LEIGH Miners Rangers remain anchored to the bottom of the table after this defeat to runaway league leaders Siddal.

In a game with real similarities to the previous home match against West Hull Miners opened a healthy lead in the first half but found themselves in arrears at half time before being overwhelmed by the resurgent Siddal after the break.

Two Jimmy Muir tries along with scores for Lewis Grimes, Adam Thomason and Martin Gray, Scott O’Brien with two goals, had given Miners every hope however Siddal cut loose in the second period to win 64-24.

Miners now face a critical relegation four-pointer at Skirlaugh this weekend followed by the home match against another struggling side, Pilkingtons, on 5 August and victory in both these games is surely imperative if the team are to avoid the drop. The Pilkingtons game has also been designated as the club’s Heritage Day with a Masters curtain raiser and all past players, supporters and volunteers are invited to come down for what should be an enjoyable – and important – afternoon.

The Alliance team had no fixture whilst the women’s team had a walkover win against Wakefield Trinity.

The under-12s Miners / Thatto Heath girls edged out Whitley Bay 28-20. This Sunday the women travel to Batley, 2pm.