LEIGH expect to have most of their big guns back for Sunday's showdown at Widnes.

Coach Ian Millward rested Kieron Purtill, Heath Cruickshank and Alan Hadcroft against Barrow. But all three are likely to be back in the starting line-up to face one of the form sides of the division.

Purtill has been carrying a back injury for a couple of weeks while Cruickshank (shoulder) and Hadcroft (groin) have also been nursing knocks. " But I expect all three to be OK for the Widnes game," said Millward.

Widnes are the only team to have won at Hilton Park this season (a 23-22 thriller back in April) and they won a similar tight game 20-17 in the fifth round of the Challenge Cup in February.

"Both games were only won and lost at the death and I fully expect Sunday's game to be just as close and competitive," added Millward.

"Now we are down to the business end of the season it's vital we polish up one or two aspects of our game and push on to look for a high finish on the ladder."

Widnes have won nine of their last 10 games and at the weekend set a club record with an 84-0 hammering of Oldham. "They'll take some beating," admitted the Hilton Park boss. "But we know we're capable of doing it - provided we get our own act in order."

Hooker Anthony Murray completes his three-match suspension with Sunday's game and there is a chance loose-forward Andy Fairclough will make a surprise comeback against Oldham the following week.

Fairclough broke his shoulder at York five weeks ago and was expected to be ruled out until the play-offs in September.

"His recovery has been a bit quicker than we expected," reported Millward. "He is back in full training and we're hoping he can start contact work this week. He could play against Oldham. But if he doesn't make that he will be in for the Lancashire Lynx game the following weekend."

LEIGH ALLIANCE scored two big wins in three days, beating Oldham 40-20 and Barrow 42-24.

Chris Halliwell scored three tries against Oldham and there were others from David Hill, Mark Burrows, Dean Conway, Martin Goulding and Mark Kay with Lee Sanderson landing four goals.

Leigh's points against Barrow came from tries by Simon Kendrick 2, Kay, Lee Allred, Burrows, Scott Hilton and Gary Molyneux with Sanderson adding seven goals.

Last night (7.30pm) the Alliance were at home to Division One Championship leaders St Helens in the first round of the Alliance Challenge Cup.

Lifeline's Week 50 winners: I Harrison, c/o Barlo (£1,000); V&J Rawson, Lingard Street. Leigh (£150); D Solan, Knowsley Street, Leigh (£100); I Bibby, Devon Street, D Massey, Gordon Street, both Leigh (£50 each); S Hewitt, Arrow Street, Leigh, L Partington, Pennine Lane, Golborne, M Ainscough, Derby Street, John, Gloucester Street, both Atherton (£25 each).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.