Miners maul Marlins (From Leigh Journal)

Miners maul Marlins

11:32am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport

Leigh Miners Rangers 16
Milford Marlins 8
 

LEIGH Miners Rangers earned a place in the third round of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup with a hard-fought 16-6 win over Milford Marlins.

Two sides with aspirations of silverware in their respective divisions served up a gruelling encounter in which two tigerish defences dominated but Miners always appeared that little bit slicker in attack and tighter in defence to claim a shot at the professionals in round three.

Milford appear justifiable favourites for the First Division title on this evidence, although they appeared destined to be 'nilled' until a scrappy try three minutes from time gave them merited reward.

In what was always going to be a forwards battle, Danny Jackson and Kevin Howells rose to the challenge with Tom Farrimond and Jimmy Muir offering able support from the bench.

Miners dominated possession in the first half but had to wait until 20 minutes to open their account.

Scott O'Brien and Jonny Youds stretched play and then the ball was switched across field for John Woods to power over.

The lead was extended when Muir dummied his way down the right and produced the angled inside pass for Martin Lewis to charge home, Youds goaling for 10-0.

While a Milford player was in the sin bin, Miners added a try through Lee Gittins.

Miners had to show resolve though as Milford enjoyed long spells of pressure during the remainder of the game.

Leigh’s Alliance team lost 24-22 to a strong Wigan St Judes team. Scott Travis and Sean Pendlebury both crossed twice, with Lewis Sproston chipping in.

This weekend the first team travel to Egremont, with the Alliance at home against Thatto Heath, kick off 2.30pm.