Leigh Miners Rangers finally saw the clouds lift at Twist Lane as they ended a six game losing sequence in the National Leagues Division One, and they fittingly did it on a day carrying far more weight than league points. Wearing a striking new pink away kit, launched this season to help raise £2,000 a year for the next five years for charitable causes, Miners produced a second half surge to victory.
Head coach Dave Rowland couldn’t hide his relief.
“We were on the back of a six game losing streak, which is not what we wanted this season,” he said. “We started like a house on fire, won our first two, then basically lost 60% of our back line. We’ve been doing it tough.”
That toughness has defined their spring, a host of patched up sides, makeshift combinations, and trips to places like East Leeds with just 15 players. But for the first time in weeks, Rowland finally had what he called “17 first team players” available, and it showed.
The first half was scrappy and tense, but Rowland saw something he’s been demanding.
“We showed a little bit of grit and desire in that first half. Attitude’s massive, it’s uncoachable. It comes from within. You’ve got to have that wantingness to win.”
Miners’ defensive attitude set the platform, repeatedly pinning Stanningley inside their own 20 thanks to smart kicking and excellent line speed. Rowland was quick to praise his young halves, especially Marco Williamson, who produced a hat trick and a superb first half kicking display.
“Marco was outstanding. His kicking in that first half was absolutely brilliant — that’s why we kept them in their 20 nearly all the first half.”
There were nods too for Isaac Hewitt, Joe Davies at fullback, Noah Lancelott battling through a hamstring issue, and Matt Parkes, who Rowland said is “finding his feet now at open age.”
But beyond the performance, the day carried a deeper meaning. The vivid pink kit, impossible to miss, is part of a five year fundraising project supported by 20 different sponsors, each committing to the initiative. Their backing ensures the kit generates £2,000 every year, with each season’s donation going to a different charity. This year’s contribution will support the MND Association, honouring the legacy of Rob Burrow and the sport’s connection to the cause.
“It’s a nice touch for the club,” Rowland said. “It gets us out there doing something for charity. And I think it’s smart, if I’m being honest.”
For a club built on strong community identity, the symbolism wasn’t lost.
“There is no rugby league without community clubs,” Rowland added. “Without us, they have nothing.”
The win doesn’t fix everything, Rowland was blunt about that. Their early season goal was to win the league; six straight defeats dragged them into a relegation fight. But this was a performance he demanded, and finally received.
“I told them I wanted a performance today — and we got it.”
On a day dedicated to something bigger than the sport itself, Miners finally looked like themselves again.
Results - Saturday 16 May 2026
National Conference Premier
Heworth 6–42 Hunslet ARLFC
Lock Lane 22–12 Rochdale Mayfield
Thatto Heath Crusaders 32–24 West Bowling
Waterhead Warriors 26–18 Siddal
York Acorn 4–28 West Hull
Wigan St Judes 12–12 Wath Brow Hornets
National Conference Division One
Dewsbury Celtic 32–2 Oulton Raiders
East Leeds 24–30 Dewsbury Moor Maroons
Egremont Rangers 50–14 Wigan St Patricks
Leigh Miners Rangers 28–12 Stanningley
Pilkington Recs 4–12 Oldham St Annes
Shaw Cross Sharks 12–28 Kells
National Conference Yorkshire A
Beverley 12–16 Bradford Dudley Hill
Drighlington 16–24 Myton Warriors
Mirfield Spartans 26–6 Keighley Albion
Stanley Rangers 24–36 King Cross Park
Thornhill Trojans 14–14 Moldgreen (Abandoned 63 mins)
National Conference Yorkshire B
Bentley 6–19 Fryston Warriors
Hull Dockers 18–14 Normanton Knights
Milford 8–10 Featherstone Lions
Siddal Academy 4–22 Newsome Panthers
Skirlaugh 30–6 Kippax Welfare
National Conference North West
Ashton Bears 20–22 Leigh East
Blackbrook 16–6 Crosfields
Clock Face Miners 0–56 Ince Rose Bridge
Saddleworth Rangers 20–4 Orrell St James
National Conference Cumbria
Distington 14–28 Dalton
Ellenborough 22–18 Millom
Hindpool Tigers 20–30 Maryport
Seaton Rangers 6–34 Hensingham
National Conference South
Eastern Rhinos 28–36 Bedford Tigers
Hammersmith Hills Hoists 80–4 Bristol All Golds
North Herts Crusaders 22–52 London Chargers
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro-Am Community RL
Find out the full fixtures for the National Leagues here.
