THE Lancashire Wolverines made the long journey north to Hamilton to face an East Kilbride Pirates team that had yet to concede a single point in this Premiership North season.

And it looked like it could be a long day for the Wolverines as the Pirates moved the ball well on their opening drive, finishing it when experienced quarterback Ryan Hunter found Jamie McLaughlin for a score.

The Wolverines soon rallied though, with the defence stepping up well to a dynamic Pirate offence and causing them to make mistakes and turnovers. Lancashire also continued to move the ball with authority on offence, but interceptions by Blair McTague and Dougie Meechan halted the drives at critical moments.

A superb pass from Hunter connected with his receiver David Fallon, who was brought down at the Lancashire 1-yard line, before Great Britain running back Iain Dick made the score 14-0.

The Pirates came out strong in the second half, once again scoring through Dick to make it 21-0.

Hunter then added to his tally shortly after, connecting with Kenny Muir who battled into the end zone for six more points.

Still the Lancashire team refused to give up, with the next Pirates’ offensive drive being pushed back deep into their own half, causing them to punt on 4th down and long, giving the Wolverines excellent field position.

Another strong drive, including a 4th and long conversion between quarterback David Mead and receiver Dave Barnett, was again foiled by the Pirates as Sam Ogunlana picked off the ball in his own end zone to give East Kilbride the ball back.

However the possession would change straight back as solid defensive pressure on Hunter made him fumble the ball, which was gladly dived on by Stephen Donaldson-Ellison.

This time the Wolverines would not be denied, as they drove down field before Mead sold the fake hand off to perfection before finding John Halliwell in the end zone as East Kilbride conceded for the first time in 2014. Wolverines chased the game, kicking an onside kick, which was recovered by the Pirates in good field position. Dick tacked on his third touchdown before a last second field goal by Rory McGee brought us the final score, East Kilbride Pirates 38-6 Lancashire Wolverines.

The Wolverines take on Doncaster Mustangs at Blackburn RUFC on Sunday as they look to get back to winning ways. Admission is free.