‘Anything can happen’ – Leigh boss Adrian Lam hopes for more cup success

Drew Darbyshire
Adrian Lam Leigh Leopards SWpix

Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix

Leigh coach Adrian Lam is keen for his side to build on last year’s 1895 Cup triumph after booking their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

The Leopards picked up a 40-12 win against struggling Super League side Wakefield in the Challenge Cup sixth round at Belle Vue on Friday night.

Tom Briscoe and Kai O’Donnell both bagged braces, with John Asiata, Ricky Leutele and Josh Charnley also getting on the scoresheet.

Leigh are two-time winners of the Challenge Cup and lifted the 1895 Cup – the tournament that gives lower division teams the chance to play on the big stage – last year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which was played before the Challenge Cup final.

Adrian Lam Leigh Leopards 1895 Cup SWpix Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

And this year, the Leopards are dreaming of being in the final at Wembley on Saturday, August 12.

Speaking after their win at Wakefield, Lam said: “This competition has only been won twice by our club. We were fortunate enough to win it in 1921 and 1971.

“There’s a bit of a past there so it’s important to do well, it’s been 50 years between drinks.

“We got a sniff of that (last year) and I think it helped some of our players, winning that competition. We have an opportunity now to go to a quarter-final which is nice for the club.

“It’s part of the club’s progression and part of the plan moving forward. You never know in this competition, anything can happen.”

Adrian Lam happy with win over Wakefield

The newly-promoted Leopards have enjoyed a terrific start to 2023. They currently sit fifth in the Super League table having won seven from 12 as well as reaching the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Friday’s win at Belle Vue is the second time they’ve beaten Wakefield, who are without a win in 13 matches so far this year.

On the performance of his side, Lam said: “I’m pretty happy. It’s a different competition but it was important for us as a club to keep that momentum going and get a good result in the end.

“I was a bit disappointed about the two tries against, but I was really pleased with our overall effort. Sometimes you’ve got to win a bit more ugly.”

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