LEIGH MINERS' second string ended the season beaten but with heads held high after pushing Pilkingtons close in a titanic struggle.

They went down 21-17 -- and this was no match for faint hearts. Or the referee!

He abandoned the game five minutes from time as things became ugly.

The St Helens side raced into a big lead, but a scrambled Howard Newton try with Mick Evans goal kept MR in touch.

Then Tommy Winstanley burrowed through for another TD and it was all up for grabs.

With Pilkingtons rocking, Miners surged and went clear when Damian Jackson raced over from half-way, Chris Lee adding the extras.

Back came Pilks to take the lead again; then Paul Nixon was involved at both ends, first close to scoring then with a superb try-saving tackle. This weekend the seniors conclude their season at Wigan St Patrick's.

Other results from the NorthWest Counties League . . . Premier Division: Parkside Golborne 7 Roose Pioneers 14; Division Two: Shaw Rhinos 18 Hindley 0; Division Three: Saddleworth Rangers 30 Leigh Harriers 20; Division Four: Culcheth Eagles 23 Milnrow 24, Shevington 30 Leigh Royal Oak 14; Division Six: 18 Rochdale Mayfield 0, Waterhead 18 Parkside Golborne A 0.

LEIGH EAST Tigers drew 32-32 with Ince St Williams (MoM Daniel Weaving 3, TT Karl Morris, Phil Taylor, Iain Jolley, Ben Taylor).