LEIGH MR face a momentous survival battle this weekend.

The clash against Lock Lane is their final home game of the season . . . a power-packed prelude to three tough away matches on the trot.

And they come on the back of another defeat, a nail-biting 24-22 loss to Thornhill.

It leaves Miners in the midst of another relegation scrap as another desperate season reaches its climax.

Handling and tackling errors allowed the Dewsbury side to forge clear, despite a try from winger Paul Shepherd.

Paul Daniels and Tony Dowling worked hard in the pack while Chris Wilkinson put in an outstanding effort at half-back; confidence, however, was blown away as MR were ripped apart in successive breaks.

But they stormed back when the irrepressible Daniels crashed through two defenders to score, Wilko adding the goal.

With Thornhill losing their discipline Miners had them rocking and Shepherd pounced for his second try. Another Wilkinson penalty had them within striking distance.

But the Yorkshire side made the most of home mistakes and stretched their lead again. Miners again clawed their way back with Mick Morris wriggling in for the touchdown, Wilkinson goaling.

In a grandstand finish Daniels crashed in, but was held on his back. Last chance, lost opportunities.

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