Oulton Raiders 6 Leigh Miners Rangers 32: SKIPPER Tommy Goulden was the inspirational figure as Leigh Miners Rangers maintained second spot in the National Conference Premier Division.

The Lancashire County captain was a constant threat as Leigh had too much firepower for a nervous home side who are now looking at the drop zone with just four games left.

Lee Patterson opened the Miners account with a smartly-taken try on nine minutes. Simon Hartley added the extra points.

Geoff Hick responded with an Oulton penalty but when Hartley put over a two-pointer, Raiders' re-start went out on the full and Goulden stormed under the posts from the resultant tap for Leigh's second try.

Hartley again goaled and Leigh were in full command. By half time they had extended their lead to 20-2 after Glen Bracek stormed 40 metres for a third Miners try.

Within three minutes of the restart the Miners were further ahead when lively full-back Darren Pilkington raced in for a try after great back play. The game was sewn up when Goulden claimed his second try and Hartley made it six out of six with the boot.

The young Oulton players never gave up and were rewarded with a try from Alan White in the corner.