Leigh Leopards stun Salford Red Devils and book a place in the Super League play-off semi-final

Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils faced each other for the last time this 24/25 season at the AJ Bell Stadium last night. Both teams were eager for the win in this thrilling elimination play-off match, but only one could be victorious.

A tense first half was played at the AJ Bell Stadium where only 2 points were separating the sides, The Red Devils scrum-half Marc Sneyd kicked his team into the lead during the 28th minute, after Salford’s Chris Hankinson’s try was disallowed due to a knock-on.

The Leopards maintained their momentum as they came back out in the second half with Josh Charnley’s dive in the corner being the first try of the night. Charnley made this his 248th Super League try, moving him into second place as the all-time try-scores in the Super League.

Leighs luck didn’t end their as they extended their lead with half-back Gareth O’Brien gliding over the try line. Following with Matt Moylan’s conversion extending his sides lead to eight.

Concern soon struck the visitors as Josh Charnley was taken from the field on a stretcher after going down hurt in a tackle, later being taken to hospital. However, this did not dampen Leigh's spirit as moments after Charnley’s worrying departure the Leopard’s struck again with hooker Edwin Ipape scoring the third try for his team, booking them a place in the semi-finale, as-well as earning himself player of the match.

Red Devils winger Ethan Ryan scored a late try, but Sneyd missed his conversion attempt in the 78th minute confirming Leigh a place in the play-off semi-final.

With the game ending Salford 6-14 Leigh which was played in front of a record crowd for a rugby league game at the AJ Bell Stadium, the Leopards are now only 80 minutes away from their Grand Final debut. Leigh will now play either Wigan Warriors or Hull KR next week depending on the result of the Warrington Wolves vs St Helens second eliminator game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Adrian Lamb express his delight for his team as they have reached the semi-finale for the first time in the club’s history. He also gave an update on Josh Charnley being taken to hospital and being conscious.

Photos from @leighrlfc on Instagram