Miners turn it on (From Leigh Journal)

Miners turn it on

5:16pm Thursday 30th September 2010 in More Sport

Leigh Miners Rangers 34 Wath Brow 14

MINERS replaced Wath Brow in second place of the National Conference Premier Division after their best performance of the season so far convincingly defeated the Cumbrians.

An absorbing game was poised slightly in the visitors’ favour at the break as they led 10-6 but Miners turned on the style in the second half.

Liam Rowson came up with a try-saving tackle before Brow took a 6-0 lead but Miners were quick to respond.

Darryl Kay broke from halfway and had birthday boy Ryan Smith on his shoulder to finish off for a try goaled by Tom Bradbury.

The Cumbrians finished the half strongly, with two penalties putting them four points ahead.

Just two minutes into the second period Miners hit the front with the try of the match, Leon Brennan receiving the ball deep in his own half before ghosting clear down the left, accelerating away from the defence and finally turning the ball inside for Smith to take the scoring pass.

The Miners scrum half then completed his 21st birthday hat-trick after Scott O'Brien sent Tom Eckersley through a gap and he in turn found Smith to put the home side further ahead.

The 10-minute blitz was complete when the outstanding Eckersley drove to the line and Adam Thomason was on hand to take the offload and score.

Bradbury maintained his impeccable kicking record to put the home side 24-10 up.

A break started deep in their own half by Dale Aldred and Martin Lewis led to play being switched across field for Kay to send John Woods in, with Bradbury's fine conversion ensuring the victory.

The scoreline was glossed late on as Smith and then O'Brien both kicked through and Haydn Bud Skinkis showed great handling to gather the ball and score out wide.

Tomorrow, Friday, Miners host Wigan St Judes in a floodlit ‘derby’ that also sees the official opening of the first phase of the new changing rooms at Twist Lane. Kick off is 7.30pm.