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Halifax RLFC 48 Leigh Centurions 16: Win was vital: Boss
HALIFAX boss Matt Calland hailed a "massive" win for his side after they comfortably outpointed Leigh at the Shay last night to reclaim first place in the Co-operative Championship.
Fax ran out 48-16 winners, with James Haley and Shad Royston both scoring twice, to send Paul Rowley's visitors tumbling towards the relegation zone.
Calland, who had seen his side deposed from top spot when Barrow beat Toulouse on Thursday night, was particularly pleased with a clinical opening half during which the home side racked up a matchwinning 30-6 lead.
"I was pretty pleased with the first half, especially that opening half hour," said Calland, whose players had suffered back to back losses against Widnes and Gateshead going into last night's encounter.
"We were completing at over 80 per cent and although we gifted them a try, which is something we need to learn not to do when the bigger games come around, we looked really good.
"We looked controlled, we built pressure well, all the things we wanted to do before the game.
"In terms of the result, it was a massive win for us.
"There was no way we wanted to be losing three games on the bounce.
"The play offs are only eight weeks away and we need to start putting some building blocks in place for that now.
"I think last night was the first part of that process."
With Australian half back Ben Black still sidelined with a hand injury that is expected to keep him out of next weekend's Northern Rail Nines, Calland also expressed satisfaction at the form of half backs Sean Penkywicz and Mick Govin, who combined neatly with hooking duo Mark Gleeson and Bob Beswick.
"I think we forgot Ben wasn't playing in that first half, because we looked so cohesive without him," said Calland.
"When you can be without someone you would probably consider to be one of our star players and still play that well, it's a good sign.
"I was also pleased with the front rowers.
"Frank Watene and Said Tamghart went well, Dave Larder did well and Dana Wilson had one of his best games."
Sydney Roosters forward Mark O'Meley's has agreed to join Super League side Hull on a three-year-deal.
O'Meley, who will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee this week that will rule him out for the remainder of the year, will depart the club at the end of the season.
The Roosters have released the 28-year-old from the final year of his contract and coach Brad Fittler said his leadership will be greatly missed.
"I have had a wonderful time at the Roosters, but I am looking forward to the experience over in the UK," said O'Meley.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
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