Miners double up...

LEIGH Miners Rangers earned their first ever double over Skirlaugh with a hard-fought win against the Humbersiders at Twist lane.

In a fine first half the Miners tore Skirlaugh to shreds at times but only led 10-0. In a more edgy second half poor handling gave Skirlaugh more possession but a rock solid Leigh defence held firm until the final quarter.

The only scoring of the first half came in the opening 15 minutes with Scott Hilton turning in his best display at stand-off. A series of reverse passes opened up the visitors before a wide pass gave Steve Cawley a chance to scramble in at the left corner.

Seven minutes later Hilton intercepted a wild pass of half way and laid off to the supporting Mark Sarsfield who showed a clean pair of heels in the chase for a try which was converted by Mark Hudspith.

As expected Skirlaugh dominated in the opening stages of the second half but the breakthrough didn't come until the hour, sub Davyd Parry in support for an unconverted score.

Four minutes later Miners had effectively sewn up the match when sub Mick Warburton drove to the posts and fellow sub Lee Lomax wrestled over for a converted try to make it 16-4.

Skirlaugh had more chances, especially stand-off Simon Kilby whose break was stopped 10 yards out by an illegal tackle from Paul Shepherd. Kilby was still shaken when, a few moments later, he spilled the ball over the line.

Miners sealed the game when man of the match Hudspith shimmied over. John McCracken's try at the death was relatively irrelevant.

Tomorrow the Miners travel to Redhill.

Miners' Challenge Cup third round tie at Dewsbury could be switched from Sunday, January 28 to Saturday, January 27.

They want to avoid a clash between the ties at Leigh and at Batley.