Pilkington Recs fell to a 34-18 defeat at Leigh Miners Rangers on their return to the first division in the newly reformed NCRL.

It wasnt an ideal start, as Pilks fell behind inside three minutes, but responded well with a try that saw traditional roles reversed. Jamie Smith aimed a kick towards the post on the last tackle, and Tom Connick reacted quickest to score the try. He then converted his own try to edge Pilks ahead.

But almost straight away, the Miners retook the lead.

Once again, Pilks responded well, and had a try disallowed less than five minutes later, after an offload to Lewis Griffiths on the wing was called forward.

But soon after, Pilks did get their response. Ben O'Donnell got the ball close to the line and used his strength to power over. Connick added the conversion to put the visitors back ahead by four.

Leigh Miners then got two tries in the final three minutes of the first half to give them a springboard for the second half. They added that with another two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half, turning a 12-8 deficit into a 30-12 lead. They added another before the hour to seal the win.

Pilks would get another try to add a bit more respectability to the score. Warren Paladino was able to get an arm free and get himself over. Connick added the conversion again.

That was the end of the try-scoring action, and it was Leigh Miners who celebrated the opening round victory. Pilks will be hoping to bounce back next Saturday at home to Wigan St Patricks.