LEIGH Miners Rangers took over top spot in the National Conference League with a resounding victory over Oulton.

The Leigh side leapfrogged Wath Brow Hornets into pole position on points difference but with two games in hand, the Cumbrians will be well fancied to soon regain the leadership.

Nevertheless the Miners gave plenty of indication that they will be a leading championship contender come the play-offs if their fleet-footed backline and hard-hitting pack can maintain their form.

The Raiders arrived with just one victory in seven outings but under new coach Warren Jowitt, posed plenty of problems for the Miners and territorially dominated in the first half.

But the Miners were clinical in their finishing and with Dave Patterson, Dean Balmer and Andy Forber running strongly in the opening stages, they were able to build a platform for victory.

Oulton took the lead with a first minute penalty goal from Phil Swallow but that was soon wiped out when Sean Phoenix and the ever-dangerous Alan Reddicliffe sent Patterson blasted down the left centre channel for a try that Dave Radley goaled.

Tony Doyle then found Reddicliffe with a lovely long pass that enabled full-back Darren Pilkington to take a short ball and step through for a second Miners try.

A superb defensive tackle from Simon Warhurst preserved the Miners' lead and after Pilkington had a try disallowed, Anthony Murray burrowed his way over for a third Miners try that Radley goaled for an 18-2 half time lead.

The Miners opened the second half in devastating fashion when Phoenix breaking clear to put Steve Cooper in for an unconverted try.

Lee Williamson forced his way over for a Raiders try and Swallow tagged on the extras but the Miners response was a flowing move which ended with Doyle and Reddicliffe combining to get Patterson in for his second try to seal the game.

With seven minutes left Reddicliffe broke again and Danny Mole scampered in for the final try as Radley added his fifth goal.