STAND by for the sparks to fly tomorrow when arch-rivals Leigh East and Leigh Miners go head-to-head in the final of the 21st Champions Challenge Final at Twist Lane.

Both progressed through tough tests with flying colours in the semi-finals to set up a mouth-watering derby clash.

Holders Leigh East overturned a 20-12 deficit to finally see off determined Halton Simms Cross 32-26, while Miners eased through with a comprehensive thrashing of Ince Rose Bridge by 36-8.

East certainly knew they were going to be in for a tough test as Simms Cross took them all the way.

In a see-saw first half Simms twice led by eight points, with Lee Ashton an inspiration at loose forward and giant centre Brian Capewell landing a try and four goals. But Easts showed plenty of never-say-die spirit to level at 20-20 at the break with two Darren Hall tries.

After the break East kicked on, taking the lead for the first time with a Phil Marsden try and when they led 28-20 with less than 20 minutes to go they looked set for a third successive final. Back came Simmies again with a Neil Percival try and Capewell's fifth goal, before Mick Redford grabbed a deserved try at the death to seal victory at 32-26.

With East setting the standard, Miners needed to impress against an Ince Rose Bridge that had looked dangerous the previous weekend.

In truth Miners never looked in danger, starting the first half 10-2 then cruising 36-8 in the second half. Chris Flynn led the charge as another loose forward took the man of the match award.

Although Mark Sarsfield's 20th minute effort was the only try of the first half, the hosts cut loose after the break. Matt Irwin and Steve Cawley both scored twice, with further tries from Craig Graham and Paul Redford. Rose Bridge finished a well beaten side, althougth Lee Patterson scored in injury time as some consolation.

So the two great rivals meet again for the first time since 1999, when Easts triumphed in a one-sided game.

Tomorrow's final, kick off 3pm, promises to be a much closer contest as the two sides compete for bragging rights in Leigh, the Grainey trophy and a winning start ahead of season.

The Fred Hilton junior final between Blackrook and Wigan St.Patricks kicks off at 1.30pm.