Midweek NCRL hit the headlines again as derby day came to Twist Lane in the form of Leigh Miners Rangers and Wigan St Patricks.
When the two local rivals met in May, St Pats won a high scoring encounter 30-28. This time it was Leigh Miners Rangers who won through with Noah Lancelott eventually proving the difference (28-16).
The visitors got away to a sparkling start, scoring the first try of a warm night barely 80 seconds into the game when Brad Wooten ran a tight line and carried two defenders over with him. Miners Rangers responded in the tenth minute when Matty Parkes hit a short ball to crash over and Callum Ashurst goaled. Confidence surged through the host's and a targeted attack around the middle brought further celebration when Lloyd Carpenter cannoned in by the posts and Ashurst's second goal opened a 12-4 advantage.
St Pats created a chance after 22 minutes but their chase on a clever chip kick was ruled offside. On their next set Jack Hameer, deputising at halfback for Leigh Miners slid a kick in for Diego Walker to chase but the winger couldn't hold on. The visitors his back with a score from half way as Adam O'Neil bumped a tackle and handed on for Jonah Taylor to apply a strong finish, just doing enough to hold a determined Walker at bay. Isaac Wheatley converted to make it 10-12 after 26 minutes.
Wigan St Pats then hit the front on the half hour when a Miners Rangers error was collected by Conor Taylor and he accelerated away from the middle chasers to score from seventy metres. Wheatley's second goal gave the visitors a four point advantage.
The twisty nature of the first half continued however with the lead lasting barely four minutes before the outstanding Harry Darby scored and Ashurst added his third goal to give Leigh Miners the lead. Wigan St Pats were temporarily reduced to 12 men ahead of half-time when Cassius Turner-Walsh was sinbinned for a tip tackle.
The host's could not take advantage of their extra number with Pats defending stoutly at the start of the second half and there was a notable occasion when father and son, Deon and Isaac Duell, took the field together.
Miners Rangers nudged further in front after 52 minutes following a stunning raid down the right side. Quick hands released Walker and just as Lewis Armstrong came in to defend, Walker passed infield to Noah Lancelott and he dashed over for Callum Ashurst to complete his four goal haul.
St Pats continued to battle with Reece Rowcroft and Jack Foulkes working hard, but Miners just edged them with Jordan Boylan continuing his impressive introduction to rugby league having recently come into the club from Leigh Rugby Union Club. Andy Philbin set a good platform from the bench and with Iky Hewitt showing some silky skills at halfback, Miners Rangers always looked to have that bit more.
The hosts secured their win two minutes from time when Lancelott wriggled over on the right from close range for his second try.
Full-time: Leigh Miners Rangers 28 Wigan St Patricks 16
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro Am Community RL
