Royal Navy 32 v 24 Leigh Miners
Leigh Miners are still searching for their first win of the new summer era after crashing out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup yesterday afternoon against a Darren Bamford inspired Royal Navy team 32-24 on a boiling hot day in Portsmouth, The ex-Wigan
St Pats full back running havoc in the first half scoring a hat trick to give the Navy a well-deserved 22-0 half time lead and leave Miners shell shocked after a very poor first half display.
The start of the second half didn’t get any better for Miners as the Navy scored two more tries to give the score 32-0. It took until the fiftieth minute for Miners to get on the score sheet and click into gear when Danny Trimble went over in the corner, Scott O’Brien converting from the touchline. From the next set Miners were in again when Adam Thomason broke the line to send full back Sean Pendlebury under the sticks, O’Brien adding the extras to give the score 32-12. A few minutes later Miners were in again when O’Brien chipped over the Navy defence to re gather and score to give them hope at 32-18. The comeback continued when O’Brien went over for his second try with ten minutes to go to bring Miners within eight points of their host at 32-24, Miners continued to pile on the pressure in the closing minutes of the match but the Royal Navy were not to be denied and dug deep to wrap up an excellent 32-24 victory.
Miners can only have themselves to blame after such a poor showing in the first half, but full credit to the Royal Navy who were worthy winners on the day after a great performance and hopefully they can get a plum tie against one of the big guns from The Championship when the draw is made for the third round on Tuesday.
Miners play their first home game of the season on Friday night when they entertain Ince Rose Bridge.
MINERS TEAM = S. Pendlebury, D. Flannery, A. Thomason, S. Kenny, C. Barlow, M. Lewis, S. O'Brien , C. Connor, T. Farrimond, D. Kay, D. Trimble, S. Marsh, D. Jones, SUBS = D. Rowlands, D. Appleby, K. Howells, G. Gittins
MOM = Scott O’Brien
The second team opened their season with a narrow 24-22 home defeat against Latchford Albion yesterday afternoon.
Leigh Miners Ladies lost 20-12 this afternoon against Wigan
St Pats Ladies.
And finally the u18s lost 36-28 against last year’s NYL champions Thatto Heath Crusaders at Twist Lane to cap off a miserable weekend results wise for the senior section.