off the mark

Chris had to wait a long time for his first win of the season but, after finally getting off the mark in week eight, he is now celebrating back-to-back victories.

Portugal lead Group A1 on six points, with Croatia and Poland both on three and Scotland yet to get off the mark.

But they are off the mark and though they will be favourites in their next match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, are still under huge pressure to reach the semi-finals with defending champions Australia still to come in their group.

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.

The Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Rams got off the mark and piled more misery on the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers respectively after contrasting comeback attempts.