Leigh Miners Rangers 48 Thatto Heath Crusaders 26 by Jeff Gorse: LEIGH Miners Rangers regained the Grainey Trophy Super Cup with a thrilling success over Thatto Heath at Twist Lane.

The final score does not tell the full story, as Heath were in with a real shout until the closing 10 minutes, but the way Miners played, especially in the opening quarter when they scored a point per minute, bodes well for the new season.

After 20 minutes, Miners were 20-0 up with two tries for the quicksilver Paul Wilcox and one for his wing partner Darren Pilkington, and when Alan Radcliffe spun through for a fourth try, Thatto already appeared dead and buried.

But the Crusaders are made of stern stuff and Mike Woods scored an impressive individual try to give them hope. Pilkington grabbed his second, but Jamie Hill's try on the stroke of half time gave Thatto a chance at 24-10.

The chance became more realistic when Dave Lloyd powered over, but Miners always managed to keep their noses in front as Mark Wallington ghosted over.

Hill grabbed a second try for Thatto to haul them back to within eight points, but when returning Barla tourist Dave Patterson ploughed through for a six pointer, the Crusaders finally broke.

Andy Forber grabbed a deserved try as he brushed off three tackles to crash by the posts, and Patterson wrapped things up late on. An injury-time Woods try took none of the gloss off a thoroughly impressive Miners' win.

Centre Paul Wilcox took the official match award, while Tommy Goulden lifted the trophy -- his first as captain and hopefully not the last. Miners season starts against Siddal on Friday, August 20, kick-off 7.30pm at Twist Lane.