Kingstone Press Cider National Conference League round-up

Correspondent

PREMIER DIVISION

LEIGH MINERS RANGERS secured a remarkable treble after a stunning comeback secured a 22-20 triumph over SIDDAL in the NCL Grand Final.

Winger Ellis Grimes squeezed over in the corner just a few minutes from time to give his side the lead for the first time in a contest which had seen them trail their Halifax-based rivals 20-6 at half-time.

Prop George Ambler crashed over to give Siddal the lead after just two minutes with winger Gareth Blackburn and substitute Iain Davies also crossing in the first period, and centre Gavin Stead landing four goals to help his side take control.

Second-rower Tommy Parkinson replied for the Miners in the sixth minute, with scrum-half Scott O’Brien landing the first of his three goals.

Despite having Matt Astley sin-binned in the 37th minute the Miners returned to the field a different side after the break with centre Connor Partington touching down twice in 12 minutes for tries that man-of-the-match O’Brien converted to get his side within two points of Siddal.

Then with time running out Grimes struck leaving the Leigh defence a few minutes to hold out for a memorable win as they added the NCL title to the previously won Conference Challenge Trophy and League Leaders Trophy.

PREMIER DIVISION – GRAND FINAL

Sunday November 8

Leigh Miners Rangers 22 v 20 Siddal

DIVISION ONE

YORK ACORN booked their place in the Premier Division next season after battling past NORMANTON KNIGHTS 30-22.

There was little to choose between the two in the first period and the side went in at the break locked at 18-18.

Scrum-half Adrian Mulcahy improved efforts from hooker Chris Woolford, second-rower Lee Starbuck and substitute Clark Thompson for the Knights, but they were matched by Acorn who managed touchdowns via winger Josh Thompson, centre Ryan Gallacher and stand-off Harry Bromwich.

Antony Chilton converted two of the efforts and then levelled matters on the stroke of half-time with a 50 metre penalty.

Hooker Nick Speck and centre Jordan Myers added second-half four-pointers for Acorn with Knights centre Connor Taylor going over in between times.

Man-of-the-match Chilton finished the contest with four goals to his name whilst full-back James Calam also added a goal.

DIVISION ONE – PLAY OFF FINAL

Sunday November 8

York Acorn 30 v 22 Normanton Knights