Bank Quay Bulls 18 Leigh Miners Rangers 26.

BANK Quay were beaten by Leigh Miners in a thrilling climax to amateur rugby league's Champions Challenge.

Bulls, who reached the final of the event in Leigh after defeating Castleford Panthers last week, were 10 points behind within three minutes after conceding two early tries.

But they rallied and Alan Clare put them back in the game after Kiel Hillman had been denied, before good work from man of the match Paul Cragg and Darren Hill allowed Phil Braddish to score.

Bulls were ahead on the half hour when Hill and Clare combined to set up George Kay but Leigh led 16-12 at half time thanks to a try of their own.

Miners then took advantage of a Bulls penalty that failed to find touch by crossing after the interval and, although Cragg pulled a try back, Leigh retained the trophy after running in another try in the closing minutes.

Bulls host Excel in a memorial game for John Rowlands at Longshaw Street on Saturday at 3pm. Anyone wanting to play in tribute to John is welcome to attend on the day.