Leigh Leopards earn commanding victory over St Helens

Leigh Leopards 28 - 10 St Helens

Leigh Leopards secured a home tie in the first week of the Super League play-offs with a commanding victory over St Helens.

Authors | Josh T

Stadium | Leigh Sports Village 

Pre match fireworks

Tries from Andrew Badrock, Keanan Brand, Jack Hughes, Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout propelled the Leopards above Leeds Rhinos into third place.

St Helens offered a brief response in the second half through Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson, but the visitors ultimately suffered a third consecutive defeat. The win ensures Leigh will finish the regular season in the top four for the first time in the Super League era, although hopes of a top-two finish were ended by Wigan’s win over Castleford. Saints, meanwhile, are confirmed in fifth ahead of their final game against Castleford on 19 September.

A closer analysis of what happened

Leigh drew first blood in the 12th minute when Lachlan Lam’s patience allowed Bailey Hodgson to find Badrock, who finished a flowing move. Owen Trout appeared to extend the lead soon after, but the video referee ruled a double movement. 

Brand then stepped inside Deon Cross to score after Lam recycled the ball, marking the halfback’s 40th try assist of the season. Saints threatened through Moses Mbye’s high kick, though Curtis Sironen’s effort was ruled offside, and Ipape was shown a yellow card for a high shot on Daryl Clark – the Leopards’ first sin-bin of the campaign.

The second half began in Saints’ favour with Robertson creating and then scoring two tries, cutting the deficit to just two points. Leigh quickly regained control, however, with Hughes finishing off a well-worked move following pressure from Hanley, before Ipape powered through from 10 yards to score under the sticks. The match was sealed five minutes from time when Ipape’s clever grubber found Trout to round off a dominant performance.

Ipape to miss the final regular season match

Edwin Ipape’s one-match ban will rule him out of his side's final match of the regular season against Huddersfield Giants.

Ipape will be available for the first week of the play-offs, which will take place at home for the Leopards, a privilege they secured with this victory. The somewhat ironic thing is that it could prove to be a blessing in disguise.