Episode 28 Super League Show

Hello, it's all about the ups and downs as we entdr

We're about to see if Leigh manage to get upwardly mobile

and their captain Mickey Higham is here alongside Iestyn Harris

Leigh's push for a promotion has featured two wins

against Super League opposition so far, and a thhrd

against Huddersfield would guarantee them a place in the elite.

And Greg McNally restores Leigh's cushion!

It is magic for Leiua! One or when would do it for Leigh,

promotion beckons, such an hmportant game for Huddersfield as well in

their fight to stay in Super League, and a mistake from the start,

because they kick from Ridy`rd has bounced ahead of Ikahihifo, and

Leigh in the first minute gdt the first chance to attacked thhs

Huddersfield defence. So many good things this season for this Leigh

site. Mickey Higham again. Looking left, keeping it going, keeping it

going! Worthington in at thd corner! What a start for Leigh, a try after

50 seconds! And Higham... Looking left again, isolating the whnger,

and it is going to be Matty Dawson, two thrives in seven minutes, it is

even a bit! -- two tries in seven minutes, it is fever pitch!

Huddersfield at sixes and sdvens at the moment, needing something to

settle themselves down. Somdthing in defence but help but Leigh have

other ambitions, and Matty Dawson is in for his second. This is world

wind by Leigh, unbelievable whichever side of the fence you are

sitting on. The tackle just good enough to stop

Oliver Roberts and Ryan Hinchliffe is anxious to get things moving

again and Huddersfield will have their first try. Michael Lawrence is

over, they needed that response Danny Brough, swinging it away, some

space for Murphy and Huddersfield right-back in it now with their

second Brive. -- second try. Leigh's defence being asked more qudstions.

And it is picked out of thin air by Martyn Ridyard! Can he go the

distance, being chased by Ctdjoe, they cut back inside, Leigh have a

four tonne to re-establish their comfort zone. What a try! Ddfault

places going nuts again -- the whole place is going nuts!

It goes to that win, and Jermaine McGillvary has fined a pass on the

inside. All he needed to do was catch and he was over, and he has

lost possession. I cost the mistake year potentially. Up there `t dummy

half, Leigh looking left ag`in, Huddersfield just about hanging on

but wants to play it quicklx and Matty Dawson is there, with a

hat-trick, a first half hat,trick! Boy, do they believe now? They are

hammering again at this Huddersfield line. It has been relentless beatnik

will be taken by Paterson, ht is clean in the try -- it will be

taken. They are jumping up `nd down again. But they have to wait just a

moment. It is clean enough, keeping hold of it, touching it down. It is

going to be a six league trx in an incredible first half.

Into the final minute Leigh implausibly are searching for more

keeping it alive. Box that over the top, the ball is kept alive again,

and here comes Ridyard! Would you believe it? 40 points scored in the

first half! B might be alre`dy in Super League!

Buttle brush and a push by Sam Hopkins. Settled a lot more in the

second half, not quite as vhbrant in the first, but here they cole again!

Mitch Brown is over! Surely there is no way back for Huddersfield now?

Leigh are in heaven! Hinchcliffe, to the right-hand side, and Danny

Brough with one of those little kicks. It is a juggle! Jake Connor

confident he has scored herd. He suggests it should be a try as well.

It is not back by the Leigh player, Jake Connor gets it, and grounded

that, it is Lakmal, that is a try. Some pride restored for

Huddersfield. -- it is a trx. Coming to the right-hand side,

strong is Leroy Cudjoe, and he is through, through that attempted

tackle of McNally, Huddersfheld getting closer but still a long

long way. Hinchcliffe quick in getting things moving, Dannx Brough

keeps the ball alive. They `re going through hands here. Some

determination. Leroy Cudjoe again from Jake Connor, two two, the space

is open and three unanswered tries by Huddersfield and they have some

belief back. -- from Jake Connor, then to Cudjoe.

Ellis stepping back on the hnside, Ellis is over! As he touched it

down? Just listen to the atlosphere now, it was raucous and rocking not

that long ago, and as we watch this replay, it is all very nervous and

tense from the Leigh supporters I think he has brushed the line. He

has! They are 14 behind with ten minutes left to play. Hinchcliffe!

Throwing it to the left-hand side again. The numbers they havd here,

can they make the finish? Not this time. The Leigh defence, to roar

from their fans, manages to hang on. There are still tackles in the bag.

The cake is good. Ellis is hn again! -- the kick. This is another big

decision. That is a try, isn't it? It is! What a fightback by

Huddersfield! But is time against them now? It has been an

extraordinary game, it really has! But it looks like Leigh will hold

on. That fast and frenetic first half, enough of a lead, hanging on

in the face of a deal of reprisals from Huddersfield in the second But

they are into the final ten seconds. You can hear the countdown. It is a

slow play the ball from Patdrson. Leigh have run themselves into the

ground! But they have reachdd for these guys! It is a win that gets

them promoted in one of the most memorable games of the season! It is

the most important game of the season for Leigh! They are tp in

Super League. The question hs, where does this leave the Huddersfield

Giants? You've achieved a huge

amount in your career, It is definitely up there. Like you

for you as a Leigh lad? It is definitely up there. Like you

said, I come from Leigh, hole-town club, one of the reasons I came

back, wanting to play with this team, we have gathered a te`m we

felt was good enough. We have got to the promised land. I am ecstatic,

over the moon, I could not put it into words at the weekend, but I

have sobered up and it has sunk in. Could you believe half time, you

were 42-10 up? No, I just think it was almost perfect rugby from Oz,

everything came off, kicks, the bones of the ball. And it dhd not

come off for the Huddersfield players. The stakes, penalthes, the

bounce of the ball not going for them. We did our best, so the

culmination ended in that h`lf-time score. It was all going to have some

momentum change in the second half. You punished everything thex did

wrong in the first half? From the kick-off, I don't know, Huddersfield

were like rabbits in the he`dlights. What do you think went wrong for

Huddersfield? Rugby league `t the highest level, it is a game of

inches and you have to have immaculate concentration.

Huddersfield just didn't concentrate throughout this game, whethdr it was

kicking, and prime example here Ellis on the inside, to get back in

the game, he bakes a mistakd there, and less than two minutes, Leigh go

down and score the try. Then they have to pick themselves up, two big

games going into this series but concentration was way off on

Saturday. Give us an idea about how much work has gone into this? Not

having to go through the ?1 million game, that is quite something. It is

beyond our wildest dreams. Ht is. But you set your own goals. In-house

and between us. I will not go through what we did. But two games

to go, you are up and dry in Super League, you would snatch thdir hand.

I cannot underestimate how good this is. We have a squad that we think

are good enough. But to raise intensity from the championship and

to do it not beaten is fant`stic. Long may it continue and be a

looking forward to the future. The new season of Strictly Come Dancing

starts shortly, all partners pics, but will you sign up for thd next

game judging by this? -- all partners have been picked. This

might give the phone call for me. I will be waiting. I have had a couple

of text makes it is calling it dad dancing. -- text messages. Ht caught

me off guard, being pushed hn the circle. What are you looking forward

to most about being back in the top flight?

And like the HW, the Whee Khm week out challenge of challenging the

best in Super League. Especially for me and for the town

as well. I think for the town, this club has been knocking on the door

of Super League for years and just not been able to get the final

hurdle. Now we have done it, and the town is electric at the momdnt.

You still look fairly stunndd! So, Leigh are promoted, and that means

at least one Super League tdam will be relegated.

It is indeed squeaky bum tile for Salford, Huddersfield and Htll KR.

Rovers went to London Broncos on Sunday, with head of rugby,

Jamie Peacock, out of retirdment and back on the battlefield.

First possession of the ball for Hull KR. Donaldson to Campese. Out

wide to Mantalata. He just stopped short there. Mantalato is in at

dummy half. Here is Campese. Nice kick, Thomas mints! Opening try

opening moments. Thomas mince with it. -- Tomas Minz. This looks

familiar. Campese, here goes Minz again. Minz has scored again. A

quickfire double for him. is a bit of a sloppy pass. Steps

back inside. He will touch down behind the uprights. Great start for

Hull Kingston Rovers in the West Ealing sunshine. Here is Lunt. Out

to the right, there is Marsh again. Ciaran Dixon. Smart try for the

winger against his former club, the London Broncos. Dixon scored as the

Robins' fourth. Good position for London.

Mark Ione will drive to the line. Speculative off-load, but a nice

dummy. London have registerdd their first score. Alex Walker, the

full-back, crosses the goal line. Best passage of play for London so

far. Take through, cunning `nd running nicely. That is two. London

Broncos back in this game, two quick tries.

That is Lunt out to Dixon, Dixon tackled. Speculative, but it has

found Marsh. Marsh has found Lunt, Lunt to Greenwood, and they have

started the second half likd me started the first, with a try. James

Greenwood with it. Here is Lunt. To Peacock. Rdverses

his way to within 50 metres of the London Broncos goal-line. Ltnt

again. To Marsh. Nice dummy. And again. Maxine Marsh, going to score,

Matt Marsh, his first of thd afternoon. Hull KR playing very

attractive attacking rugby league here. Nice dummy again. Anything

Marsh can do, Bath at a canter too. Nice deception here from thd London

number seven. Keeping them just in it. Lunt. Along the line. C`mpese to

Walker. Back to Donaldson. Donaldson will score here, and he does. Walker

could not stop him at the ddath Donaldson scores for Hull KR. Quick

play of the ball from Greenwood Lunt has broken through. Sthll

going. Another nice dummy. Shaun Lunt, got support, got a trx. Marsh

is in for his second. Hull KR breached the London defence yet

again. Dixon is the dummy h`lf. And that is a mess up. We'll job on

debut. Cancel a holiday in Lagaluf to play today. It has paid

dividends. -- Jubb. Minns Ltnt. That is Marsh. This will be a hat-trick.

Thomas Minns deserves it too. Minns scored three against his former

side, comfortable 40 point victory in the end, and the young l`d in the

34 jersey did not go too bad either. Before we talk about Peacock, you're

not going to announce your coming out of retirement tomorrow lorning,

I new? I am always just about it, so you

never know! Would you make of him coming out of

retirement? He has been at the very top, of the

game, for a long, long time. He has felt the need to put his hand up,

and I think it is the experhence that he wants to put into that

group. It is young group, whth him and Campese and two games to go

that experience will potenthally take them through and keep them

safe. So it is a big call from him, but a very bold lot, that is what he

has been about in his career. I'm guessing you're quite lhkely

make the decision for this week and not last, but is having Campese back

almost more important? Most definitely. They have ` leader

on that field, and as you s`y, his kicking game is one of the best in

the business. A couple of tries set him on the way. To have him back

hopefully for the last few games is a massive boost. To have hil around

the fall pack as well, they have two leaders there, forwards and backs,

which could hopefully... Whdther they will be thinking, they deserved

it. Featherstone the Labour

Huddersfield. I guess he is picking up taking a bit of time to get

himself back up to speed, and I will be the big one for him?

It will. I thought it was a big result for them, not only to win the

game, but to do so pretty confidently. The points margin could

come in. To get a good win there, a good win this week, might jtst be

enough for them, but if Jamhe Peacock is going to have an

influence, it will be in thd last game, against Huddersfield, which

could ultimately determine dither one's fate. It is written. He is

finished with the treble, and he is finished with that game. It could be

massive for him. Now, what about the Salford Red

Devils? They hadn't won since the opening

week of The Qualifiers, but with three Championship teams

to play, they still fancied The commentator for their g`me

against Featherstone is Matt Newsum. COMMENTATOR: Through the hands it

comes, across to this left side Factory dummies, takes it to the

line. Support inside and out. Continuing the break. Support on his

inside. Ellis flips it back. What a try by Featherstone! Targethng the

left edge, he spends and gets the ball down. Salford respond.

Dobson, hanging one up. Two or three players around him. It has fallen.

O'Brien. Dobson. Tries to shimmy away. Over the top goes to Jones,

borrowing his way through. Salford at the corner. Logan Tomkins.

Through the hands to O'Brien. Get it away. Lovely time for the p`ss.

O'Brien to Griffin. Try to take their money inside here. Trxing to

flick the ball away. That is a lovely pass.

Rare raid for Featherstone, kicked through by bricks, chased down, and

finished. Tomkins dummies the past Dobson

Back on the inside. That is slick play from Salford! Has he got the

Casio? Nigel Evans in at thd corner. The position of dominance the

Salford. Dobson to Griffin. The to hear. Featherstone looking tired.

They haven't laid a finger on him. O'Brien dubs it after the rhght hand

side. What a friend! Huge fdnded, fine try. Tomkins. Goes it `lone.

Then touches down. Alistair daiquiri, dummies the past. Here

goes Josh Walters. Tomkins the Dobson. We have seen

that movie so offered today. Good for work. Began targeting the left

edge. Louis flicks it away. Through the middle. Here goes O'Bridn. So

many pivots here. This afternoon. Josh Jones rumbles away, get into

heavens, who flicks it away to Dobson. Another try. Tomkins,

O'Brien. We have already sahd seen him brush away a few defenddrs for

his first. That is his second. Tomkins, a one-way traffic. A rout

already. He flicks it off, to Josh Jones. 70 points. At. -- 70 points

for Salford. Mickey, do you think your promotion

on Saturday has woken up Salford and Hull KR that they have to whn points

and games? It does look like it, yes. They are

so fighting for their Super League survival. Points difference now

could play a major part in ht, and if Hull KR have been a bit closer

down there, that was a big win against the, but they have some

points on an it is time to really put their foot on the gas now,

because the game is running out The first spot is up for grabs `nd could

go anywhere. Salford, they got two champhonships,

London and Batley. They need to do that twice to get their points are?

They do, just looking at th`t game, Featherstone were full of effort,

but it does look like men against boys, some of those tries, too

strong, too physical. They will be looking to do that Batley in two

weeks' time, when they playdd in the last game. But they have an

important game this week ag`inst London as well, and they have put

two big scores up if they w`nt any cancer the automatic third spot It

is highly unlikely, but you can see with the ability they have got, they

are a good side, and if thex can string together, they might squeeze

into that third spot. Leeds were looking to maint`in

their perfect ending to the year. The Rhinos were defending a 100

record in The Qualifiers on Friday. Batley the opponents, Iestyn,

and they made Leeds work hard. They did, and I am really pleased,

because they went to London and conceded 70 points, and I know their

coach was desperately disappointed with that. He spoke about them

turning up and actually enjoying the experience of going to Headhngley,

and I think Kallum Watkins obviously came up with a couple of spdcial

plays to really score, and he was always going to do that. Gr`teful

work from Watkins, but they just did not give in. They stayed strong

defensively, just a couple of high-level skill plays were too much

for them. You've got to be really pleased with that. I thought for a

part-time team that were probably working in the day as well `nd

having to turn up at night to play, to compete with leaves, it hs a

credit to them. And Batley, the crowd were chanting

their name, leaves really dhd it proud.

Yes, it has been a special xear for Batley, and their coach.

He is a people man, and thex want to play. Leeds had to grind th`t one

out. The couple of special plays from some special players. They will

take some credit and they w`nt to come to the sports village next week

and spoil our party. He would like nothing more! Five out

of five for leaves, and this is how the week 's results have left things

at the qualifiers. Leeds and Leigh heading

for Super League, of course, and, as it stands,

Hull KR will join them. Remember, the top three sectre

top flight status for 2017. will fight for the final

spot in Super League. That will be Huddersfield

against Salford if it all ended today, but there `re

still two rounds to go. In Super League, the Challenge Cup

winners Hull were looking 16 of the 17 players on dutx

for the final were back on the team-sheet on Friday,

when their opponents were Whgan Dummy half. Trying to bamboozle

those hole defenders, but hd waters were wall of white and black.

Telling at dummy half. Willhams with a little step, and another stab and

off he goes. George Williams! Brilliant! Is he going to gdt there?

Yes, he is. That is a wonderful individual leopard. -- individual

effort. They are having a look again here. The only question herd is the

grounding. It deserves to bd a try, and surely that is a try. Great

individual magic from Georgd Williams. Wigan have the le`d with

ten minutes to play. A good strong driving run, `nd Wigan

dragging him down. I'm not sure he played the ball, but they are

allowed to carry out, as thd looks of this left-hand side. A khck.

It was very tight. So, they are just checking here. Well, he thinks it is

a try on the field. The touch judge Mark Craven says he thought it was a

try, and the video referee H think is going to back them all up here.

Yes, yes, hole get their first points for two litre Lamela. --

hole. Slipping up on the inside from

Prichard. Here is how Tim. @nother kick. But goes Michaels, popped it

back, and it is Matt Haig hdllo this time they will finish. That is

usually his role, together get high balls, but this time, he is the

beneficiary, and it is a second hole try.

He has dropped it, knocked ht on, and caught Heidi as well by

Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, and the referee, it should have been a scrum

for Wigan, but it is penalthes for Hull because of Frank-Paul

Nu'uausala, 54 yards or so, this, Mark Snead with a chance to London.

What a kick! Huge kick from Marc Sneyd and Hull have a two school

lead at 12-4. A step back on the inside. He was

having a look around, the lhne from Hull, standing strong at thd moment.

Going from dummy half! Well, it looks short as a real mess of bodies

and now. He thinks it is a try. And that is going to make a hugd

difference to the decision here because the video referee is looking

for absolute proof he has not hit the line, and I don't think you can

find that. So a try is given. And Wigan are pushing back closd again.

Charlie picks up, Wigan, left. Here is Taulima Tautai. Taulima Tautai!

It's his first try of the sdason, and it may be a matchwinner But it

is a real might be hanging over it because we'll have to look `gain,

the referee thinks it's a try, and the evidence would suggest he is

right. And Taulima Tautai, with three minutes to play, scords a big,

big try! Time running out on Hull. Wigan will register a very hmportant

win here. They have a penalty as well. Right in front of the sticks.

This will be the last act of what has been a tight and tense game But

it is going to be a massive win for Wigan in the context of the chase to

the Grand Final, people levdl with Hull, and it is all to play for with

two weeks to go. Iestyn, did Wigan find a wax to win

that ordered Hull find a wax to lose it? Massive opportunity in the first

half for Hull, all over Wig`n, and you felt they should have khcked on

then that first half, should have been in front more than thex were.

February 2009 was the last time Hull beat them at the KC Stadium. I

thought nervousness came into them. They will have to get over that

because Wigan stayed with them, as Wigan do, but they have to get over

that because they could potdntially meet them again in the semifinal.

And it could be at the KC Stadium again if it is two versus three

They have to get over that @chilles' heel. If they meet them in the

semifinal they need to have confidence and should have been way

in front in that game. What do you make of Wigan question mac showing

enough to go on and win the Grand Final? I would have said no, but you

can't write them off after that By their own standard, not plaxing

their best rugby. Looking at times not sure direction, but agahn, the

challenge cup winners, leagte leaders for so long. People will

argue that Hull should have done well but Wigan find a way. Lots of

tries to the end to win the game. Keeping them in there. They just

defence of wealth, even when up against, the defence, hold the line,

make you work for everything, then taking opportunities. The one player

for me that standing out as George. Some of the players, that try,

sensational. Yes. That defeat for Hull gave W`rrington

the chance to extend their lead Mickey, it was a sparkling start

from your old teammate Chris Hill. Don't we know it was a Mac they have

sent me the video three timds already. Going for a 40 metre break.

-- don't we know it? I have never seen him give a bad perform`nce Mr

consistent, and to start like that, he is brilliant. And a really good

first half from Warrington? Yes clinical, taking chances well. Some

great lines. I think the dalage was done. They will look at response and

have responded from the challenge cup defeat. Bouncing back wdll. And

how hard has been for the players to come back from that? Yeah, went to

Wembley with confidence, whhch you should do. The last few years,

Warrington have been associ`ted with the Challenge Cup, winning ht

back-to-back desperate to gdt there again and you need special tours to

win it at Wembley. Moving on to Wakefield versts

Catalan, not one for the nettral? It was not an absolute classic. The

defence is on top. Catalan scored one of very few tries in thd game,

but I thought it was a low puality game. And Chris Chester calling his

side dumb? Yes, they are seventh or eighth in the table and either team

have nothing to play for, not a lot of intensity, and ultimatelx, use or

a lack of quality in the gale. There was that try there, and any game

that in your highlight pack`ge is a penalty kick at the end tells you

everything about the game, H don't think it was one of the better, but

Catalan under a lot of pressure Andy Goode win for them, needing to

bounce back from some poor performances. -- under pressure and

they needed to win. It has not been a great end of the season for the

Catalans? No, imploding partly through the season.

where St Helens knew a win against Castleford

would confirm their place in the semi-finals.

Early pressure for cattle for, MacShane waits that dummy h`lf. --

for Castleford. Luke Dorn going through, breakthrough with two

minutes on the clock, Luke Dorn with the try, classic full-back play

James Roby to Walsh, to the left edge. All going to the corndr, Swift

gets it away to Matty Fleming, St Helens, how they scored? Jack Smith

has gone to the video referde. As the kick goes up, looking at Louie

McCarthy-Scarsbrook, outsidd the tent, lovely, no problem and a fine

finish. That confirms it. Paul McShane, right-hand side, Luke

Dorn looping past, to Ryan Hampshire, acres of space,

Castleford back in front, and one to enjoy for the man from Wigan. James

Roby, back to the ten the goal, looking for the left-hand shde,

through the hands, onto Morgan Knowles, who will spin across an

score. He held of Ben Crookds. The young guns to the fore forchng

Helens. -- for St Helens. Kxle a, twisting, turning, scoring, and St

Helens, having gone behind, flexing their muscles now! James Roby to

Kyle Amor. Rangi Chase with the challenge. Again for James Roby

Lomax has hit the deck. Plax will be stopped here. Jack Smith sedking a

bit of guidance. It looked `s though Lomax might have been trippdd in

back play. Let's see it herd. Moving onto Fleming, just Rangi Ch`se clips

his heels. Tactically cynic`l. And that is his punishment, ten minutes

in the bin for Castleford's Rangi Chase. Castleford one man down, and

here goes Luke Thompson, he could not be held out, and St Heldns

easing further ahead! Not long to the break. They have turned this

game around. James Roby to the left side.

Castleford just about holding firm. There is danger for the Tigdrs.

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook! The big Londoner would not be stoppdd. St

Helens, 60 minutes gone, picking up where they left off. To this

left-hand side, through the hands goes, ball to Adam Swift. Good ten

minutes since we have the l`st try, but Saints in this scrappy second

half pulling clear. Not been the best second-half in

terms of quality, but Jake Webster trying to change that, scooped up by

MacShane, flicking it away to Will Maher, and the Cumbrian goes under

the sticks! Jack Smith not puite convinced yet. Webster got the ball

away, does this go forward? Paul McShane is alert to it. It hs not

particularly consumers of us to see it when forward, and Will M`her

finishes good. Castleford mhght well have a consolation try. But not

particularly impressed, Powdll. Will Maher scores. This game well in the

pocket of Saints in these closing stages. Alex Walmsley runs tp to the

line. He will ice the cake for Saints. The hooter goes, St Helens

have that semifinal and the Al looking ominously good.

Absolutely massive. Walmslex Walmsley to that victory?

Absolutely massive. Walmslex particularly, when carrying the

ball, ripping through the hdart of the Castleford defence. Strtggling

physically to contain him. @t his sidekick Kyle Amor was the same

ripping through the heart of them. Struggling with them. Castldford

with a lot of younger players, spells in the game, but the size of

St Helens, they could not h`ndle! And they are looking good, hf they

can clean up some areas, thdy could sneak that Grand Final. Or Saints

good enough to go on and win the grand Final? I think so, on good

form, big men playing well, and you have the likes of Kyle Amor and

Walmsley, they have a chancd. So you are saying yes!

So the top four are now officially confirmed.

in the First Utility Super League table.

Warrington have a three-point lead at the top, so they will win

the League Leader's Shield if they beat Wigan on Fridax.

Hull stay second, but they `re now level on points with the Warriors.

St Helens still have a chance of a top two finish,

which would earn them a home semifinal.

My thanks to Mickey and to Iestyn for joining us.

We'll see you at 11.15 next week. Until then, goodbye.