Leigh Miners Rangers 34, Thornhill Trojans 0: MINERS Rangers look to be adding defensive security to their attacking qualities.

A first clean sheet since taking the coaching role will have delighted Miners boss Warren Ayres.

Thornhill were also willing to give Leigh a helping hand with a whole series of unforced handling errors but with prop Steve Naylor and hooker Gary Moffatt a real handful, the Miners had to work hard to keep their tryline intact.

Few worked harder on defence that young loose forward Tommy Goulding and second row partner Chris Flynn. There were also impressive performances from Aussie pair Grant Parker and Craig Wilson.

The Miners never looked back after taking a fourth minute lead when hooker Darren Leach stretched over from close in and Simon Hartley added the extras.

Five minutes later the Miners doubled their lead when when Wilson's kick was spilled behind his own line by Thornhill's Mark Hodgson and Craig Graham was able to touchdown for another try goaled by Hartley.

With the experienced Fox brothers, Martin and ex-GB international Deryck, beginning to have an influence, Thornhill put Leigh under pressure but far too often they spilled possession.

Leigh's third try came thanks to a perfect pass off Wilson to send Goulding tearing through for another six-pointer to make it 18-0 at the break.

Leigh's answer to a Thornhill bombardment at the start of the second half was a long distance try of their own. Started by Flynn, carried on by Wilson and sub Mike Warburton, it was finished by Mark Sarsfield. Hartley again added the extras.

Two minutes later the Miners repeated the move with Warburton, Chris Lee and Sarsfield making the running for Graham's second try.

It was Sarsfield, with his second try that completed the Miners tally and sends them into this Saturday's Grasmere Street derby with Leigh East in good heart.