JAMES FORD hailed Leigh Centurions as “an absolutely outstanding side” as York City Knights’ season came to an end at the hands of the promotion favourites.

Leigh thrashed York 70-10 to secure their place in the Betfred Championship play-off final and leave themselves only 80 minutes away from a return to Betfred Super League.

The Centurions, who ran in 12 tries at the Leigh Sports Village, look ready-made for a top flight return and were far too strong for a York side who were 50/1 underdogs with the bookmakers.

“They’ve won the Championship a couple of times previously and gone up into Super League and it’s not quite worked for them,” said York head coach Ford.

“They’ve got a different strategy this year, with the standard of player and staff they’ve recruited.

“They’re an absolutely outstanding side. Their rate of improvement from when we played them in round four, when they were a good side, to where they are now, is testament to (Leigh coaches) Adrian (Lam) and Chris (Chester).”

York upset Halifax Panthers 26-24 in the quarter-finals thanks to some enterprising attacking play, which they attempted again at Leigh, though with significantly less success.

“We tried to do some different things, some worked, some didn’t,” added Ford.

“We knew we’d have to post points and do some unconventional stuff to try and crack them. We did do that occasionally, but not very often.

“Leigh were heavy favourites and you could see that throughout the game. They were the better team.

“The game was never in doubt was it really, if we’re being really honest.

“I’m pretty sure Leigh have got £1.6million in that team and you can see that. They’d be £1.3m in front of us.

“I just think that Leigh are an absolute class act and they’re at the levels we’re aspiring to get to.”