LEIGH Miners Rangers picked up their first points of the season with this hard-fought victory over a battling Myton side in atrocious weather conditions at Twist Lane.

In persistent rain and a strong wind Miners opened up an 18-6 lead not long after half time but a Myton fightback threatened to turn the game on its head before a late try for Frankie Halton, his first for the open age, secured the spoils.

With a host of players unavailable through injury, work and personal commitments, Miners were down to the bare bones but the home side showed great character to edge the first half with tries for Mick O’Boyle and Connor Ratcliffe, both goaled by Tom Maloney, and when big prop Andy Philbin ploughed over for a third Miners’ try early in the second half the team held a two score advantage.

However Myton have been in good form since their return to the top division and the Humbersiders had the momentum as they edged back to within two points.

Miners restored their cushion when Halton went over for the try with ten minutes remaining and although Myton had another score of their own Miners held firm at the death to pick up a priceless two points.

That was the only senior fixture for the weekend as the Alliance and women’s team games were cancelled whilst the under-18s had a free weekend.

This Saturday the first team travel to old foes Pilkington Recs (2.30pm) whilst on Sunday the women’s team host Castleford (2pm). The under-18s travel to Thatto Heath on Sunday.