Leigh Miners Rangers 22, Oldham St Annes 12 MINERS Rangers went some way towards vanquishing the ghosts of the previous week as they edged a real nail-biter against local rivals St Annes.

It was sweet revenge for the Miners who were on the wrong end of a narrow defeat at Oldham just two weeks ago.

Miners got off to their traditional flying start, Sean Phoenix drawing the defence before passing back inside for second rower Chris Flynn to nip through for a try converted by Mark Hudspith. That was inside the opening two minutes but then Miners allowed St Annes back into the game.

A fine flowing move down the left saw Kiwi winger Trevor Cralland walk in and although Saints had Dave Best sent off after a mass brawl, St Annes took the lead on the half hour when debutant Australian Nick Leonard slid in for 8-6.

Miners seemed to be struggling against Saints' physical approach but a try just before the break from Phoenix, after a strong break by Jon Light, gave them a lead of 10-8. A penalty from Steve Flannery 10 minutes into the second half extended the lead and when Mark Sarsfield crossed for a try a few moments later, it looked all over for 12-man Saints.

But on 65 minutes the game was right back in the balance when big centre Gareth Davies scrambled through the defence to leave the Miners hanging on at 16-12. Even when Saints were reduced to 11 men with Ashton's sin-binning, Miners made hard work of it with James Arkwright and the outstanding Flannery making crucial tackles to deny Saints' scores.

It took a try in the last minute to finally confirm Miners' victory. Craig Wilson picked up a loose ball inside his own half, passed to Phoenix who in turn fed debutant winger Darryl Rowlands. The BARLA Under 18's showed a clean pair of heels to spring in from over half way and Flannery added an excellent conversion to seal the win.

Miners face new boys Siddal at Twist Lane on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.