Leigh Miners Ladies 22 Brighouse 8

THE Ladies travelled to Brighouse for a game which saw summer signings Carly Crowther and Emma Hodgson make their first return to their previous club.

It was a game of two halves with the Miners dominating the first half in terms of territory and possession and with a little more composure could have been in a stronger position at half time.

Emily Mullen opened the scoring in the twelfth minute following some good early pressure, the lead was extended when Keli Morris linked well with the attacking line to round the defensive and score by the posts, Mullen added the conversion.

The Ladies continued to dominate the half, and good pressure on the right edge saw Clare Thompson backing up sister Rachel to score between the posts, Mullen again added the conversion.

The final try of the half came from Mandy Edge, who collected the ball out wide following a good passing movement, and cut inside to score a well worked try. Mullen added the conversion to give the Miners a 22-0 lead at the break.

In contrast the second half possession was dominated by Brighouse, who scored early in the half on the back of three successive penalties, but the Miners did not help themselves with poor retention with the little possession they did have.

Brighouse completed the scoring late in the half, again on the back of successive penalties.

In the after match speeches, the player of the match for the miners went to Emily Mullen, with mention also given to Keli Morris, Emma Hodgson, Carly Crowther and Rachael Scott.