Centurions 39 Whitehaven 18 by Mike Hulme: LEIGH Centurions and Salford City Reds have arrived at their final destination.

The National League One heavyweights will clash head-on in the final of the Arriva Trains Cup at Rochdale on July 6 - just as most pundits predicted.

The Centurions booked their final berth with a comprehensive victory over Whitehaven while the Reds demolished Batley 68-6 to set up the Spotland showdown.

And next month's final could just be a warm-up for the Grand Final in October.

"The two best teams in the comp have reached the final and it wouldn't be much of a surprise if we meet again later in the year to fight for a place in Super League," said Centurions boss Paul Terzis.

"Salford may have an advantage in that they remain full-time professionals in a part-time competition but we have experienced finals in the past few years and know how to handle pressure situations. Do they?"

The Cumbrians came into the game boasting the best defensive record in the division but Leigh's pace and power took them apart.

And when they needed to, Leigh showed they could defend a bit themselves.

Leigh only needed nine minutes to prise open the 'Haven defence, Paul Rowley making the yardage and Adam Bristow cleverly sending prop Paul Norman in by the uprights. Neil Turley converted and added a penalty soon afterwards for an 8-0 lead.

Whitehaven were back on level terms by the 29th minute after Mike Whitehead had crossed for a try and Darren Holt had added a conversion and a penalty.

Turley nudged Leigh 10-8 ahead before they picked up a decisive score just before the break. Second rower Sean Richardson put top scorer Damian Munro clear and he finished expertly from 30 metres. Turley added the extras and Leigh were in control at 16-8.

The game slipped away from Whitehaven as early as the 41st minute when man of the match Willie Swann produced a stunning break to send Phil Kendrick racing in for another six-pointer.

By the hour mark Leigh were on cruise control. Alan Hadcroft touched down wide out and sub Dale Holdstock also powered across with Pat Weisner potting a long range field goal for good measure to put them 31-8 up.

'Haven refused to lie down completely and picked up two tries in three minutes through Graeme Morton and Gary Broadbent but it was Leigh who finished the stronger with a Turley penalty and Dave Bradbury try.