Pilkington Recs (Home)
Leigh Miners entertain Pilkington Recs on Saturday in Round 16 of the NCL Kingstone Press Cider Premier Division, Kick off at the earlier them of 1-30pm at Twist Lane.
Miners go into Saturday’s clash on the back of a week off with their last game being a fortnight ago at Lock Lane, when a young Miners side dug deep to win 22-20. The tries coming from u18s winger Todd Fenlon who grabbed a brace, full back Will Ashworth and centre Lee Gittins, Jonny Youds landing three goals in the important win that moved Miners up into second position in the table.
This week the players that take to the
field know that they are going to have to put in a very strong committed performance if they are to get the victory, after they was well beaten by a good Pilkington Recs side earlier in the year at Ruskin Park.
Coach Allan Coleman is forced into making 9 changes from the side that won at Lock Lane two weeks ago with injuries and holidays hitting Miners hard again this week. Dropping out of the side from the last game are Mitchell Cox (work), Lee Gittins (injured), Jonny Youds (wedding), Will Ashworth, Jordan Hellam, Jake Lloyd, Mike O’Boyle, Sam Peet and Dave Rowlands who are all away on holiday.
Coming into the side are Matt Astley, Joe Digby (u18s), Zac Fagan (u18s), Tom Farrimond, Gary Gittins, Ellis Grimes, Andrew Groves, Mark Nicholson and Mathew Pendlebury.
Looking back at the win at Lock Lane a couple of weeks ago, coach Allan Coleman said “The Lock Lane result was up their with the best”
“We have been doing it tough these last few weeks, with lads injured and away on holiday.”
“But the kids who have come in have been outstanding.”
On this week’s game against Pilkington Recs, Coleman added “We entertain Pilks who I think are a great rugby playing side.”
“Personally I think there in the top three sides of the Premier Division.”
“It shows how well we have done this year, being in second spot with almost a completely different team.”
“It’s going to be a very big ask on Saturday, but this group of lads never cease to amaze me.”
Pilkington Recs make the short journey down the East Lancs Road in good form with them winning four of their last seven matches to sit just outside the playoff places in seventh position. The Recs will be looking to make it third time lucky on their travels against the top three on Saturday afternoon after losing very narrowly at Siddal and Wath Brow Hornets in recent weeks.
Leigh Miners second team are in action after the first team game on Saturday when they entertain Leyland Warriors in the semi final of the NWML trophy, Kick off 4pm at Twist Lane.
The u18s have a free weekend.
Leigh Miners Ladies play the biggest game in their history on Sunday when they take on Thatto Heath Crusaders in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final, Kick off 3pm at The Provident Stadium in Bradford.
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