STRUGGLING Leigh Miners crashed out of the Silk Cut Cup in dramatic fashion.

They were beaten 17-16 by First Division leaders Eastmoor - the lead changing hands six times in an epic tie.

But the knockout blow came with just four minutes to go, consigning Miners to the role of nearly-rans as they took a series of wrong attacking options to let the Wakefield outfit off the hook.

Neil McColloch stormed in for the first try after linking with Mick Warburton, but Eastmoor bounced back to get a grip on the game.

Dangerman Ian Hudspith led a Miners revival with a fine try and winger Winston Sarsfield carried on the good work, speeding 40 metres for another as Miners edged ahead.

But back came Eastmoor...13-12.

Then Mick Evans pounced for a try...16-13 for a tiring Miners.

But there was no holding Eastmoor in the final surge.

Miners Alliance beat Rylands 16-6 with tries for Andrew Webster on his debut, Rob Carroll and Matt Disley. John Davies banged over two goals.

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