LEIGH Centurions' fans have been publicly praised for their support during Boxing Day's Hilton Park thriller against Widnes Vikings.

A crowd of 4468 - Leigh's highest for almost six years - braved driving rain to cheer their team to a 24-16 opening day victory.

Hilton Park's acting chief executive, Chris Healey, was quick to praise the supporters. "They were magnificent," he said. "And I'm sure they played a part in the victory.

"In the past the club has been critical of those fans who have stayed away in the past but they deserve praise on this occasion. Sunday's attendance was marvellous and was a tremendous encouragement to us all at the club.

"We knew that the Widnes game was going to be one of our highest gates of the season and we'd worked hard in promoting the game beforehand. It was good to see that work rewarded.

"The team responded to the atmosphere and proved that they are going to be right up there again in the battle for honours. Those who attended Sunday's game must have gone away impressed, not only with the standard of play of the field, but also the standards we are setting off the pitch.

"But we're not going to rest on our laurels. We've got to build on that support base and hopefully improve the figures even higher as the season progresses. We're already busy promoting our next home game against Swinton in two weeks."

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