Leigh Centurions 44 Dewsbury Rams 18 by Mike Hulme: COACH Paul Terzis admitted that his Leigh side had one eye on next Sunday's Challenge Cup tie.

Explaining his side's below par effort Terzis said: "I think our focus wasn't there," he confessed.

"I think our body language showed that. We were very lethargic but to score 44 points shows we are a pretty good side. It either shows the potency of our strike power or that Dewsbury had a weak defence."

The Rams, confident after a recent win over Rochdale, pushed Leigh all the way but their defence was too easily breached to pose much of a threat.

Leigh opened their account in the third minute when Liam Bretherton squeezed in at the corner after good work from Adam Bristow and Phil Kendrick. Neil Turley added the touchline conversion.

The Rams hit back in the 14th minute when new signing Carl Briggs sent second rower Jim Leatham striding through for the first of two tries. Briggs added the extras.

Just two minutes later the Centurions were back in front when prop Rob Ball burrowed over and not long afterwards winger Chris Irwin finished off a flowing move. Turley added both goals for an 18-6 lead.

Leigh's defence was caught out when winger George Mack burst clean through from a scrum but a try from skipper Bristow gave Leigh a 24-12 half time lead.

Leigh looked to have the game sewn up when sub Dave Bradbury burst over for a converted try to make it 30-12. But Leatham's second try and a goal from Briggs gave Dewsbury and outside chance.

But their hopes of a recovery were dashed in the 62nd minute when prop Frank Watene was dismissed for a late, high tackle on Lee Sanderson.

Leigh quickly made their extra man count by powering in for three more tries in the closing minutes. Impressive centre Jon Roper collected two and Turley swept in for another right on the bell.