Leigh Miners Rangers 19 Siddal 10: MINERS Rangers got their season off to a flying start with a hard-fought victory over two-times champions Siddal.

In an arm-wrestle of a game the lead changed hands four times and it was only a late try from inside his own half by BARLA captain Tommy Goulden - his second of the game - that sealed the win.

Until then chances had been at a premium as two committed defences and a greasy surface dictated play, but the large crowd was kept on tenterhooks as both sides tussled for supremacy.

Siddal served notice that despite the retirement of Micj Shaw and Johnnie Lawless they will still be a major force with loose-forward Gareth Hooson an abrasive presence alongside Liam Walsh and Gary Lewis.

The Miners were always in the game after a slow opening 20 and they edged things from then on with Mark Wallington, Goulden and Dave Patterson to the fore.

Siddal's Shaun Blackburn has the honour of the first try of the season, scooting in out wide off Walsh's jinking run. But on a bad night for kickers Walsh missed the conversion. The ex-Wakefield half back did land a penalty to extend the lead but the Miners opened their account when Shaun Daley danced over of Alan Redicliffe's break to make it 4-6 at half time.

Minutes into the second half the Miners took the lead when Goulden burst through and slid over for an unconverted try. But when Jon Light knocked on from the re-start Tony Sheard was presented with a walk-in try.

Siddal blew a few good chances and they were made to pay when Redicliffe darted over from Darren Pilkington's break to restore the lead. Chris Dootson edged the Miners further in front with a field goal.

With only three points between the sides Siddall stormed back and it took some determined defence to keep them out.

As the match entered the final five minutes Goulden broke from half way, fended off three tackles and crossed for a sublime individual effort which Dave Radley converted.