Sunday's Coming
Thuggery, skullduggery and battered to buggery - anyone who saw Leigh's somewhat rudimentary performance in last week's Late Trains Cup final would have been disappointed that they resorted to what is rapidly becoming their big-match game-plan.
For the second final appearance running (see last season's Grand Final) Leigh seem to have resorted to 'unsettling tactics' that drew criticism from Salford's Karl Harrison and the media alike.
Following all-in brawls, running skirmishes and 'over-enthusiastic' attention in the tackle, the afternoon culminated in Gavin Clinch having the contours of his head re-aligned following a vicious late, deliberate elbow from Phil Kendrick.
"It was a disgraceful attempt at trying to put somebody out of the game," said Harrison. But given that it happened in the 78th minute with the result in no doubt, it looks even more brutal. Leigh's Paul Terzis is quoted as saying 'I didn?t see the incident...'. Quite.
Just for good measure, Sonny Nickle was sin-binned for fighting in what Rugby League World editor Tony Hannan described as '...a disappointingly bad-tempered conclusion...'.
Hannan also went on to ask the $64,000 question: "Can Leigh hack the big occasion without losing their rag and, perhaps as a matter of consequence, the games that matter"
Well this Sunday we?ll get to see for ourselves as Leigh return to Spotland for what really is a 'game that matters'.
To hear Paul Terzis talk, you'd think that Leigh had some sort of divine right to play in Super League and were the only serious challengers to Salfords stuttering dominance this season. But Hornets are made of stern stuff these days and have pushed back into that cosy leading pack to put the pressure back on both Salford and Leigh.
Indeed a Hornets victory on Sunday would see us leapfrog the Leythers into second and increase the pressure on a Leigh coach who is fast acquiring a reputation as a 'nearly-man'. But don't forget Leigh's 'secret weapon' - new assistant coach and serial crock Tommy Martyn.
In a surprise rejection from reigning Super League Champs Saints, Martyn finds himself at the hometown club where miracles are expected of him. He's still, reportedly, about a month away from fitness having had the cast taken from his dodgy arm last Wednesday, but his influence, experience and motivating presence must not be underestimated.
Hornets need to be switched on from the whistle on Sunday if we are to test Leigh's big game temperament to the maximum. Whilst we are capable of scoring points against anyone, it's the steel in our defence that will carry the day and, no doubt, Hally will have hammered that home this week.
100% focus for 80 minutes will be required. Any lapses will be mercilessly exploited by what is, underneath that hard-nut exterior - a very capable footballing side. But remember, this IS the same Leigh side that lost at Oldham - and anything the Biffs can do, we should be able to better.
Be in no doubt, Sunday's game is vitally important to both clubs. The result will give one side not only a two point cushion, but also a major psychological advantage for the back half of the season.
It's also the opportunity for Hornets to show that the National League isn't the two-horse race that most people think it is. And I for one, would love to hear Paul Terzis explain away a defeat on GMR!
This WILL be an absolute Cracker. Bring it on. See you there.
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