Hull KR 18 (16)
Tries: J Goddard, Ford, Cockayne
Goals: Morton 3
Leigh 22 (16)
Tries: Rowley, Grix, Glassie, Wilson
Goals: Govin 3
Leigh produced a thrilling comeback to stun favourites Hull Kingston Rovers in the final of the Northern Rail Cup.
The Centurions looked out of it when they went 16-2 behind after 27 minutes but tries from Paul Rowley, Scott Grix and Tere Glassie made the score 16-16.
Gareth Morton's second-half goal put Hull KR ahead again only for Aaron Heremaia to crash over for Leigh.
Hull KR thought they won it late on but the video referee ruled out centre Damien Couturier's try.
The official adjudged that Scott Murrell, who provided a miraculous pass for Couturier to cross, had been tackled.
Leigh have now claimed the trophy for the second time in three years, following their win over Hull KR in 2004.
The defeat ends Hull KR's superb club record winning run which stood at 24 matches stretching back to last September.
Hull KR coach Justin Morgan on having a late try disallowed:
"They can go either way, we can't blame that. I'm glad I'm not in that seat having to push the button. We're not looking for excuses. "We made some uncharacteristic errors and our kicking game was poor.
"We got beat fair and square. They played better than us on the day and
deserved the victory."
Leigh coach Tony Benson on the video referee:
"I love that man - I think he did a great job. "There was one early on that I wasn't too sure was right so I think it
evened itself out.
"It was one of those games we had to grind out. Obviously we came in as severe underdogs. We had faith and I had faith and they came through."
Hull KR: Cockayne, Rivett, Couturier, J. Goddard, Ford, Gallacher, Murrell, Aizue, Fisher, Tangata-Toa, Morrison, Morton, Barker. Replacements: Stephenson, Ellis, Price., Smith.
Leigh: Grix, Gaskell, Hughes, Halliwell, Greenwood, Govin, Heremaia, R. Bibey, Rowley, Wilson, C. Hill, Glassie, Roberts. Replacements: Forber, Speakman, Taylor, Stevens.
Referee: Jamie Leahy (Dewsbury).
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