Leigh Leopards secured their Super League playoff place with a dominant 48-10 victory over St Helens, ending the visitors' remarkable 60-year run of featuring in the end-of-season playoffs. The defeat confirmed St Helens' absence from the playoffs for the first time since 1962.
Charnley scores and signs extension
Leigh took an early lead when Super League's all-time top try-scorer Josh Charnley finished a fine move to score the 281st try of his career. The wing celebrated by signing a fake contract extension, which was announced in the stadium moments later.
Leigh doubled their lead soon after when full-back David Armstrong finished a break from deep, putting the hosts 12-0 ahead. St Helens, missing over a dozen first-team players, briefly fought back with tries from Jacob Douglas and Tristan Sailor, reducing the deficit to 12-10.
Leigh pull clear before half-time
Errors at critical moments proved costly for St Helens, allowing Leigh to extend their lead through Umyla Hanley's brilliant break. On the stroke of half-time, Adam Cook's instinctive try stretched Leigh's advantage to 14 points, opening up a three-score lead.
Early in the second half, St Helens showed some resolve, but the decisive moment came when veteran centre Mark Percival was sin-binned for a high tackle on Armstrong. A man light, the visitors could not hold back the tide.
Saints' season over
Edwin Ipape barged over three St Helens defenders under the posts to put the result beyond doubt, before Hanley's second try underlined his case for England's World Cup squad. Late tries from Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Robbie Mulhern sealed a fine night for Leigh.
Leigh are heading for the playoffs, while St Helens' season is now over. The club will begin life under Australia coach Kevin Walters next season, with a major rebuild lying ahead for the fallen giants.
