LEIGH East are still bang on course to retain the Grainey Trophy but Hunslet Warriors have caused a major upset by reaching the final in their Champions' Challenge debut.

East saw off the challenge of Lancashire Cup holders Thatto Heath Crusaders by 26-10 but the Warriors powered past hosts Leigh Miners Rangers 29-12 with a hugely-impressive display.

The first semi was badly disrupted by injury, including a dislocated hip suffered by Heath's John Morgan. But the sides were locked at 6-6 at the break and there was still only six points in it until the last 10 minutes. Despite looking second best for most of the game, Heath twice led in the opening half with a try from Lee Gannon. But the inspirational Darren Hall ran the Crusaders ragged at times and in the second half his damaging breaks created the chances for Mick Redford and Tony Gredecki to score.

Dave Sheridan gave Heath hope with a try to narrow the margin to 16-10 but late tries from Gredecki and John Taylor wrapped up East's place in the final. The most impressive performance of the day came from Hunslet Warriors who brushed aside the challenge of Miners Rangers.

Warriors blasted into an early lead with 12 points in as many minutes with Mick White and Darren Holmes scoring tries and Ben Wykeman in fine form with the boot.

Matt Irwin narrowed the deficit but a try in the last minute of the half from tournament top scorer Bryn Powell left Miners Rangers with a second half mountain to climb.

They got off to a fine start with a dubious try from Mick Warburton's chip and chase over a Hunslet defence that appeared to be awaiting for a referee's whistle. But Hunslet hung on and as the Miners got more desperate they sealed the game in clinical fashion. Powell added his second after an interception and Kevin Dufton rounded things off in stoppage time.