Leigh East 52 Walney Central 6: ANY spies from Sheffield Eagles lurking around Grasmere Street on Saturday would have learned little ahead of this weekend's Challenge Cup clash.

With Central only able to field 12 men, East never had to get out of first gear to cruise to a victory that lifts them to third in the National Conference Premier Division.

This Saturday's trip to the Don Valley Stadium for the Nutri-grain Challenge Cup showdown with the Eagles will be a far tougher proposition.

Despite the runaway victory East were far below their best. They spilled a lot of possession, on one occasion losing the ball in four consecutive sets of six, as well as making other elementary errors.

But at other times the spark was back as the East hit top form and ran in 10 tries.

By half time they had maintained a scoring rate of a point a minute and were in a commanding position.

Versatile Danny Kilshaw, operating in an unusual centre position, celebrated his Lancashire call-up with a try in just the second minute. John Woods tagged on the extras and moments later sliced through for another try. Woods added the extras and also made Gary Fletcher's 17th minute touchdown worth six points.

Mark Kay was next across the whitewash before Simon Warhurst, who had a superb attacking game from full-back, linked up to score two classy tries. A try from Phil Marsden and two more Woods goals put East well clear at half time.

Woods opened the second half scoring with a try and goal and sub Lee Rowley followed it up with another touchdown. East took their foot off the gas and their only other try came from man of the match Dave Ellison.

Walney never gave up despite their one-man disadvantage and were rewarded with a 63rd minute try from Dave Bell, converted by Jan Elliott.