WHAT a game! What a finish! What a disappointing result! Sporting fans were treated to an electrifying game of floodlit rugby as Leigh Miners faced derby rivals Wigan St Pat's.

In the end it came down to a point...Miners 28 Pat's 29.

Even that could have changed in a dramatic finale as never-say-die scrum-half Mike Devine, on a full head of steam, tried to steal a glorious victory.

He drove through gaps and evaded tackled for a terrific try three minutes from time, Winston Sarsfield tagged on the goal - but that was that.

The game had started in similar super fashion, Pat's ahead, Miners hitting back with a Devine bomb pounced on by Tony Dowling for a try improved by Sarsfield. 6-6.

Then ex-Leigh wing Wayne Standish dashed 80 metres after being sprung by centre Neil McCulloch for a great touchdown. Sarsfield again on target. But back came Pat's to forge clear at the break. 16-12.

The Wigan side's drop goal soon after the break was to prove crucial. 17-12.

Back came Miners. Devine and half-back partner Mike Warburton produced some flowing rugby to set up Ken Jones, crashing in by the corner flag. Sarsfield's towering touchline effort sailed between the sticks. 18-17.

But Pat's had plenty in reserve as they hit a purple patch to steam ahead at 29-18.

Young prop Andrew Webster gave Miners new heart as he crashed in for a try.

Devine, deservedly man of the match, did his best in that late rally. But, sadly, for Miners and for fans, came the final whistle.

Next, the long trip to face the formidable West Hull.

Miners/Rangers Alliance lost 24-10 to Waterhead after forging clear with a fine try from winger Paul Shepherd and three goals by full-back John Davies.

WHAT a difference a week makes! Just seven days ago Leigh East were cock-a-hoop after hammering Blackbrook; on Saturday, however, they found themselves on the wrong end of another hiding - 50-8 at Oulton.

In a game East were fully expected to win, they paid dearly for not putting the effort in, for squandering possession and for giving away too many free kicks to a side rapidly gaining in confidence.

East's only first-half reward was a try for Phil Gunning as they trailed 18-4.

Worse was to follow the break with Oulton running East ragged. A try from young Lee Penkywicz offered little consolation.

East will be hoping for better things on Saturday (2.30pm) when they face St Jude's at Grasmere Street.

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