LEIGH MR frittered away a healthy lead to stumble 33-31 at home to Castleford Lock Lane.

With just 10 minutes remaining, Miners had been in command at 27-16.

But fortunes in this game can change so quickly.

Lock Lane began well, but, with Mick Warburton the inspiration, wing Matt Irwin ripped in for a TD before Alan Coleman dummied to gom in between the sticks. Chris Lee goaled, then added a penalty.

And they forged ahead by the break, Warby and Chris Lee crossing for the interval lead.

They forged well clear after the break, Coleman grabbing his second try.

Then it all went wrong in a mad five minutes. But a try from Lee Stretch eased home pressures - until a last-gasp effort left Miners licking their wounds with First Day Blues!

LEIGH'S Royal Oak began their Division Four season with a thumping 56-2 win at Irlam Hornets.

Last year's Division Five champs were in spanking form with good shows from half-backs Wilcock and Buxton, with young full-back Fishwick prominent in both attack and defence.

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