UNDERDOGS Egremont Rangers staged a magnificent comeback but were thwarted at the death by Premier Division outfit Leigh Miners in the National Conference League Cup Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

Division One Rangers were 26-0 down after an hour but four converted tries in 15 minutes brought the score back to 26-24, only for Leigh’s Martin Lewis to cross for his hat-trick try two minutes from time.

Egremont coach John Brocklebank said: “The second half was a bit of a crowd pleaser although we didn’t turn up until the hour mark. The forwards were magnificent today and I am very proud of them. Matty Palmer hurt his shoulder very early on and he makes a big difference. But the lads just had to get on with it.

“Our half-backs stood up in the second half and we got to within two points. We have a saying in Egremont, ‘keep believing’, and that’s what we did.

“I just want to say a massive thank-you to all those who came to support us. I think we did Cumbria proud today.”

Ross Bradley went over for Leigh after nine minutes to open the scoring, Jonny Youds converting for a 6-0 lead. Youds added a penalty six minutes later and Leigh further extended their lead when Lewis scored the first of his three tries on the half hour, Youds converting for a 14-0 advantage.

Lewis scored his second try on 38 minutes, Youds adding the two, for a 20-0 half-time lead. And when Youds improved Aaron Gorton’s touchdown on the hour for 26-0, few would have envisaged the Egremont comeback that was about to happen.

The west Cumbrians found renewed confidence, as Alistair Leak went close before Gary Elliott went in, John Paul Brocklebank adding the two for 26-6.

Then Brocklebank scored after a fantastic Leak dummy and pass, before kicking the conversion to make it 26-12 in the 66th minute.

Brocklebank then kicked a superb 40-20 to put Leigh under pressure deep in their own half, James MacDonald touching down in the 70th minute, Brocklebank converting, to reduce the arrears at 26-18.

And five minutes later, Richard Farrer went over, Brocklebank converting, and the unthinkable was on the cards with Egremont just two points behind at 26-24.

But the last roll of the dice went Leigh’s way. An error by Egremont gave Leigh a scrum and, in the next set of six, Lewis completed his hat-trick in the corner. Youds added the goal from the touchline and Rangers’ brave fight back was over.

Egremont must now turn their attentions back to their Division One campaign. They are currently in sixth spot but are only six points behind leaders Castleford Lock Lane, with four games in hand.