Wigan St Pats (Home)
It’s “Battle of the Borough” time on Saturday when Leigh Miners take on local rivals Wigan St Pats in Round 9 of the NCL Kingstone Press Cider Premier Division, Kick off 2-30 pm at Twist Lane.
Miners go into Saturday’s derby game having got back to winning ways last week with a 36-4 home victory against West Hull, the performance in both attack and defence being much better than what had been thrown up in the previous two weeks where Miners had suffered back to back defeats in cup and league fixtures.
With ball in hand Miners scored seven tries against West Hull and although there is still plenty to work and improve on over the coming weeks, the attack was more fluent with Halfbacks Scott O’Brien and Ryan Peters being influential along with loose forward Mitchell Cox. Defensively things where also much better with Miners showing plenty of desire and commitment to defend their line, the only disappointment being conceding a try late on in the game.
The players know they are going to be in for a very tough game on Saturday against a good St Pats side, but it’s one they can’t wait to play in as they look to build on last week’s performance with another win ahead of two testing away trips at Siddal and Wath Brow.
Coach Allan Coleman will be forced into making at least one change from last week, with loose forward Mitchell Cox unable to play due to work commitments. Coming back into contention for a place in the side this week are Matt Astley, Mark Nicholson and Sam Peet.
On getting back to winning ways last weekend, coach Allan Coleman said “I thought on Saturday we was a lot more relaxed, I ask the players to express themselves and they did.”
“I told them don’t be afraid to play and bringing Ryan Peters in as give us some balance on our left side attack.”
Looking ahead to this week’s Battle of the Borough game, Coleman added “Derby day looks like its going to be tough, St Pats performed well against Siddal and deserved their win.”
“They like the physical battle so it’s should be a very interesting to see who dominates the middle.”
“We are looking forward to it.”
“We will be focusing on ourselves and looking to play smart and good rugby.”
“It’s one not to miss.”
Wigan St Pats will be coming to Twist Lane full of confidence after beating Siddal at home last weekend, winning 26-24 to become the first side to beat the Halifax outfit in the league this year. St Pats who are this year coached by John Ellis have made a good start to the season, winning five of their eight matches so far to leave them in fourth position.
Leigh Miners second team are away on Saturday in the league at top of the table Bury Broncos.
The u18s and Ladies both have free weekends.
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