Leigh go top after extra-time draw with Hull FC

Betfred Super League

Hull FC (6) 22

Tries: Cartwright, Barron, Ese’ese, Martin Goals: Lane, Sezer 2

Leigh (12) 22

Leigh Leopards lost their 100% record but reached the Super League summit for the first time in their history after a brilliant, action-packed draw against Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.

The Leopards seemed to be in command when they led 12-6 after Hull had both Aidan Sezer and Jordan Rapana yellow-carded within the space of five minutes.

But the home side fought back in a sensational second half, squaring the game twice through Harvey Barron and Herman Ese’ese – only for Lachlan Lam to set up David Armstrong for two tries that restored Leigh’s advantage.

Seeking their first home victory in eight months, the Black and Whites began well and drew first blood when Jed Cartwright collected Cade Cust’s short pass and sped over for his first try of the season.

Leigh’s response was almost immediate as Lam’s dummy gave Andrew Badrock the opportunity to set up Niu, who barged over the line before Gareth O’Brien’s conversion attempt bounced off the frame – just as Sezer had already done for Hull.

But the contest was ignited when referee Thomas Grant sent both Sezer and Rapana to the sin-bin in quick succession for high tackles on Armstrong and, with Hull conceding a string of penalties, the visitors took advantage.

However, Hull’s 11 men produced a spirited response, not only keeping their opponents at bay but reducing the deficit to six before they returned to full strength, courtesy of Jordan Lane’s penalty.

The hosts maintained their momentum after the turnaround and pulled level as Sezer’s crossfield punt eluded Tom Briscoe but was snapped up by Barron, who wriggled over the line.

Leigh regained the lead when Lam found Armstrong, whose burst of speed propelled him into the corner and, despite being grounded short of the line, the full-back clung on to force the ball over.

Back came Hull as John Asiata teed up Ese’ese to thunder his way across the line – only for Lam and Armstrong to combine again and edge the visitors ahead for the third time in the game.

But the Black and Whites refused to give up and Martin’s try in the corner with seconds remaining brought them level again – only for Sezer’s conversion to miss its target and set up a golden-point scenario.

Hull FC: Moy, Barron, Briscoe, Rapana, Martin, Cust, Sezer, Ese’ese, Bourouh, Aydin, Cartwright, Lane, Asiata.

Interchanges: Ashworth, Fash, Hutchinson, Knight.

Leigh: Armstrong, Brand, Niu, Hanley, Hodgson, O’Brien, Lam, Trout, Ipape, Hughes, Badrock, O’Neill, Liu.

Interchanges: Brogan, Tuitavake, Davis, Dwyer.