LEIGH edged through to the semi-finals of the Arriva Trains National Cup, and a trip to Whitehaven, after fighting off Barrow's stern challenge at Craven Park.

Leigh coach Darren Abram fought off a string of rivals to sign Matt Sturm when he was released by Warrington and was pleased with the Kiwi's debut.

"Matt made a good start and it was the biggest plus to take out of the game," Abram said.

"He has missed a lot of rugby through injury in the last two seasons but if he can put those behind him he can prove a big asset. Considering it was his first game for a month he did very well."

Abram was also delighted with two-try Simon Knox, an early replacement for the injured Heath Cruckshank.

Tommy Martyn and Damian Munro scored Leigh's other tries with Neil Turley kicking four goals.

"There was no flow in the game and it was stop-start," Abram added. "The referee gave 17 penalties alone in the first half, all for technical offences, and we never really got going."

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