LEIGH MINERS are working their way back to mid-table safety.

But Saturday's 8-8 draw against Mayfield was hard-earned.

Flying French centre Jean Chauvin edged Mayfield ahead. A 'try' from winger Mike Evans was ruled forward and Miners had to settle for two penalties from Winston Sarsfield.

After the break prop Jason Battersby typified his will to win by blasting into Mayfield's pack, then defending resolutely.

Tall second row John Maxwell started to break free from the spotting tactics of the Rochdale outfit, enabling scrum-half Martin Lee to receive inside passes and set up second phase runners.

That saw Mike Warburton sprint clear and pass to Steve Smith in a 60 metre raid. And at the quick play the ball, centre Neil McColloch was on hand to add a deadly finish for a fine try to level the scores.

The game was marred in the final seconds with the harsh sending off of Ian Sanderson for a high tackle.

Meanwhile, Miners second-row Nigel Casey has been named in the BARLA Team of the Month for February.

Miners Alliance crashed out of the Alliance Cup against Haydock A after a 5-5 draw. Two John Davies goals and a Sean Coleman drop were not good enough for 'victory' as the visitors carried it on the 'tries scored' rule.

Two games a week until the end of the season is going to be hard for the Miners U18s. A good 28-6 midweek win against Eccles was overshadowed by a disappointing 14-6 home defeat against West Hull. Hooker Stuart Littler scored the try from acting half back, Chris Lee goaling.

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