LEIGH EAST 18 V 22 LEIGH MINERS
Leigh Miners produced one of the greatest if not greatest comebacks in derby history scoring two tries in the final two minutes of the game to win 22-18 in an entertaining derby game against local rivals Leigh East last night. East dominated the opening quarter and alot of field position and possession miners were up against it giving away far to many penalties as east were in control scoring two tries from centre Gareth Pemberton & second row Simon Stevens, Ryan Peters converting both tries to give the home side a 12-0 lead. Miners got themselves back into the game during the final 15 minutes of the halfand after getting a couple of back to back sets they were rewarded with a try in the right corner, Scott O'Brien's kick found winger Darryl Flannery who grounded the ball to bring the score to 12-4, Miners finished the half strongly as east took a eight point lead into the sheds at half time.
The second half started simular to the first with east on top and they looked to be heading for there first derby victory in years when winger Gavin Hunter went over in the corner, Peters again converting giving east a fourteen point cushion to lead the game 18-4. Miners refused to lie down and got themselves back within eight points of there host, second row Liam Coleman going over, Jonny Youds converting bring the score to 18-10. With time ticking away Leigh east looked certain to be crowned minor premiers and with the call on the pitch "come on east six minutes left and were champions" the champagne was out and as the ribbons were being tied to the trophy east were ready to celebrate victory. But miners had other ideas and as the seconds counted down Ryan Smith scored against his former club, Youds converting to bring miners within two points with only two minutes remaining. From the kick off miners worked there way upfield into good ball forcing the pass and from Coleman's offload Danny Jones poked the ball through the east defence, Sam Gee collecting to send Scott O'Brien in for the match winner to send the miners players, coaches and supporters into uproar as they celebrated a fine victory against there local rivals and spoil the Leigh East title party, Coleman converting giving the final score 22-18 for Leigh Miners.
Miners now have two week break before returning to action on Saturday 1st May away against Wath Brow Hornets in the first round of the playoffs, Miners can now travel to Cumbria in good spirits after last nights victory and will be hoping to have a good crack at the playoffs and if the up and coming game against Wath Brow is anything like the previous two already this season it's sure to be another cracker!!!
But Terry G was there recording it and he puts it on the east site and if I ask him nicely he may post on here 
