ROD RAINES brought the curtain down on another season of hot Rugby League for Leigh Miners.

The former Wigan and Keighley forward, who founded Miners in 1966, returned as guest of honour to hand out the end-of-term awards.

At senior level a mid-table finish reflected a season of narrow defeats, the players already eager for another bash come August.

Neil McColloch caught everyone's eye as the popular choice as Players Player and was hard in the running for the Top Try Trophy.

But that went to Winston Sarsfield, whose 26 tries, 101 goals and two drops earned him the Peter Ball Cup.

Sponsors Welch Mill Carpets joined with club coaches in nominating the Big Man, Nigel Casey, as the season's outstanding player.

On the youth scene there was a season of success at county and international level. Chris Lee, now in the professional ranks with Widnes, was the British captain against France and MOM against Australia. Fellow GB players Scott Hilton and Mark Burrows collected memorial tankards to mark a prosperous season, which also saw them sign pro for Leigh.

The Golden Boot award was shared between Scott Hilton and Stuart Lee for their exemplary efforts, while, from the engine room, Andrew Webster was named Player of the Year; Lee Stretch was named the player most likely to progress from the U18s.

The Alliance named try-scoring goalkicker John Davies as Player of the Year.

From the Seconds, Holden Cup winners just a few weeks ago, side-stepping prop Mick Keegan collected the Players Player award with the coaches selecting Darren Pilkington.

For the first time Miners had two internationals in the Police side, brothers Mark and Ian Sanderson.

Alan Marsh was named Clubman of the Year.

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