Salford City Reds 22, Leigh Centurions 10 by Mike Hulme

NATIONAL League heavyweights Salford and Leigh proved that you don't have to be in Super League to produce games of the highest quality.

The two frontrunners served up a game which both coaches agreed would have done justice in the elite division.

"It was a quality game by two quality teams," said Reds' coach Karl Harrison - a sentiment echoed by opposite number Paul Terzis who added: "Both teams showed today that they are capable of playing at a higher level."

But which of the two teams will win through to claim a place in Super League still isn't clear.

In their two meetings so far this season, they've served up two thrillers with Salford snatching yesterday's Arriva Trains National Cup qualifier by virtue of three tries in the last nine minutes.

Mike Platt and Andy Kirk handed Salford an 8-0 lead early in the second half but Pat Wesiner showed great footwork, strength and determination to break the Salford line and cut the deficit to 8-6.

Within minutes Leigh were in front through Damian Munro but Cliff Beverley, two, and Alan Hunte clinched a flattering victory for the Reds.

Leigh are waiting for medical checks on Rob Ball and Neil Turley who were both taken to hospital for x-rays. Ball has a suspected broken shoulder and Turley a suspected broken hand.