Leigh East 28 Milford Marlins 10: LEIGH East with held a determined bid from visitors Milford Marlins to make progress into the hat for the second round of the Powergen Challenge Cup.

But the victory was not as straightforward as the scoreline might suggest and it was not until the second half when, as the visitors ran out of both ideas and steam, East finally asserted their authority.

For the first 30 minutes or so East were under almost constant pressure from Milford and trailed 10-0 with two tries from winger Moran and a penalty from substitute Bray. But some fine defensive work from the forwards kept the score within reach and the strong running of Whiteside, Fletcher and Rowson gradually began to wear down a Milford side that defended well but whose forward power and enthusiasm were never a match for the more experienced and more skilful home side.

With 10 minutes left of the first half Milford made a defensive blunder and Woods was on hand from the resultant scrum to race in at the corner to take the interval score to 10-4.

From then on, it was virtually one way traffic although the real turning point of the game was Simon Stephens 43rd and 46th minute tries which guaranteed East a place in the second round. Woods converted both tries and kicked a penalty and as the Leigh side stepped up a gear with fine second half performances from Wingfield, Rowley and Warhurst completing a successful afternoon's work for a set of forwards inspired by John Gunning's creative flair.

Lee Wingfield stormed over in the 70th minute, Woods goaling and two minutes from time winger Andrew Gregson crossed in the corner to complete the scoring.

East travel the short distance to Twist Lane this weeeknd for the eagerly anticipated return local derby with Leigh Miners Rangers while the second team are at home to the Miners second team.