Leigh Centurions 46, Featherstone Rovers 10 by Martyn Hindley

BOBBIE Goulding bagged a try and earned a standing ovation from the Leigh fans on his debut as the Centurions romped to a comprehensive victory over Featherstone Rovers.

The scrum-half was very impressive throughout, with every contribution met with a chorus of pro-Goulding chants that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago when he was in the red and white of arch rivals Wigan.

But, as Paul Terzis was later to acknowledge, it was a collective effort that saw Leigh avenge the earlier defeat at Post Office Road.

Adam Bristow made his first surging run from loose forward in the third minute that resulted in a breakaway score for Paul Rowley, with Chris Irwin and Paul Anderson adding to the tally within the opening quarter of the match. Rovers were stunned.

Andy Kelly's men battled bravely back into contention with a ten-minute spell of good possession but they had only a Neil Lowe touch down to show for it and the importance of Leigh's resolute defence was illustrated by Rovers' shabbiness on the stroke of half-time.

Chris Spurr dawdled on a loose ball on the try-line, and his moment's hesitation combined with an untimely fumble allowed Goulding to pounce and score his first try for the club.

His enthusiasm was relentless as was the Leigh attacking and they continued to pile on the misery after the interval.

Dave Whittle and Simon Baldwin both added to the rout with Goulding notching the assist for a seventh try for the Centurions when his cross-field up and under was coolly collected and landed by Jon Roper.

While Goulding may grab the limelight though, John Duffy's input as stand-off in place of the injured Simon Svabic was exceptional. He had a hand in the last try of the rout - converted by Andy Isherwood - and was a constant threat all afternoon.

Victory for the Centurions was tarnished slightly by news that prop Vila Matautia will need an operation on his knee after a training injury.