LEIGH head coach John Duffy believes Centurions’ last gasp 42-36 win over Sheffield Eagles could be a season turning point for his team.

Three converted tries in the final nine minutes completed a Houdini style escape act for Duffy’s men.

“We have showed where we can be at the end of the season,” said the Leigh chief.

“We have gone joint third with Sheffield and it’s up to us we keep building and getting better.

“I thought we were really poor at times. But -on the flip side- to show that drive and togetherness we have as a group and come up with that last play was outstanding.”

Liam Hood’s try and Martyn Ridyard’s seventh conversion ensured Centurions’ third successive win after they trailed 20-12 and 36-24.

“I was quite calm at half time,” said Duffy.

“I’ve ripped a few signs off walls this year but the lads responded well just after half-time and regained the lead.

“I thought Easter caught up with us and we were a bit leggy especially through our middles who’ve done a lot of minutes these past few weeks. I’m just glad of the win.

Goal kicking star Ridyard said: “The Championship gets better every year and some of the long distance tries Sheffield scored were outstanding.

“We pride ourselves on our defence but we slipped away from our high standards but we showed outstanding character to get a win from that situation.”

Leigh now have a weekend off before returning to Championship action against Widnes at Summer Bash, Blackpool on Sunday, May 19.

Leigh have been drawn at home against League One Workington Town when they make their debut in the inaugural 1895 Cup.

The final of the competition will be held at Wembley on August 24- the same day as the Coral Challenge Cup.

The last 16 ties, featuring 12 Betfred Championship teams and four from the game’s third tier, will be played between May 31 and June 5.

Workington booked their place in the next phase with a 31-28 win over Hunslet despite fielding only 14-men in the tie.

The full draw is: Leigh Centurions v Workington Town, York City Knights v Newcastle Thunder, Barrow Raiders v Bradford Bulls, Batley Bulldogs v Rochdale Hornets, Widnes Vikings v Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury Rams v Swinton Lions, Halifax v Sheffield Eagles, Oldham v Doncaster.

*Promising hooker Aaron Smith, who has played five times on dual registration terms for Leigh, has signed a contract extension at St Helens to keep him at the current Super League leaders until 2022.

The 22-year-old was on the winning side three times for Centurions, making his last appearance in victory over Rochdale on March 17.