LEIGH Miners Rangers celebrated their 50th anniversary in style on and off the pitch.

Maintaining second place in the National Conference League Premier Division with a 48-14 win against Lock Lane was just one feature of a packed day in baking sunshine at Twist Lane.

Prior to the match, past players Tony Cottrell, Paul Dowling, John Webster and Lane’s Dave Edginton shared memories including the 1983 National Cup Final between the two clubs.

The panel of Tommy Goulden, Martyn Ridyard, Tommy Martyn junior and Wigan and Penrith great Bill Ashurst entertained a packed dinner party, including ex-Leigh, Oldham and St Helens stand off Martyn reflecting on his own time as a youngster with the club and highlighting the importance of community rugby clubs bringing through the next generation of talent.

Founder members Rod Raines, Eric Ratcliffe and John Norris received a special presentation, while the latter two joined Rod and Harry Westhead as they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Throughout the day past stars including Charlie Warburton, Mike Smith, Ray ‘Chalky’ Evans, John Cooke, Ian Taylor, Warren Ayres, Alan Reddecliff, Danny Flannery, Tony Dowling, John Simpkin, Mark Wood, Paul Gittins, Mick Cassidy and Shaun Dowie were welcome guests.

And the centrepiece of the event was the thumping victory over Lock Lane, despite conceding two early tries.

On a day when Miners went on to score some exceptional long-range tries Sam Peet set the ball rolling as Scott O’Brien capitalised on a breakdown in the Lane attack to gather the ball in, jink across field and then send Peet storming away from his own 25m to race away for a fine try.

Although the visitors replied again, Miners achieved parity with tries from Will Ashworth and Mitch Cox.

The Cox try, on the stroke of half time, appeared to drain Lane and inspire Miners as the second half became exhibition stuff.

Ashworth, Peet, O’Brien and Andrew Groves crossed as well as Cox completing his hat-trick.

This Saturday the first team travel to Wigan St Patricks, 2.30pm, while the Alliance, who were awarded the points against league leaders Pilkington Recs, travel to Trophy final opponents Halton Farnworth Hornets.

On Sunday the women’s team welcome Barrow to Twist Lane, 2pm.