In an edgy yet energetic first period, Salford earned a slender lead at the hooter courtesy of Sneyd’s kick – that coming through a rare Leigh defensive blip in the aftermath of Hankinson’s disallowed try.
That Leigh could not manage to get off the mark in the first half when they had threatened with the ball themselves was testament to Salford’s impressive defensive efforts, with Nene Macdonald ending a promising Leopards move shortly before the break.
Leigh’s pressure finally told when a flowing set of passes sent Charnley through at the corner as he brought up his Super League try tally to 248, moving him second and above Danny McGuire in the list of all-time try-scorers in the Super League era.
A finely-poised tie stayed in the balance when Matt Moylan’s conversion attempt fell short but Oliver Partington’s slip saw Ipape race through as he eventually sent through O’Brien for Leigh’s second try.
There was concern soon after, however, when Charnley was stretchered from the field following a lengthy delay and taken to hospital, having come off worse in a battle to the line with Salford’s Ryan Brierley.
Leigh will also enter their play-off semi-final further depleted having lost Frankie Halton in the first half to a failed head injury assessment after a tackle from Tim Lafai.
Moments after Charnley’s departure, Leigh struck again as Ipape turned and grounded for his side’s third, and decisive, try.
Ryan’s late try caused some nerves but Leigh held out to put themselves within 80 minutes of a debut Super League Grand Final.
