MINERS Rangers emerged from a thrilling match against old rivals Pilkington Recs with a hard-fought and valuable victory as they closed the gap on leaders Siddal to just two points.

In an enthralling National Conference League contest which ebbed and flowed throughout, a youthful Miners side with four under 18s playing critical roles held off a strong start and finish from Pilks to secure the spoils.

The visitors opened strongly as they sought to complete a league double over Miners and they deservedly opened the scoring when Danny Filson finished well at the corner.

Miners held firm and took a lead they were never to relinquish when Andrew Groves proved elusive from 10 metres out, slipping between the tacklers and touching down for a try goaled by Ian Mort.

Young winger Robert Crompton then finished off well for a fine try to extend the home side’s lead before the introduction of Matty Pendlebury for his debut changed the balance of the game.

The stand-off first produced a sublime ball to put another of the under 18s Joe Digby charging through a gap to the line and then went over himself with some neat footwork and an eye for the gap to open a commanding 22-8 lead by the break.

Pilks’ other try had come from Andy Nisbet.

Despite that healthy advantage Miners knew Pilks would come out strongly in the second half and for much of the third quarter the game became an arm wrestle.

Pilks improvised a score with kicks back and forth across the pitch before Jake Hodgson jumped highest to claim the ball and score a six pointer but Miners restored their advantage with a trademark solo effort from Scott O’Brien.

At 28-14 Miners appeared in command but Pilks rallied once again and two tries in the final quarter put the game in the balance once again.

First an intercept effort was finished off by Greg Smith and then Ian Stanley crossed as the game headed for a frantic finish.

Miners finally wrapped things up with the final play, Darryl Kay kicking a spilled Pilks ball down field into the in-goal but then Crompton beat him in the foot race to dot down for his second score.

The Alliance team reached the North West Trophy Final for the second time in three seasons with a 54-34 win over Leyland Warriors.