Edwin Ipape runs the show as he inspires impressive Leigh win over Leeds

Two tries from Papua New Guinea international Edwin Ipape helped Leigh continue their impressive start to the season as they beat Leeds 20-6 at the Leigh Sports Village.

Leigh’s win moves them in to seventh in the Super League table, level on points with champions St Helens in fifth, just behind on points difference.

The Leopards enjoyed a quick start to the game, scoring tries through Ipape and Kai O’Donnell within the first 10 minutes.

Ipape got his second before James Bentley pulled one back for Leeds just before the break, with the half-time score being 16-6.

Two penalty goals from Ben Reynolds in the second wrapped up an impressive 20-6 win for the hosts.

Match report

Leigh coach Adrian Lam named an unchanged side to the one that won 32-0 at Wakefield last week.

Leeds, meanwhile, welcomed Bentley back in to the side. The Ireland international replaced hooker Corey Johnson on the bench.

The Leopards couldn’t have wished for a better start as Ipape went over less than two minutes in following a superb break down the left wing from Josh Charnley.

It was a rapid start from the Leopards, whose second try came through in-form forward O’Donnell in the eighth minute.

Ipape got his second and Leigh’s third in the 17th minute thanks to a powerful burst from dummy half. Reynolds kicked his second goal to put his side in a 16-0 lead.

The Rhinos fought their way back in to the game towards the end of the first half. They pulled one back on the stroke of half-time as Bentley charged onto a flat ball from Blake Austin.

Leigh 16-6 up at the break thanks to Edwin Ipape brace

Rhinos coach made an interesting change shortly after the second half restart, with winger Liam Tindall replacing half-back Aidan Sezer, seeing Ash Handley move to full-back and Richie Myler in to the halves.

Reynolds added a penalty goal on the hour mark to put Leigh in a 12-point cushion.

The Rhinos threw more at Leigh in the second half, but impressive defence from the Leopards kept them at bay.

Another penalty goal from Reynolds late on sealed a remarkable 20-6 win against last year’s Grand Finalists.

Leigh: O’Brien; Briscoe, Hardaker, Leutele, Charnley; Reynolds, Lam; Amone, Ipape, Mulhern, Holmes, O’Donnell, Asiata. Subs: Mellor, Seumanufagai, Wilde, Davis. 18th man: Hanley.

Tries: Ipape (2), O’Donnell Goals: Reynolds 4

Leeds: Myler; Macdonald, Newman, Martin, Handley; Austin, Sezer; Oledzki, O’Connor, Lisone, McDonnell, Tetevano, Smith. Subs: Tindall, Holroyd, Bentley, Sangare. 18th man: Johnson.

Tries: Bentley Goals: Martin 1

Attendance: 6,686

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