Leigh Leopards won the National Championship Final after a hard-fought 22–18 victory over London Broncos in a hotly contested match. Leigh’s perseverance allowed them to capture the trophy and firmly establish themselves as champions despite a sluggish start and a physically strong and focused London team controlling the first half of the game.
The Broncos made a big impression early away, surprising Leigh with their muscular and aggressive play and scoring a spectacular try in the right corner. London reached the try line once again after twenty minutes, but the score remained 0–8 in their favor due to a missed conversion.
Leigh found it difficult to get into the game, missing tackles and having trouble clearing their own half, while London’s deft footwork and powerful carries applied constant pressure, resulting in a goal-line drop-out at the 25-minute mark.
Leigh didn’t score until the thirtyth minute, when he did so in the right corner to cut the deficit to 4–8. They were behind due to a missed conversion, but the try gave them confidence, and they tied the score shortly before halftime with another try. Even though the effort to convert bounced against the post, Leigh managed to tie the score at 8-8.
Leigh had the wind and momentum in their favor going into the second half, but London responded quickly with an interception attempt to take an 8–14 lead. Leigh immediately equalized the score at 14–14 with a try of their own. The Leopards led 16–14 after a penalty to Leigh with 56 minutes remaining gave them a critical two-point advantage. The crowd erupted in cheers.
London raced in for another try, showing no signs of giving up, even if the botched conversion gave them a slim 16–18 lead. But Leigh’s tenacity showed, and they fought their way across the line for a pivotal try, which they converted to take a 22–18 lead. Leigh held strong to secure the victory and the National Championship in spite of London’s best attempts.
Leigh Leopards have won the National Championship and will now prepare for their pivotal Super League Promotion Play-Off match against Featherstone Rovers on Sunday, October 6.
As Leigh aims for Super League gold, this much awaited doubleheader—which also features the Betfred Super League Women’s Grand Final—promises to be a day of outstanding Women’s Rugby League action.
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