Micky taker HIGHAM ON GLORY HUNT
STONE-COLD PRESSURE
RICK STONE admits the fear of relegation is building on his misfiring Huddersfield side. The Giants crashed to Salford in their opening Middle 8s game and today face a Featherstone side who are desperate to pile on the misery. New Aussie boss Stone (left) said: “When you lose your first game, the pressure mounts and every game becomes a must-win. “In the back of everyone’s mind, there is a difference between us The ex-Super League and England hooker says it would be his greatest-ever achievement if he took his hometown club up. And after beating their big-time neighbours – the Centurions’ second victory in the Middle 8s – that dream looks alive and kicking. Higham was simply immense, leading from the front and setting up the Adam Higson try that proved to be a killer. Salford had bossed most of the second half, after trailing 2010 at the break, and it looked only a matter of time before they would take the lead. But they only had a Robert Lui try to show for it all with the video ref ruling out FOUR other efforts. JULIE STOTT Each let-off lifted Leigh and, after weathering the storm, Higson pounced for his vital strike quickly followed by one from Matty Dawson.
The double whammy put them 32-16 ahead with six minutes left, allowing them to see out a late Salford rally.
Ben Murdoch-Masila and Mason Caton-Brown both touched down but Leigh had done enough to sneak home.
Leigh boss Neil Jukes said: “Our motto is no regrets. That result puts us in a good place but it’s nowhere near job done yet.”
Salford won their opening game but boss Ian Watson knows his men are now under pressure in the battle to avoid the dreaded Million Pound game.
He said: “It puts us right back in it and we are on the back foot now for the rest of the Middle 8s.”
Leigh led early on with tries from former Salford players Reni Maitua and Corey Patterson, as well as one from Gregg McNally.
Salford hung in with efforts from Caton-Brown and Niall Evalds but Leigh refused to let them get on top. and the Championship sides, but there are no free lunches. I have watched Featherstone in their last two games and we have got to prepare well.”
Skipper Danny Brough is suspended, meaning a recall for Ryan Brierley, while centre Joe Wardle returns from injury.
But full-back Scott Grix, winger Jermaine McGillvary and back rower Tom Symonds are all ruled out. LONDON BRONCOS and Batley face each other today as they both push for promotion from the Championship.
Broncos boss Andrew Henderson is desperate for his side to win and heap pressure on the Super League clubs – but knows it is a big ask.
He said: “We have proved we are capable of competing with the best in this competition, but we must be patient and disciplined.”