1997 saw something of a revival at Hilton Park, the club narrowly missed automatic promotion and despite another cup defeat against Sheffield Eagles, performed with credit against the super league team.
In the league, the centurions looked strong with a huge front row led by Tim Street and a back line that included points machine Dean Purtill. It was obvious from day one that Leigh would be among the front runners for the championship.
After being knocked out of the cup, Leigh entered the inaugural plate competition and accounted for Swinton and Whitehaven before succumbing to a bigger Hull Kingston Rovers outfit in the semifinals.
After the Hull KR defeat, supporters were worried, Leigh seemed to suffer a crisis of confidence and lost two games before an unconvincing victory at Prescot lifted the depression. Four consecutive wins were followed by two defeats, including a 12-4 shocker at Barrow.
Leigh returned to form with a narrow 13-12 defeat of Hunslet Hawks, followed by excellent results against Bramley, Rochdale and Carlisle.
Five games remained, Leigh coach Latham called for calm and asked his players to give their all for, "five games, five wins". Everything was going to plan as the rampant centurions blasted 12 tries past hapless Prescot, in a 64-6 victory.
Next came Mount Pleasant, Batley with its infamous slope and grass banking. Things looked to be going to plan as the centurions raced to a 14-0 half time lead. Batley, coming down the slope in the second half mounted a comeback and pegged the score back to 18-18. A draw looked a likely and fair result until a disputed penalty in the final minute gave Batley a lifeline. Richard Price stepped up and potted the pressure kick to seal a famous victory for the Yorkshire men.
Despite this setback, Leigh completed their remaining league fixtures and finished the season with 30 points, equal to both Hunslet Hawks and Rochdale Hornets. Unfortunately point difference placed them 3rd, below automatic promotion.
The revamped Premiership gave Leigh another chance to test themselves against higher division opposition. Leigh qualified from a tough pool that included Keighley, Swinton, Rochdale and Widnes. They gained six wins from eight fixtures, and again missed out on top spot with point difference.
Whitehaven Warriors were the visitors for Leigh's quarter-final game and outclassed a centurion team that missed the leadership of Tim Street. The Cumbrians were good value for their 48-25 victory with a mixture of fine goalkicking and solid teamwork.
Leigh could hold their heads high after a good season and were in buoyant mood for the challenges of 1998.
Away from the field changes were already underway. Paris withdrew from the Super League in September. After being run as a subsidury of the RFL, St Germaine was no longer seen a viable proposition. A club that started with a bumper 17,000 crowd in March 1996 finished 18 months later with an imported Australian team playing before crowds as low as 500.
Then came the well documented demise of Oldham. After finishing bottom of Super League, crippling debts and a long line of creditors took their toll. The Bears were officially wound up and for ten weeks professional rugby league died in one of its oldest heartlands.
The loss of two clubs from the top flight forced Super League's hand. Hull Sharks had already claimed a spot in the top division and were soon joined by first division runners- up Huddersfield Giants.
A series of meetings took place as more off-field drama unfolded. Barrow Braves created history, merging with Carlisle Raiders to become Barrow Border Raiders. Perrenial strugglers Prescot Panthers also bowed to mounted pressure from certain members of the RFL and tendered their resignation.
Oldham were reborn thanks to the hard work and effort of local businessman, Chris Hamilton.
For the second time in three years the decision was taken to change the league structure. After an RFL council meeting, Prescot's resignation from the league was accepted and there were 19 clubs below Super League, including the re-formed Oldham club.
Several issues were discussed including the possibility of reverting to one division and a 38-game program for each club. This was thought too excessive and FASDA (First and Second Division clubs Association) decided to retain two divisions.
Leigh began preparation for another assault on division two.
Two weeks later, at a further meeting, Leigh Centurions and Widnes Vikings were invited to division one by FASDA. Both clubs accepted, making an 11-team first division and an 8-team second.
Despite their "promotion" Leigh and Widnes had to compete in the division with second rate funding. The two teams faced the year £300,000 poorer than other division one members. Both clubs appealed to the RFL for further monies and were successful in securing an extra £50,000 for the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment