Miles given lengthy ban for striking player in face

The Doncaster winger Craige Miles has been given one of the longest suspensions to be handed out for foul play in recent times, being banned for six months for deliberate striking in the recent match against Batley.

The Doncaster winger Craige Miles has been given one of the longest suspensions to be handed out for foul play in recent times, being banned for six months for deliberate striking in the recent match against Batley.

The Batley scrum-half, Dean Lawford, was left with a shattered cheek bone and is not expected to play again this season.

Whitehaven's Leroy Joe has been suspended for four matches for a deliberate high tackle in the Challenge Cup tie against Warrington.

Ian Millward, the St Helens coach, has aimed a swipe at Wigan as they build up for their Good Friday derby by accusing them of indiscipline. Millward said he had "never seen so many head-high shots" in his life as Wigan carried out at Huddersfield on Sunday.

"We might come out dressed a little different this Friday. We might have skull-caps on," he said. "I thought the head-high tackles from Wigan were over the top and must be a concern." The Wigan coach, Mike Gregory, declined to be drawn into the controversy yesterday.