LEIGH MR finally got their season underway with victory at the third time of Asking.

They hammered Askam 22-0 with centre Mick Farrimond, in only his second Premiership game, grabbing a hat-trick of tries.

Askam, also winless, arrived at Twist Lane with a big pack which bludgeoned early chances, full-back Chris Lee saving a certain TD with a timely interception.

The Cumbrians had done their homework. But Paul Tyson's high bombs were meat and drink to the brave Lee.

Miners survived the 20 minute test, and replied in devastating fashion when Mark Meadows broke from midfield and hooker Ian Hudspith scooted in to score.

With confidence growing, Chris Flynn and Steve Flannery caused untold damage. A surgling run by Paul Daniel set up the second try, Farrimond bursting in.

Four minutes after the break, with new half-back partnership of Jody Kerner and Alan Coleman in command, Mark Sarsfield and Chris Lee combined for Farrimond to notch his second.

Andy Collier's big break set up the next, Howard Newton weaving 30 metres to score.

Sub packman Lee Stretch soon had the Cumbrians in trouble again and the eager Farrimond pounced on a fumble for his treble.

Askam had a try disallowed in a late flurry which saw Farrimond hauled back for a forward pass.

But this was a great step forward for Miners.

ROYAL OAK (Leigh) trailed Culcheth at the break - but they bounced back in style for a bruising 16-6 win in Division Four of the NorthWest Coutnies League.

A kick and chase P Johnson began the reply, the veteran going in for his try, and a second TD came via P Braterski. C Buxton banged in four goals and D Buxton was named MoM.

RESULTS from the NorthWest Counties ARL . . . Premier Division: Parkside Golborne 19 Folly Lane 10; Division One: Widnes Albion Bulls 34 Leigh MR 4; Division Two: Rylands 18 Hindley 14; Division Three: Leigh Harriers 44 Kirkholt 44; Division Six: Leigh East 46 Latchford Albion 14.

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