The Centurions scored first and trailed only 8-6 at half-time despite being hammered 9-4 in the first half penalty count and having Kevin Larroyer sin-binned for obstruction.

Rovers dominated possession and territory but the Leigh fans warmed to the heroic defence of their side and the efforts of the players.

Rovers ran in six second half tries with former Leigh favourite Martyn Ridyard influential against his hometown club and Harry Newman and Shaun Robinson each bagging braces while the impressive Ian Hardman finished with seven goals.

“We wanted to go downhill first half as we know Featherstone play the hill very well,” Leigh coach Kieron Purtill said.

“We had a lot of young guys out there and in the second half the amount of tackling they had to do did took its toll.

“We lost the game but I couldn’t be prouder of the guys who have been through a lot and the new lads who came in – I can’t thank them enough.

“There were a couple of intercepts and a little lack of cohesion.

“You get that when you throw a team together but there was no lack of effort – we had just two training sessions together.

 “The club has now got to get itself back together on the field and off the field and hopefully we will come back bigger and stronger.”