AN all-Leigh final is still on the cards after the opening weekend of Leigh Miners Rangers' 24th Super Cup.
The sunshine was conspicuous by its absence on the opening weekend, with cold wins and rain the flavour of the days, but the crowds gathered and were treated to some thrilling matches.
Both Leigh sides progressed to the semiss with the minimum of fuss.
Leigh East were most impressive, thrashing newly-promoted Wigan St Judes 40-14 thanks to a masterclass from National Conference player of the year, John Woods.
Playing at stand-off, Woods bagged four tries and five goals, his fourth coming from long range five minutes from time as he was announced as man of the match.
St Judes were in the hunt at 14-18 with 30 minutes left thanks to tries from Paul McCormack, Shaun Spowart and Ian Thompson, but Woods blew them away in the final quarter. Danny Kilshaw, Liam Rowson and Lee Penkwicz shared East's other tries.
The Miners eased through with a comfortable win over Warrington side Rylands by 38-6.
Alan Reddicliffe began his season in style with a hat-trick and five goals. Returning duo Paul Redford and Bryn Hodson also scored with Paul Wilcox and Rick Buckley also touching down. For gallant Rylands, Paul Thurston scored a try as the Miners' newlook side tackled well.
The real thrillers came in the other two matches.
Holders Simms Cross were bundled out by Thatto Heath Crusaders by 16-12. Heath led throughout in a match dominated by defences. They carved out a 10-4 interval lead with tries from Dave Hull and Lee Gannon. Simmies battled hard with Steve Jones and David Percival scoring but a fine solo effort from points machine Mike Woods closed the game out.
A late interception for Simms Cross winger Mark Yearsley set up a tense finish but Crusaders held on for a famour victory.
In was even tighter in the match of the NW Counties rivals as Haydock staged a late revival to see off a dogged Bank Quay Bulls.
Two tries from ex-Leigh half back Paul Cragg and one for second rower Dale Catterall had the Bulls on the verge of a major upset. But Haydock rallied from 18-14 down to ease through 20-18. Two tries from hooker Peter Carling proved the difference as ex-Chorley winger Simon Tickle and Mark Hardman also scored.
The first semi-final this Saturday at 1.30pm sees Leigh East meeting Thatto Heath in a re-run of last year's first round game which East won 28-16. They also did the double over the Crusaders in the league and will be firm favourites to win this one.
Hosts Leigh Miners play Haydock immediately afterwards. The Miners' higher league status makes them favourites but Haydock impressed in the first round and will be tough to beat.
The opening matches in the U13s Fred Hilton Cup also start on Saturday. Leigh East play Golborne at 10.3am followed by Leigh Miners v Hindley.
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