Wolfpack: Defence gets the job done in victory over Leigh

LEIGH, ENGLAND— The Toronto Wolfpack relied on a stiff defence en route to a 14-8 victory Sunday over Leigh Centurions in Betfred Championship rugby league play.

Toronto’s defence, which has conceded just three tries in 320 minutes this season, bent but only broke once against a stubborn Leigh side that kept attacking in the second half. The Wolfpack, who lost a Super League promotion showdown 4-2 to London Broncos last October, have outscored their opposition 116-20 this season.

Toronto coach Brian McDermott liked what he saw on defence, but wanted more from his offence.

“We were all over the place in that second half,” he lamented.

Toronto, which tops the English second-tier at 4-0-0, completed 18 of 20 sets in the first half and just 11 of 17 in the second.

Blake Wallace and former Centurions Adam Higson and Bodene Thompson scored tries for Toronto, which led 10-0 at the half. Gareth O’Brien kicked one conversions at Leigh Sports Village.

Luke Douglas scored a try for Leigh (2-2-0). Martyn Ridyard added a penalty and a conversion.

“Easily the toughest (game of the season),” Toronto forward Ashton Sims said.

It was a largely even opening 20 minutes although Leigh had a territorial advantage. And the home side went ahead after Thompson was called for obstructing a Leigh player on a Micky Higham grubber kick into goal. Leigh elected to get the points off Ridyard’s boot, in front of the posts at the 20minute mark.

It marked the first time Toronto had trailed in 260 minutes this season.

Toronto plays at Dewsbury Rams next Sunday.