LEIGH MR are on course for another Champions Challenge Trophy. The holders despatched a stubborn Simms Cross with some style and now await a meaty semi-final clash with Wigan rivals - but not St Pat's.

The Pie-Eating giants stumbled to a shock defeat at the hands of Farnworth, the side sparked by four-try full-back Darren O'Brian and now surprisingly stamped as favourites.

But back to Miners, 29-10 victors over Simms Cross. They had to work hard for the win, Winston Sarsfield banging over six goals while second row John Maxwell cut through for a brace of tries. Hiccups came with the sin-binning of half-back Mike Devine and a dismissal for No 1 Peter Sharp.

But the Widnes side failed to capitalise and MR raced clear with tries for Steve Flannery and sub Mike Evans plus a drop for MoM Mike Warburton.

In the first match of the comp Thatto Heath tore into Siddall (Halifax), winning 37-14 with two tries from sub forward Paul Ashurst. MR's next target, St Jude's of Wigan, were in no mood to hang around against Askam (Cumbria) who were on the wrong end of a 36-10 drubbing. Farnworth proved a real class act as they thumped St Pat's, pulling away from a slender half-time lead of 12-8 to win 34-18.

It all adds up to sporting treat for rugby fans at Twist Lane this Saturday: Farnworth v Thatto Heath, Leigh MR v St Jude's.

And the action starts early with the U13s Hilton Cup (11am and 12.15pm). Last week's games saw a stunning 42-0 win for Blackbrook against Hindley; they now face MR, who had a bye into the semis due to the non-arrival of Ashton. In the other half of the draw Leigh East were pushed to overcome the 11-man Orrell outfit and face more difficult opposition from Ince St Williams who routed Folly Lane. The open age matches are set for 1.30pm and 3pm.

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