LEIGH Miners Rangers produced the perfect response to the previous weekend’s shock heavy defeat at Wath Brow Hornets with a first win at Siddal in almost a decade.

The 23-14 victory enhanced the Miners’ top-six credentials in the NCL Premier Division, moving them level on points with third-placed Siddal, one place behind them on points difference.

They are also just four points behind leaders Rochdale Mayfield with two games in hand.

Jonny Youds played a starring role with the boot, landing six goals and one drop goal in his first match in almost three months due to injury.

BARLA tourist Connor Ratcliffe was on the scoresheet in a fantastic performance that also included tries for Gareth Pain and Jimmy Muir.

It was a hard-fought victory for Rangers, who went into the break 10-6 in front but conceded two quick tries after the break.

Rangers then had a try from Adam Thomason disallowed before late scores from Ratcliffe and Muir and two penalties from Youds turned the game in their favour.

The Alliance side won 26-8 against Mayfield. Joe Harrison and Sam Shepherd ended with two tries apiece and David Woods scored one while Shepherd added the goals.

The victory kept Miners A in second place in North West Men’s League Division Two.

The women’s team won away at Brighouse 34-18

On Saturday the first team host old foes Thornhill Trojans in the Conference Trophy semi-final, kick-off 2.30pm at Twist Lane. The Alliance host Halton Farnworth while the women travel to Thatto Heath on Sunday.