LEIGH Miners Rangers regained the Lloyd Pugsley Memorial Trophy with a hard-fought win on a wintry afternoon at Twist Lane.

In front of one of the biggest crowds for several years at the club, derby rivals Miners and Leigh East produced committed and gritty performances and a gripping contest which concluded with a continuation of the trend in this competition of the home side securing the silverware, 18-6.

Miners had try scorers in Darryl Flannery (2), Jamie King and Mick Govin, the latter also kicking one goal.

However it was veteran prop Craig Connor who claimed the match award with a tireless showing in the pack.

The event raised significant funds which as always go towards junior rugby development across both clubs.

Earlier that day the Miners first team squad shared the spoils in their final friendly match before the season starts, 12-12 against NCL Champions Thatto Heath at Leigh Sports Village.

This Saturday the club holds its season launch evening recognising the contributions of our valued sponsors and unveiling the new inductions into the Hall of Fame. Admission is open to all and the evening starts at 7.30pm at Twist Lane.

Leigh East won their last pre-season friendly at Ledgard Avenue beating Shevington Sharks 16-12.

Both teams scored three tries apiece with only the goal-kicking of Jordan Hellam separating the sides at full-time.

For the second game running Hellam was at half back and his prompting and general intelligence made a real difference.

A first half of few chances started well enough with both packs tearing into each other.

East came down field well and after a cheap turnover from the Sharks, set up their attack.

Moving left Hellam, Connor Johnson and Danny Griffiths all linked quickly with Alex Holcroft taking the final pass and having enough strength to force his way over. Hellam converted brilliantly and East led 6-0 after 21 minutes.

Five minutes later Shevington battered the East line with Adam Robinson held short before a tackle dislodged the ball from the grasp of fullback Dan Rogers. East then created a chance of their own on the back of a contested attacking kick but Louis Else was brought back from a scoring position.

Shevington eventually got on the board after 35 minutes with a smart finish by Beanie after Holland saw a kick charged down in centre field but he was unable to convert.

Second half tries came from Ryan Gray and Griffiths.

Committed defence kept Shevington at bay in the last minutes and Leigh picked up a hard fought win.