LEIGH MR came under close Challenge Cup scrutiny on Saturday.

But Rochdale coach Shane Tupaea will have learned little from his visit to Twist Lane to assess the strengths of his side's Challenge Cup opponents.

Miners, convincing 22-6 winners against Walney Central, spilled the ball far too much and surrendered territorial advantage too easily.

In the end they did show they work on defence and are capable of quick counter-attacks. And Rochdale know, come the day, they face a stern task.

Miners won at a canter, keeping them hot on the title trail.

For the fourth straight match Mick Warburton was named MoM and there were impressive shows from centre Neil McCulloch, who romped in for two tries, and wing aces Paul Shepherd and Matt Irwin.

But it was the home pack - Tony Dowling, Mark Edwards, Steve McCully, Andy Collier, Lee Lomax and Lee Stretch, who deserved the accolades as they stood up to the big and bruising Walney six.

The two McCulloch tries and two goals from Warburton had Miners in charge at the break; then Warburton and Stuart Littler combined, the latter with a clever chip ahead, for Shepherd to pounce for the TD.

Another Warburton goal kept Miners well clear before Collier burst in for his first try since rejoining the club.

The win keeps Miners in third spot, five points behind leaders Woolston - who have still to travel to Twist Lane.

On Saturday (2.30pm) Miners are at Heworth in Conference League action.

RESULTS from the North West ARL...Challenge Cup, 4th round: Shaw 8 Hindley 13; Division One: Leigh MR 10 West Bank 4, Parkside Golborne 16 Orrell St James 16; Division Four: Leigh Harriers 44 Mayfield 16; Division Five: Milnrow TB 18 Leigh East 0, Bridge 27 Leigh Royal Oak 14; Division Six: St Helens Crusaders 14 Culcheth 16.

LEIGH EAST U10s won 12-6 at Ashton Bears with tries from Peters and O'Brien.

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