LEIGH MINERS were sent crashing out of the BNFL/BARLA National Cup.

And this week the lads from Twist Lane will be shaking their heads in disbelief.

Their 25-14 Round Two dismissal by top NorthWest Counties side Farnworth was just too much to take in.

The sides met just a few weeks ago in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup, Miners then taking the honours.

But this time the Widnes side took charge against a lacklustre Leigh outfit with hooker Chris Kelly bossing the show and scoring 13 points.

Early pressure earned Miners the lead via a Winston Sarsfield penalty. Sean Hodgkiss and Mick Morris were prominent in attack and it all looked good.

Just as quickly, however, good turned to bad as Farnworth stormed into the clear with two quick tries.

From 14-2 down at the break Miners needed inspiration. It came from sub Mike Warburton, back after a long-term injury. The half-back finished off Simon Unsworth's 50-metre dash in clinical style, Sarsfield goaling, then hitting a penalty.

Good efforts from Hodgkiss, Lee Stretch and Graham Hindley came to nought.

But Farnworth again went well clear before John Maxwell and Morris combined for Unsworth to scamper in for a touchdown.

A late try from the Widnes side devastated Miners. It was never going to be their day.

There was no joy for other local sides: Hindley crashed 30-10 at Blackbrook and Leigh East fell 32-28 in a thriller at Heysham Atoms.

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