LEIGH Miners Rangers Alliance team returned to winning ways with a high-scoring success at Oldham St Annes to move back to within striking distance of the top of the table, 50-28 the win as a spirited St Annes battled hard to belie their lowly league position.

The women’s team were awarded a walkover win against Selby whilst the under-18s concluded their league season with a 17-6 win at Saddleworth and must now await the outcome of Thatto Heath’s two games in hand to see whether they will be crowned champions.

With no fixtures this weekend, the first weekend in September sees a big day for both men’s open age sides, with the first team beginning their four match run in to the end of the league season at home to bottom side Hull Dockers whilst the Alliance are in their second North West Trophy final in three seasons as they face Halton Farnworth Hornets.

Miners Rangers under-18s were crowned champions of the Premier Two as they emerged victorious from a tense battle at Saddleworth 17-6, tries from Matthew Gallagher (2) and Lewis Grimes with two goals and a drop goal for Zac Fagan.

The team claimed the league title for their first summer era silverware on points difference from Thatto Heath.