LEIGH Miners Rangers’ first visit to Pilkington Recs in over 20 years did not prove an enjoyable one as the home side secured their second win of the campaign against a lacklustre Miners side.

In hot and overcast conditions Miners made heavy weather as Pilks exploited every inch of a pocket-sized pitch to fully merit their victory.

With Brad Hargreaves ruled out for some time following his neck injury Danny Halliwell switched to centre and there was a debut for Alan Nuttall alongside the returning Mitch Cox on the bench, the pair helping spark Miners belatedly into life during the second half.

By then though much of the damage had been done, with Pilks roaring to a dream start inside four minutes with winger Jake Hodson diving in despite the desperate cover tackle by Scott O’Brien.

Pilks extended their advantage when a towering bomb bounced back in-field from the goal-line and perfectly for Danny Lynch to catch and cross for another six-pointer.

Miners found their way back and on the 20 minute mark O’Brien put Halliwell through out wide and they enjoyed good territory.

But just as the momentum was going their way Hodson intercepted a pass on his own line and sprinted the length of the pitch.

Miners fell away towards half time with a Stanley try and two Smith goals.

Miners needed an early try in the second half but couldn’t break through and it was Pilks who extended their advantage when Mike Garrity touched down.

With 15 minutes remaining and Nuttall and Cox looking by far the liveliest for Miners the visitors finally came to life, Jimmy Muir kicking to the right wing and Halliwell palming the ball down for Mort to touch down.

O’Brien then dummied his way through for a try goaled by Jonny Youds, and had Muir’s pass to Youds from the restart – sending the centre sprinting clear down the wing – not been ruled forward who knows what might have happened in the closing ten minutes.

As it was Pilks were able to exert some pressure of their own and they killed off any faint hopes for the visitors when the diminutive Lynch forced his way through two tackles to touch down.

In the closing minutes Miners had the final word as Halliwell went in at the corner off a Muir pass but it was scant consolation.

The Alliance team enjoyed better fortunes as they defeated local rivals East 34-4 whilst there were also wins for the under-18s 60-18 against Waterhead and the women 58-0 against Brighouse in the cup.

On Saturday the first team host to West Hull (2.30pm) preceded by the Alliance team match against Manchester Rangers (1pm)