LEIGH Miners Rangers have been handed a tough draw in the second round of the Tetley's Challenge Cup.

They will travel to Cumbrian side Kells on Saturday, February 22.

After seeing off NCL title contenders Hunslet Warriors in round one, Miners might have felt their efforts deserved kinder reward than a journey to Whitehaven but with the prize of a place against the professional sides in round three at stake they will not be short of an incentive.

The proud and historic Cumbrian side, having joined the National Conference League last season, proved a cut above the Third Division and are widely fancied to march through the Second Division in similar style this year.

They toppled NCL Premiers Wigan St Judes in round one and in their last meeting with Miners, at the same stage in 2009, they emerged victorious in freezing conditions to set up a third-round tie with Hunslet Hawks.

With former professional Carl Sice still involved they will be a tough proposition for the Leigh side.

Ahead of their trip north, Miners travel to Stanningley's Arthur Miller Stadium this Saturday to face NCL Grand Final winners West Hull in the inaugural Steve Prescott Charity Shield.

The game, which was proposed by Miners Rangers, pits the league champions against the Conference Cup holders in a season curtain-raiser, with all proceeds going to the Steve Prescott Foundation.

It is another piece of history for the club, who will have become involved in the inaugural finals of five different competitions – the BARLA National Cup, National League Cup, Conference Challenge Cup and NCL Grand Final.

Meanwhile, the Miners under 18s booked their place in the second round of the BARLA National Cup with an 18-12 win at Shaw Cross Sharks at the weekend.

Their reward is a trip to King Cross Park of Halifax in the second round.