Leigh Miners Rangers 24 Siddal 17

LEIGH Miners Rangers picked up their first points of 2014 when they defeated old rivals Siddal in a Twist Lane thriller.

Siddal opened a 17-10 lead going into the final quarter and appeared set to depart with the points for the first time in many years, but Miners snatched victory with two late tries.

Siddal were well-served by Jaymes Chapman, with Shaun Garrod orchestrating play, while Miners had Danny Jackson running in hard alongside Darryl Kay with Shaun Dowie at fullback and Scott O'Brien inevitably at the heart of their play.

Siddal took the early lead, Chris Brook putting Garrod through the gap on half way and he found Nick Smith in support to finish, Gareth Blackburn converting.

Miners responded immediately, winning possession from the restart and O'Brien and Kieron Eccleston combined to put Jack Probert in at the corner, Jonny Youds converting.

Siddal prop Danny Keane then tumbled over the line, Blackburn dragging his conversion across the face of goal, allowing Miners to enter half time level terms after Eccleston spotted a gap 10 metres out and sliced in to score.

Siddal restored their lead after the break when Smith broke on half way and Chapman supported to finish beside the posts.

Garrod landed a field goal on the hour giving Siddal a two score lead, but Miners immediately hit back when Adam Thomason drove to the line and managed to touch down, Youds goaling.

With 12 minutes remaining the hosts took the lead for the first time, Eccleston kicking in-goal and O'Brien swooping to score.

Miners won a repeat set in the closing moments as Newburn spilled O'Brien's kick and Probert grabbed his second.

The Alliance team won 46-6 at Blackbrook, but the under 18sā€™ game against Rylands was postponed.

Miners travel to Lock Lane on Saturday, March 15. Kick off 2.30pm.