LEIGH Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has reflected on an "unbelievable achievement" following the club’s Betfred Challenge Cup Final win over Hull KR at Wembley.
Lachlan Lam kicked the first golden point in cup final history as Leigh ended more than half a century of hurt by clinching a dramatic 17-16 win over Hull KR at Wembley.
Lam, the son of Leopards head coach Adrian, made no mistake in a dramatic extra period after team-mate Gareth O’Brien spurned an earlier chance and Brad Schneider also fell short for Rovers.
Beaumont, dressed in his trademark leopard print, raced on to the pitch and mobbed the players amid scenes of ecstasy among the Leigh squad.
This evening he issued a message to supporters, which read: “Simply wow! What an unbelievable achievement from this special group for our amazing town.
“I was super proud to walk out our team and will never forget that moment. It would have been enough but to win the game in such emphatic style is surreal.
“I would like to pay respect to Hull KR and their players and staff for a fantastic performance of their own which to be honest was worthy of a win for them and it’s a shame a team had to lose.
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“What a great game for the neutral or new fan, it’s a fantastic advert for the sport.
"Every single person connected or supporting our club should be super proud of this achievement and we will make sure over the coming weeks we reach as many people with the trophy as we can.
“I am emotionally drained after putting everything I could into the components I can provide and influence so heaven knows how the players and coaches are feeling.
“Finally I would like to apologise for my language whilst being interviewed on the field, it’s not appropriate.
"It wasn’t intentional and I profoundly apologise to anyone that was offended by it.
“I look forward to our return back to the town on Sunday and creating scenes and memories to last the rest of my life and beyond.”
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