Leigh Leopards continued their impressive run in the Betfred Super League with a hard-fought 18-14 victory over Warrington Wolves on Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025. This win marks the Leopards' third consecutive victory and solidifies their position in the playoff race.
The Leopards showcased a dominant performance in the first half, with playmaker Lachlan Lam orchestrating the attack. Edwin Ipape opened the scoring with a try at the 34-minute mark, following a clever offload from Lam, who later contributed significantly to the team's success with two assists throughout the match.
Leigh took a commanding lead in the second half when Ethan O'Neill crashed over just three minutes after the break, extending their lead to 12-2. Frankie Halton added another try at the 58-minute mark, putting the Leopards ahead 18-2. Gareth O'Brien converted all three tries, demonstrating his reliability with the boot.
Despite trailing significantly, the Wolves rallied late in the game. Toby King, returning from injury, found the try line after a well-placed kick from Marc Sneyd, narrowing the gap to 18-8. Matty Ashton followed suit shortly after, scoring another try, but it was not enough to secure a comeback. Sneyd successfully converted both tries, leaving the Wolves just four points adrift as the clock wound down.
Warrington's coach Sam Burgess expressed his mixed feelings after the match, stating, "Parts of our game I was happy with. They're a physical side and tough to beat here, and we probably started the second half a little bit slowly and gave up two soft tries. It was a tough task after that." He acknowledged the missed opportunities that could have changed the game's outcome.
In a match that served as a precursor to their upcoming Challenge Cup semi-final on May 11, both teams were keen to secure vital points in the league. The Leopards' victory propelled them above Hull FC in the standings, placing them just behind league leaders Hull KR and Wigan Warriors.
Injuries played a significant role in the match, particularly for Warrington, who were without their captain George Williams due to recent ankle surgery. His absence was felt keenly, and Burgess had to make adjustments, placing Danny Walker in a pivotal role at hooker, a decision that surprised many. Walker's performance was commendable, as he stepped into the shoes of the injured playmaker.
Leigh's squad also faced challenges, missing key players Umyla Hanley and Tesi Niu. However, the return of Josh Charnley from injury provided a much-needed boost for the Leopards. Charnley, who had been sidelined earlier in the season, made his presence felt, contributing solidly in his return match.
Throughout the game, Leigh's defense was tested, particularly in the closing stages when Warrington sought to capitalize on their momentum. The Leopards' defensive line held firm, with Isaac Liu making crucial tackles to prevent further scoring opportunities for the Wolves.
Leigh's resilience was evident as they absorbed pressure and maintained composure when it mattered most. The Leopards’ ability to close out the game showcased their growth as a team and their determination to push for a top position in the league.
As the match concluded, the final score stood at 18-14 in favor of the Leopards, marking a significant step forward in their campaign. With this victory, Leigh Leopards have firmly established themselves as contenders in the Super League, and the upcoming Challenge Cup semi-final promises to be an exciting showdown.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. For Warrington, the challenge will be to bounce back from this defeat and find ways to fill the void left by Williams. Meanwhile, Leigh will aim to build on their winning momentum as they prepare for a crucial month ahead.
In conclusion, Leigh Leopards' victory over Warrington Wolves not only reflects their current form but also sets the stage for an intense rivalry as both teams gear up for their next encounter in the Challenge Cup. The excitement of the Super League continues to build, and fans can expect thrilling matches in the weeks to come.
