Leigh Ladies v Salford ladies match report
Salford Red Devils ladies travel to top of the table Leigh and gave them the fright of their lives in a tough game at Leigh Minor Rangers Twist lane on the 20th August.
Salford started brightly and forced Leigh into a error from kick off, a drop out was their reward, good work from prop Forward Emerald Hickey and Fullback Sage Bannister put Scrum half Demi Jones in space to send winger Liana Leota over for the opening score of the afternoon.
Leigh hit back shortly after with a period of pressure, Salfords Fullback Bannister and winger Leota were both called into action twice in a minute to perform try saving tackles to prevent a score by Leigh winger Toryn Blackwood. Unfortunately for Salford Leigh did score after 10 minutes as Claire Collins crashed over by the post.
Salford remained upbeat and continued to pres the Leopards, they were rewarded again on 15 minutes when a rampaging run by Forward Megan Condliffe gave Salford territory. A high Demi Jones kick caused chaos in the Leigh defence, their uncertainty gave Salford Centre Alex Simpson the opportunity to pick up the bouncing ball and race over for a try from 30 metres, Salford were back in front 6-8.
Leigh ramped up their defensive efforts from the restart forcing a Salford error and scoring a try to regain the lead 12-8.
After a action packed 20 minutes both sets of forwards decided to go to war to gain a advantage, Yasmin Parton Sotomayor continued in her rich vain of form with destructive runnng though the Leigh defence, Jones created another opportunity with her boot, unfortunately Leota who was a thorn in Leighs side all afternoon was unable to barge over the line.
Salford's confidence grew and they continued to ask questions of the Leigh defence, another Jones kick had leigh defenders in a panic as Viki Kini was denied from close range and a pass from standoff Louise Fellingham to winger Lauren Ellison was judged to be forward as it looked like Salford were going to extend their lead.
Leigh got a foothold in the game with good work from scrum half Rebecca Owen and Emma Knowles asking questions of the Red Devils defence, 2nd row forward Helena Walker with a crunching tackle on leigh Forward Keli Morris dislodged the ball when a score looked certain for Leigh.
Yasmin Parton Sotomayor and Rebbeca Owen continued to be big metre makers and big hit generators in defence which was box office entertainment until Sotomayor limped off with a ankle injury towards the end of the 1st half.
Leigh Winger Elsie Gater found space in the Salford defence and raced away, Salford's fullback Sage Bannister pulling off another show stopping tackle to prevent the score.
On the half time whistle Salford created another opportunity when another Demi Jones bomb caused more panic for leigh, Centre Simpson and 2nd Row Walker both denied by desperate Leigh defence.
The 2nd half started just as the 1st half did with a error from the team receiving kick off, it was Salford's turn to cough up the ball and give Leigh territory and possession. Salford survived 4 sets of 6 tackles on their line with heroics in defence but unfortunately the dam burst when forward Mairead Quinn forced her away over surrounded by Salford defenders to make it 18-8.
Leigh had momentum and scored 10 minutes later a big right to left move sent Centre Mackenzie Taylor over for the score to make it 24-8 after 50 minutes.
Salford battled back again, more destructive running from the forwards and good work from Centre Steph Gray gave Salford Hooker Taz Corcoran opportunity to scoot over from the play of the ball to reduce the deficit to 10.
Leigh knew they needed to get another score to make the game safe and their wish came true with 10 minutes to go as Taylor got her 2nd of the game.
Salford refused to throw the towel in and continued to ask questions of league leaders, 2nd row Jessica Panayiotou had Leigh in scramble mode defensively with a couple of lung bursting runs, Captain Fellinghams kicking game had Leigh in a state of panic again, this time the ball ran away from the chasing Salford centre Simpson.
Even in defence Salford asked questions with a mix of solid tackles and Demi Jones attempting a interception from 40 metres which was nearly successful. Leigh were starting to live on their nerves.
Salford continued to crank up the pressure on Leigh after a weaving run by centre Gray, Alex Simpson chip kicked though but yet again the ball didn't bounce in Salford's favour and Leigh Survived.
Taz Corcoran scooted over the line again for her 2nd with a couple of minutes to play and with the Alex Simpson kicking the goal it was a 8 point ball game with only a few minutes to play.
Unfortunately the clock ticked to 80 minutes and Salford were unable to register another score.
Leigh are top of Super League two and Salford ladies gave them a real test of their credentials. With the playoffs just around the corner Chris Bates ladies have nothing or nobody to fear.
Final Score
Leigh 28 Salford 20
Report by Rob Parkinson
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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