By Matt Lawton
February 28 2003

Russian champions Locomotiv Moscow never really had a chance of victory over a virtually full strength Leigh side but their night at Hilton Park is one that their players and supporters alike will remember for years to come.

Leigh overcame the challenge of an enthusiastic Locomotiv side as the Centurions comfortably went through to the fourth round of the TXU Energi Challenge Cup but that was never really in doubt.

Locomotiv knew they were never realistically going to defeat such a strong side as Leigh but that won't matter to them, the fact of playing in such a high profile game against such a big club is sure to stay with them for the rest of their lives. The fact that they played the game was enough to reward them for their hard work and they worked their hearts out representing Russian Rugby League.

Locomotiv started brightly among the razzmattaz of a firework reception alongside huge Russian and British flags. The Russian champions actually had a slight terrotorial advantage until Alan Hadcroft scired in the corner after nearly ten minutes of play.

Despite that setback, Locomotiv still fought hard and worked well in defence and looked good in attack although they lacked the ability to finish chances.

Leigh eventually romped to victory with Damian Munro again getting himself on the scoresheet twice following on from his brace on his Leigh debut against Oldham last week. Former St Helens, Bradford and Great Britain foward Sonny Nickle opened his Leigh scoring account as did former Warrington back Dave Alstead.

Leigh's victory and class was never really in doubt but the headlines and plaudits will go to Locomotiv who contributed hugely to a vastly entertaining evening and their exhausted players thoroughly deserved their standing ovation at the end of the game from the crowd of 2,600.

For Leigh it was business as usual and hopefully that form will continue as the season progresses.