Leigh Centurions 44, Chorley Lynx 8 by Mike Hulme

A BURST of three tries in six second half minutes killed off any hopes of an upset as Leigh survived a shaky opening to take a step closer qualifying for the last eight of the Buddies National League Cup.

Despite Leigh holding a 16-4 lead at half time, they looked far from comfortable until the triple try burst eased their nerves.

Leigh now top their group but know they must get a result in their final qualifying match at Barrow in two weeks to make sure of a place in the quarter finals.

Tries from Paul Anderson, teenage sub Anthony Blackwood and Neil Turley between the 51st and 57th minutes took Leigh from 16-4 to 38-4 and effectively killed Chorley off.

Turley, back after a four week injury absence, went on to collect his 14th try of the season while young Blackwood took his tries tally to three in just two sub appearances.

While Leigh dominated the second half, they far from had things their own way in the opening 40 minutes.

Leigh coach Paul Terzis was quick to praise Chorley. "They had a great completion rate and played some good rugby league in the first half. They were so good I thought I was watching Leigh!.

"But they found it hard to break us down. Our defence was magnificent, probably the best aspect of our game."

But Leigh too found it hard to make the breakthrough, the first try coming after 18 minutes when Simon Baldwin unselfishly put centre Mark McCully over. He was soon followed over the line by Adam Bristow but a Dean Cross try put Chorley back to within six points.

Man of the match Paul Rowley pushed Leigh out to 16-4 when he stretched over for a try under the posts.

Turley finished the match with 20 points from his two tries and six goals.