Lachlan Lam lost for words after helping Leigh Leopards reach first Challenge Cup final since 1971

Lachlan Lam produced a man of the match performance to help send Leigh Leopards to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

The Papua New Guinea international turned on the screw in the second half to help his side come from being 6-0 down at the break to win 12-10 against Super League champions St Helens in the semi-final.

Lam joined Leigh midway through last season to help the club win promotion to Super League from the Championship.

The Leopards have kicked on to new heights this year, currently sitting second in the Super League table as well as reaching their first Challenge Cup final since 1971.

“I don’t really have too many words to be honest,” a smiling and proud Lam told the BBC after the game.

“No-one gave us a chance in this game, we’ve found some form over the year and we still find ourselves in a position to make this game and to make the final.

“We came here full of confidence, working hard for each other and you can see that in what’s just happened.”

Adrian Lam hails ‘amazing’ Leigh Leopards achievement ‘a special moment for the town’

Leigh coach Adrian Lam cut an incredibly proud figure after their win over St Helens, paying tribute to the Greater Manchester town and owner Derek Beaumont, who inspired the club’s Leopards rebrand.

“It’s amazing,” Lam told the BBC cameras in his post-match interview.

“Obviously very proud of the efforts tonight and it’s just a special moment for the town, I guess they haven’t had much to cheer about for 50 years so I’m happy for the owner Derek Beaumont and all the staff involved.

“What we talked about today was that it was going to take a mighty effort to beat the world champions and that’s what it certainly was. ”

Asked if they could go on to win it at Wembley, Lam replied with a smile: “I think so, it’s the best team on the night. Hopefully we get through in good shape and get a few players back for the final as well, so you never know.”

Derek Beaumont: I always say you never fail at anything unless you stop trying

Prior to this season, Leigh had been in Super League three times before, suffering relegation each season.

But the achievement of reaching Wembley and the rise of the club has made all the hard work on and off the field worth it for Leopards owner Beaumont.

A joyous Beaumont told the BBC: “My wife and kids, we live and breathe it everyday – they’ve got to put up with me! I’m a bit obsessed with it, everything I’ve ever done I’m a competitor. I just want to achieve.

“I think getting there, getting down, getting there, getting down, getting there, getting down – I always say you never fail at anything unless you stop trying. We’re still trying, and all we’ve done is get there! You’d rather lose a final that a semi – but… Amazing.”

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