THE draw for the Champions Challenge threw up some fascinating ties when the top pre-season RL competition kicks off at Leigh Miners on the first weekend in August.

Now in its 21st season, the tournament for the Grainey Trophy, is now well established as the perfect taster for the new season.

In the top half of the draw, the tournament kicks off with a huge derby clash between Thatto Heath Crusaders and Halton Simms Cross. Thatto arrive as National Cup holders, Conference Division Two champions and are hot favourites to add the Grainey Trophy to their double.

However, Simms Cross need no firing up for this one and under coach Chris Middlehurst they have made good progress in recent years. On their last visit in 1999 they had narrowly avoided relegation but now boast the NW Counties Premier Division title to their name.

Holders Leigh East bid for a hat-trick of titles as they start against Portico Panthers.

East won a thrilling Conference Division One title race last term and another successful Champions Challenge defence would set up Steve Grimshaw's men nicely for the forthcoming Premier Division campaign.

Stern test

Portico will provide a stern test in their debut appearance. Coached by ex-Salford man Mark Lee and boasting the experience of Paul Forber, the Panthers are Lancashire Cup winners and runners-up to Simms Cross in the NW Counties League.

On August 5 is the match of the round as Wigan rivals Ince Rose Bridge and Wigan St Judes clash head on.

Rose Bridge, coached by ex-Leigh player Neil Jukes and celebrating their new identity, will take on their Conference rivals confident of victory. The Saints are coming to terms with the loss of long-serving coach David Walsh to Thatto Heath.

Hosts Leigh Miners traditionally bring the curtain down on the opening weekend and this year Warren Ayres' side face Waterhead.

After their best-ever season in the Conference, the Miners need a big effort to regain the Trophy they last won in 1977. First Divison Waterhead will be tough opponents and arrive as Standard Cup holders.