LEIGH Miners Rangers first team return to league action following a week’s break as they host pre-season title favourites Kells at Twist Lane on Saturday, 2.30pm.

It is a first league meeting between the two clubs following Kells’ promotion to the Premier Division and the west Cumbrian outfit have made a solid start to the campaign with home wins over St Patricks and Pilkingtons and a Challenge Cup giant-killing of Hemel.

Only Siddal have lowered their colours in the league so far whilst on their last trip they shared the spoils in a derby match at Wath Brow.

With ex-professionals such as gargantuan prop David Ford, playmaker Tyrone Dalton and the irrepressible former Ireland international Carl Sice, Kells will be the toughest of tests for Miners.

The Alliance team enjoyed a resounding 40-18 North West Trophy win over Bold whilst the under-18s overwhelmed Blackbrook 76-10 with a hat-trick for Will Ashworth, doubles for Lewis Grimes and Todd Fenlon and further scores for Joe Digby, Kyle Disley, Joe Boardman, Will Bradbury and Josh Lewis. Zac Fagan landed twelve goals and Lewis Grimes one.

Saturday also saw the newly formed Leigh Miners Rangers girls under 12s team play their first competitive match against a more experienced Thatto Heath side. Despite Thatto scoring two tries within the first ten minutes the girls responded strongly.

The side made some massive defensive efforts which helped them grow in confidence enabling the Leigh girls to score a couple of tries before half time.

The second half saw the Leigh girls produce some attractive attacking rugby however Thatto’s experience showed leading to a 12-5 score.

Any girls interested in playing rugby league should contact Catherine Watt (07500 424741).