Ince Rose Bridge 23 Leigh Miners Rangers 16: THE NW Counties undefeated leaders Ince Rose Bridge sent Conference Premier Division giants Leigh Miners spinning out of the GMB National Cup.

Bridge, who harbour ambitions of Conference membership themselves, were generally the stronger side and finished deserved winners despite a strong Rangers finish.

Rangers failed to get to grips with the likes of outstanding scrum-half Kelvin Peet, former BARLA international Stuart Cassidy or player-coach Neil Jukes.

But all Bridge's hard work in establishing a 13-point lead almost came to nothing in the closing stages. Bridge, seemingly coasting into round four, found themselves down to 11 men when Mark Matthews was sin-binned 15 minutes from time and Ryan Staziker was sent off for punching.

Leigh had a glimmer of hope when Simon Hartley grabbed a try and goal but the chance of victory disappeared when Mark Meadows got over the line but was unable to ground.

The Miners took an early lead when Mick Warburton's weighted kick produced a try for Aussie Craig Wilson, goaled by Hartley.

But Bridge blasted back with tries from winger Dean Kenny and Cassidy. With Peet adding one conversion, Bridge took a lead they were never to lose.

Hartley added a couple of penalties by a Lee Jukes try gave Bridge a 14-10 half time lead.

At the start of the second half Peet added another penalty and a field goal before the killer blow came on 61 minutes when Neil Jukes strolled through a huge gap for a try converted by brother Lee.