Leigh Miners Rangers 10 Hull Dockers 25 by Craig Wall : THE Miners went down to their first defeat of the season against newly-promoted Hull Dockers who look quite at home in their debut season.

Dockers opened their account with a ninth minute penalty from Chris Stephenson after the Miners had carelessly given away a penalty for holding down.

The Miners hit back 10 minutes later with winger Sean Daley touching down after a crisp handling movement.

The game remained even but with penalties stacking up against them the Miners conceded another two points from the boot of Stephenson. Leigh struggled to contain the speed of the Dockers' play the ball and sub Andy Forber paid the price for one too many offences by being sin-binned. Stephenson added another penalty for a 6-4 lead.

Leigh's big defensive effort eventually took its toll when Dockers put together an intricate move and sub Gary Adam went under the posts for a converted try.

Leigh brought themselves back into the game with a Martin Ridyard penalty just before half time.

Leigh looked the most likely to put points on the board in the second half but bad handling cost them dearly.

The Dockers increased their lead to seven points in the 51st minute with a Stephenson drop goal and nine minutes later they were in an even more commanding position when quick hands around the ruck gave Stephenson the chance to ghost over. His conversion pushed the Dockers out to 19-6.

Soon after the try the Dockers were down to 12 when winger Glyn Jones was sent off for foul language.

The extra man soon counted as the Miners got in for their second try through debutant winger Steve Cooper.

The final result was put beyond any doubt, however, when Andrew Taylor went in for the Dockers' third try, Stephenson again converting.

Skipper Tommy Goulden was the Miners' outstanding performer but the loss of Dave Radley early on with a hamstring injury didn't help their cause.