LEIGH MR posted early notice of their title ambitions.

On the opening day a new Rugby League season, they hammered Heworth 64-6 - to the delight of coach John Webster.

Ex-professionals Andy Collier, Paul Daniel and Steve Flannery showed super class, MoM Mick Warburton was outstanding.

All right, Heworth were awful! But don't let that take anything away from the magnificent Miners. They bounced along from the first whistle with two quickfire tries from Daniel; then Paul Shepherd grabbed the first of his double and Warby maintained the "double act" with two spanking TDs to take the interval score to 32-0.

That half-time orange never tasted better!

Heworth momentarily breathed fire with a try. But there was to be no astonishing revival.

Miners produced some champagne rugby to double their score.

Winston Sarsfield went in for a try to add to his five goals, subs Lee Lomax and Damien Fletcher also crossed the whitewash; Warburton completed his treble, so did Daniel. And Alan Coleman goaled from the touchline to crown an encouraging opener.

On Saturday Miners face Beverley East Hull at New Craven Park.

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