By Martin Morgan

Last updated 17:02, Monday, 14 July 2008

Whitehaven winger John Lebbon is still in a Bolton hospital today after suffering an horrific leg injury in Saturday’s top-of-the-table reserve-grade defeat at Leigh.

John Lebbon

The 23-year-old fractured his fibia and dislocated an ankle in the penultimate tackle of the game at Hilton Park, which Haven lost 36-14.

“John had an operation yesterday to put a plate in the fracture, which is pretty standard for this injury,” said reserve-grade manager Dave Farrell today. “He could be in plaster for six weeks and has rehab after that. He will have damaged ligaments and nerves in the ankle and has some discomfort, so he’s on pain relief.

“Apparently they are happy with how everything’s gone and if not released today, it will be tomorrow.”

Lebbon had not enjoyed a first-team chance this term but had been a second-string mainstay.

The injury capped a miserable day for Haven, who were already without half-back Marc Bainbridge. He broke a bone in his wrist last week against Hunslet.

Haven went in to Saturday’s game trailing leaders Leigh by four points. But they were well-beaten by the Centurions.

“It was 18-0 at half-time and the game was effectively over,” Farrell added. “We had a makeshift half-back pairing and we didn’t really click in the first-half.

“In the second-half we got our act together, but by then a match-winning lead had been established.

“Leigh played some good stuff and you can see why they are top of the league.”

Haven host Workington Town on Wednesday night (7.30pm). Town’s reserve-grade were beaten 90-6 at home at the weekend.