LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 16, OLDGHAM ST ANNES 8: LEIGH Miners Rangers picked up a vital home success against in form St Annes with a performance based on plenty of defensive grit and the odd flash of attacking brilliance.

Saints led twice in the early stages of each half, but the Miners superior finishing power in the backs proved vital as full-back Darren Pilkington weighed in with a try and key assist to inspire his side to victory.

Saints got off to a flying start when the astute Rick Badby dabbed the first of several testing kicks through and a lucky ricochet allowed Paul Garrett the opportunity to dive over for the opening try.

The Saints looked good, continuing on with the good form that had seen them win their previous four matches whil the Miners seemed set for another nervous home game.

But the Miners went in front with the move of the match as Sean Phoenix and Pilkington worked the angles to perfection as the home full-back crashed in for a try that Alan Reddicliffe goaled. Despite both sides having opportunities to score, some outstanding defence ensure the Miners led 6-4 at half time.

Defences continued to dominate in the second half before the Saints snatched the lead again when they worked an overlap and impressive young winger Danny Early crashed in for an unimproved try.

The Saints were having the better of the play but handling errors let them down. They managed to keep their noses in front when full-back Kevin Fitzpatrick cut down Pilkington when a try looked certain. But the Miners had numbers in support and a quick play the ball enabled Shaun Daley to scamper in at the corner.

The game was still wide open until Reddicliffe burst clear six minutes from time to send the supporting Phoenix under the posts for the Miners to clinch the victory that consolidates their position of second in the table.