Leigh Miners Rangers 22

Thatto Heath 16

Champions Challenge '97 RUGBY League fans were treated to an 80-minute thriller at Twist Lane as Miners lifted the Champions Challenge Trophy for the eighth time in its 16-year history.

But Heath grabbed the initiative in the opening minutes with a try by Carl Cooper, converted by Wayne Jackman. But disaster struck five minutes later, when influential half-back Barry Ashall was dismissed for an alleged high tackle.

But it only served to inspire Heath.

Winston Sarsfield reduced the deficit with a fine angled penalty goal on 25 minutes before the Cooper/Jackman combination struck again to put Heath in the driving seat at 12-2.

However, a purple patch between the 34th and 37th minute saw Leigh storm the Heath line to great effect .

Mike Devine started the ball rolling with a 45-metre run to the Heath line and three minutes later Darren Fletcher finished off a slick handling movement.

But Heath showed great character to increase their lead with an unconverted try by Darren Blanchfield.

However, the balance of power shifted when Shane Hindley crossed in the corner and Sarsfield added the conversion.

The decisive score came five minutes from time when Sarsfield seized on a loose pass and raced 45 metres to the line for a converted try. Heath's man of the match was Wayne Jackman and he received good support from Darren Blanchfield and Chris Rylatt.

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