LEIGH came from behind to crush Widnes for the second time in 11 days and claim a place in the Northern Rail Cup semi-finals last night.

Jamie Ellis and David Mills both touched down twice and Mick Nanyn kicked nine goals as Leigh followed up last month’s 54-16 thrashing of Super League-bound Widnes with another convincing win at Leigh Sports Village.

Ian Millward’s side had trailed 18-6 after 30 minutes but powered back with a run of 44 unanswered points.

Leigh went ahead after just five minutes when Dean McGilvray burst down the left and kicked inside for Ellis to touch down.

Widnes responded with a quickfire double from Ben Kavanagh, the prop going over from Chaz I’Anson and Thomas Coyle passes, and former Leigh forward Macgraff Leuluai added another as the Vikings took charge.

But, as in the recent league game, Leigh came roaring back and led 22-18 at the break as Steve Maden, Tom Armstrong and ex- Widnes prop Mills all went over in quick succession.

The momentum continued in the second half as Ellis broke clear to claim his second before kicking through for Tommy Goulden to score.

John Duffy and Mills wrapped up an impressive night’s work with further tries in the closing minutes.