Leigh Centurions 14 Oldham 22 by Mike Hulme

LEIGH Centurions' first run-out of the new season did not quite go according to plan - but no-one at Hilton Park is the slightest bit worried.

Leigh's only warm-up game before the NFP season kicks off in two weeks was won by last season's beaten Grand Finalists just four minutes from time but the Centurions' main concern was not the scoreboard but how well their new recruits bedded in.

Overall coach Paul Terzis was pleased as he gave run outs to seven close season signings and in total used 25 players.

"The score was irrelevant. Both sides wanted to win the match and Oldham probably just about shaved it, but I only wanted to see how the new players went under match conditions," he said after the 22-14 home defeat.

Both sides were naturally rusty after the long lay-off but Leigh can be particularly pleased with the form of Chris Irwin, Jon Roper, Paul Rowley and Danny Turner especially.

Leigh started the game the stronger and had an 8-0 lead after 20 minutes with a powerful try from the impressive Chris Morley and another for winger Dave Ingram after Phil Kendrick had opened the route to the line.

Oldham hit back to level with unconverted tries of their own before half time from Jon Goddard and powerful winger Gavin Dodd.

Oldham went in front early in the second half with a Mark Sibson try before Willie Swann's chip kick was swooped on by another Leigh debutant, Mark McCulley who sprinted clear to the posts for a Roper converted try.

A Gavin Johnson try gave Oldham an 18-14 lead before they secured the victory with Goddard's second try four minutes from time.