Leigh Miners v Milford Marlins 9-3-13

Leigh Miners 16 v 6 Milford Marlins

Leigh Miners booked themselves a place in the third round of the Tetleys Challenge Cup after a hard fought 16-6 victory against Milford Marlins on a damp afternoon at Twist Lane, with the playing conditions slippery underfoot it was always going to be a game for the forwards and for the full eighty minutes both teams where firing into each other in what was a good old fashioned cup tie. It took a good twenty minutes for the first points to be scored and they went the way of the home side after some good build up play centre John Woods went over in the left corner to give Miners a 4-0 lead. Miners increased their lead on the half hour mark when Martin Lewis went charging over for the second week running, Jonny Youds converting to give the score 10-0. Milford where reduced to twelve men just before the break when they had a player sin binned for a late challenge on Scott O'Brien.

Miners made a great start to the second half forcing Milford into an error from the restart, from the scrum attacking the Marlins line Lee Gittins went through a gap to score on the left, Youds converting to put Miners 16-0 up. Milford battled hard to try and get back into the tie but they were unable to break down a hungry Miners defence who were solid throughout and when in attack played the conditions well knocking out there sets and getting to the kick to keep the visitors under pressure returning the ball from their own half. Miners only disappointment was when they conceded late on after losing possession Milford kicked down field to go over to make the final score 16-6.

The draw for the third round will be made on Wednesday in Oxford.

Next week Miners are away to Egremont Rangers in the League.

Miners team - Jonny Youds, Andrew Groves, John Woods, Martin Lewis, Ryan Monaghan, Adam Thomason, Scott O'Brien, Kev Howells, Danny Jones, Darryl Kay, Ross Bradley, Lee Gittins, Danny Jackson, SUBS = Tom Farrimond, Jimmy Muir, Jonny Carroll, Sean McDonald

Miners MOM - Lee Gittins

First team Highlights www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq9rpBCFbRQ

Leigh Miners 2nd team lost 26-24 on Friday night at home to Wigan St Judes.

The u18s picked up their first win of the season with a 22-18 victory against Saddleworth Rangers.