LEIGH MR, looking jaded after their Challenge Cup battering, bounced back to whack Wigan St Pat's.

But their derby rivals refused to buckle until a last-quarter surge earned Miners the win at 20-6.

In the early stages MR's flowing attacks came to nought with one pass too many. Then Matt Irwin and Mick Warburton broke clear for second row Andy Collier to crash over, Winston Sarsfield adding the goal.

Pats immediately hit back and looked set to take an interval lead as MR grimly hung on.

The Leigh lads looked hungrier after the break, prop Nigel Casey proving a handful, Lee Lomax dangerous at acting half-back, Warburton getting ever better.

Alan Coleman set up a second TD, drilling a kick down for Peter Sharp to score; then in went Stuart Littler, steaming up the slope and dummying defenders, before clinched it with his second after charging clear from the base of a scrum, Sarsfield tagging on the goal.

Victory sets up Miners for tomorrow's home floodlit clash with Woolston (7.30pm).

Holders Leigh MR U18s beat Eccles 11-4 to reach the Lancashire Cup Final.

They edged clear in the first half with a Gareth Potter try, set up by Michael Higham, and Gary Dunne goal.

Eccles kept it tight, despite having a man sent off, but a try from Danny Halliwell eased the pressure and Rob Maddison added a drop goal.

Latest scores from the NorthWest Counties ARL . . . Division Four: Leigh Harriers 58 UGB 6; Halton Hornets 18 Leigh East 0, Spotland Rangers 38 Leigh Royal Oak 0, Swinton Bulldogs 24 Crosfields 0; Alliance Division One: Haydock A 22 Leigh MR 25; Alliance Division Two: Parkside Golborne 16 Farnworth 20, Wigan St Cuthbert's 20 Hindley 10.

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