Leigh Leopards hold nerve to reclaim Super League top six

Leigh Leopards have secured their return to the Super League top six, weathering a significant second-half challenge from Hull FC to claim a hard-fought victory. The result underscores a stark divergence in fortunes for the two clubs, with Leigh stabilising their campaign while Hull FC’s struggles deepen under the guidance of coach Andy Last.

The match was defined by Leigh’s dominant first-half performance, during which they established a commanding 28-point lead. Josh Charnley, the competition’s all-time leading try-scorer, opened the scoring and was instrumental in a display that left Hull FC’s initial efforts dishevelled and disjointed. The visitors’ attack was bolstered by tries from Adam Cook, a double from David Armstrong, and a score from Umyla Hanley, effectively putting the game beyond Hull FC’s reach at the interval.

However, the dynamic shifted in the second period as Hull FC mounted a spirited comeback. The Black and Whites lifted their intensity, with Harvey Barron crossing twice and additional tries from Cade Cust and Lennon Clark narrowing the deficit. The pressure on Leigh increased further when Owen Trout was sin-binned, exposing the Leopards to sustained attack during Hull FC’s surge.

The contest appeared to hang in the balance until the final stages, with Hull FC threatening to overturn the substantial half-time deficit. With nine minutes remaining, Charnley secured the victory with a crucial late try. The score was set up by a precise 40-20 kick and a brilliant pass from Adam Cook, a moment that effectively settled the match and preserved Leigh’s lead.

The final tally saw Adam Cook kick four goals for Hull FC, while Leigh’s Hardaker converted three. The outcome leaves Hull FC second from the bottom of the table, having suffered their ninth defeat in their last ten games. For Leigh, the win provides a vital boost to their top-six aspirations, capping a match that required resilience after a period of vulnerability.