Wigan St Pat's 30, Leigh Miners Rangers 28: LEIGH Miners blew their chance to take over the leadership of the National Conference Premier Division when they were blown apart by arch-rivals St Pat's.

The Miners produced an up and down performance. They stormed into a 10-0 lead, were in front 16-14 at half time, trailed 30-18 with nine minutes left before coming back to almost snatch it at the death.

St Pat's position near the foot of the table looked a false one even though the Miners leapt into a 10-0 lead in as many minutes. The left wing partnership of Alan Reddicliffe and Craig Graham created a 17th try of the season for Reddicliffe. Steve Flannery added the extra points.

When Reddicliffe broke clear again, Tommy Goulden backed up to touch down for a 10-0 lead.

But St Pat's didn't lie down and the comeback started in the 16th minute when the outstanding Andy Parker sent Dave Hales in for a try that Dave Bullough goaled.

It was all square by the half hour mark when Richard Hodson stepped his way through for a second home try. But that didn't last long as Graham finished a spectacular Miners move in which Mick Warburton handled twice. Again Flannery goaled.

But it was only 16-14 in Leigh's favour after Andy Rasburn blasted through for a third home try.

Flannery added a penalty two minutes after the break but with Parker calling the shots, St Pat's hit a purple patch with tries from Anthony Atherton, Paul Egan and Darren Fletcher putting them 30-8 ahead.

The Miners set up a thrilling finish when Warburton broke a couple of tackles to score and soon afterwards Lee Patterson exploited the overlap for a try that Flannery goaled from the touchline.

Miners are at home to Thornhill on Saturday with Leigh East travelling to West Bowling.