Miners Rangers ready to kick off (From Leigh Journal)

Miners Rangers ready to kick off

7:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport

THE new amateur rugby league season kicks off this Saturday.

For Leigh Miners Rangers, that means a visit from Siddal in the National Conference League on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

This early period looks to be one of the toughest of examinations for Miners, as the clash with the Chevinedge side, who missed out on the league crown through points difference last season, is followed two weeks later by a trip to Egremont, who stormed to the first division title last term and pushed Miners all the way in the Conference Cup Final.

In between those, Miners host Milford in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup second round.

Siddal will look back ruefully on their 92-0 flogging at Twist Lane last term - when they sent their reserve grade to Miners while the first team had a National Cup game - as the factor which ultimately cost them top spot.

It will be a very different Siddal team this weekend and with both sides looking to challenge for the title it will be a critical encounter.

Miners have continued to build on the exploits of last term and with Andy Groves and Shaun McDonald in the ranks from Leigh East and Lee Wingfield joining the coaching team they have added quality to their ranks.

The club held their pre-season launch event and sponsors’ evening last weekend, recognising the generosity and support of local businesses and individuals in backing the club, and the event concluded with the announcement of four new members of the club’s Hall of Fame.

The inductees are John Cooke, John Webster, Alan Marsh and Rod Lewis. All four were key stalwarts of the 1970s and early 1980s when Miners won two National Cups, numerous North West Counties premier titles and pushed Warrington all the way in the Challenge Cup.