The Leopards run riot at the John Smiths Stadium

Leigh Leopards put on a show of dominant attacking rugby as they condemned Huddersfield to their third defeat in a row.

Tries from Ben Reynolds, Lachlan Lam, Joe Mellor and a Josh Charnley brace helped steer the Leopards to a 30-4 win and secure their forth win on the spin.

This result will help the Leopards firmly set their eyes on the playoffs, but there’s plenty to work on for the Giants as they fell to yet another defeat.

The teams were coming into this in contrasting form. Ian Watson’s side had lost their previous two matches, meanwhile the Leopards were seeking their forth win on the spin. It felt like a must win game for the Giants in their hunt for the playoffs, but would they secure the two points? Or would Leigh carry on their fine form and make it four in a row?

The Giants almost got off to the perfect start. A Leigh knock-on right on their own line gave the Giants possession 10 meters out, however they couldn’t capitalise as they spilt the ball.

Despite this early chance, the Leopards would dominate the first quarter.

Adrian Lam’s side would be the first on the board, thanks to Ben Reynolds. Edwin Ipape blocked Tui Lolohea’s kick to break down the wing and get deep into Huddersfield territory and Reynolds crossed over from close range. He duly added the extras as the Leopards took a 6-0 lead.

Leigh came close again thanks to a great break from former Giant Ricky Leutele, however John Asiata spilled the ball close to the line.

Huddersfield came back into it over the next 15 minutes, however they couldn’t convert their opportunities, as has been the case for much of this season. Could these missed opportunities come back to haunt them?

It certainly would, as the Leopards added six more points to their tally.

Kevin Naiqama shot out the line, which created space for Ricky Leutele to burst through and find Josh Charnley who dived over in acrobatic fashion. Reynolds added the extras from the touchline and Leigh were ahead by 12.

The Leopards dominated the second half.

They would start the second period in similar fashion as they ended it, with Josh Charnley grabbing his second of the night eight minutes into the half. Lachlan Lam’s grubber kicked caused havoc around the tryline, and the winger pounced on the ball. Reynolds slotted the kick to take the scores to 18-0.

They added to the Giants misery 10 minutes later as Lachlan Lam went over for the Leopards forth try of the evening.

It wouldn’t take long for the fifth either, as Joe Mellor added his name to the scoresheet. Reynolds carried on his impressive kicking off the tee and the Leopards were 30 points to the good.

Huddersfield added one consolation try late on as Kevin Naiqama crossed the whitewash, however is was too little too late for the Giants as the game finished 30-4 to the Leopards.

Both teams now turn their attention to the Challenge Cup. The Giants travel to Salford as they look to repeat their run to the final last season. For the Leopards, they now turn their attention to Wakefield as they look to carry over their impressive league form into the cup competition.

Huddersfield Giants: 4

Tries: Naiqama

Goals:

Leigh Leopards: 30

Tries: Reynolds, Charnley (2), Lam, Mellor

Goals: Reynolds (5)

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