next Saturday and need to get their season back on track with just five matches of the regular season left.

Salford 0 Leigh 26.

Paul Whiteside.