LEIGH Miners Rangers completed the second stage of what would be an historic treble after adding the Conference Challenge Trophy to the NCL Premier Division Shield.

Allan Coleman and Paul Whitworth's side overcame a strong challenge from top-tier rivals Wath Brow Hornets to win the Trophy final 32-22 at Widnes Vikings' Select Security Stadium.

Two second-half tries from skipper Scott O'Brien proved crucial as Rangers claimed the cup for the third time in four years.

And after last week securing the Premier Division title for the first time since 2008, the Twist Lane men head into the Grand Final play-offs aiming to complete a clean sweep.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game but the boys in there have created a bit of history at Leigh Miners," said Coleman.

"We are history makers at Twist Lane at the moment and it feels great.”

The Hornets competed well throughout and made a great start when centre Scott Pink stepped a couple of defenders and then ran clear from 40 metres out.

Cole Walker-Taylor added the conversion and the Cumbrians continued to enjoy the better for the game with Fran King and Dean Rooney moving the team around.

Gareth Paine was given a particularly tough workout with many kicks heading down his side.

They forced good field position and kept Leigh Miners under pressure before a triple substitution worked a treat and tipped the balance back in their favour.

Shaun Dowie, Tom Farrimond and Matt Astley got forward and Darryl Kay fired the attack with an offload that set O'Brien free in the middle and Andrew Groves finished from 30 metres.

Jonny Youds goaled and was on the mark again a couple of minutes later when Jimmy Muir finished a cross-field passing move after Martin Gray and Danny Jackson made good inroads on the right.

With Dowie a growing force, Miners went close to increasing their advantage towards the break but had to be content with a 12-6 score at half-time.

Wath Brow made another strong start after the interval with the likes of James Dixon and Richard Huby making yards before winger Luke Davison finished a fine pass from Callum Farrer and Walker-Taylor levelled matters with the conversion.

A moment of madness by Wath Brow second rower Lewis McCarron changed the game on 50 minutes after he was sent off for leading with his forehead in a tackle.

Seven minutes later O'Brien performed four quick steps to go over by the side of the posts, while Groves tracked O'Brien and dived over from close range on 65 minutes.

Youds converted both tries, either side of a 40 metre penalty.

But Wath Brow ensured a couple of nervous moments when Davison sailed in for his second try, only for O'Brien to settle the nerves with a final score, which rendered a late converted try from Mark Watson a mere consolation.

“It’s great," added Coleman. "We set a target at the start of the year, we wanted to be league champions. That was our be all and end all.

"We were very successful in that. It was a long time coming, we were nervous building up to it but we won this trophy twice before and feel as though it’s ours.

"We’ve got it back, it’s now coming home to Twist Lane and we are over the moon.”

The Miners women’s team claimed the WRL Plate with a 30-8 victory over Brighouse Rangers at Bradford Bull’s Odsal Stadium.

The Alliance team lost out 20-10 at home to Golborne Parkside

Miners' first team conclude their league campaign on Saturday at Thatto Heath (2.30pm) while Twist Lane hosts an international fixture between England and Scotland youth, 12.30pm kick-off.