Chorley Lynx 36 Leigh Miners Rangers 14: LEIGH Miners couldn't add another professional scalp to their impressive list but they left Victory Park with their heads held high and reputation as cup fighters intact.

The Miners, aiming to be a third amateur team to KO Chorley in the Challenge Cup in the last eight years, caused Darren Abram's side a few anxious first half moments but were eventually overpowered by a strong ex-Hilton Park contingent.

Miners coach Warren Ayres tipped the Lynx to be a major force in National League Two this season. "Their extra strength up front told in the end," he said.

Lynx props Dave Whittle and Tim Street proved a real handful, each grabbing a first half try, and their combination with impressive hooker Mike Briggs was the platform for their success.

The physical demands of coping with such a robust front row took its toll on the Miners in the second half after they were only eight points adrift at the break.

Another former Leigh player, full-back Dave Ingram, was involved in a double sin-binning early on and the Miners took advantage of their numerical superiority when ex-Lynx centre Alan Reddicliffe collected Jon Light's pass to scoot over in the 15th minute to add to Aaron Beath's penalty.

But the depleted Lynx managed to outflank the Miners with ex-Leigh East centre Mick Redford sending in Chris Ramsdale. Redford, only signed three weeks ago, was to become a major player against his former old rivals with a two-try salvo after half time.

Redford twice finished strongly from close range, his first opening up a match winning 20-8 lead. Further tries from Anton Garcia and Dave McConnell put the Lynx well in the clear.

But the Miners had the satisfaction of having the final word - a spectacular 70-metre solo effort from centre Lee Patterson and Beath finished with three goals.