THE Lancashire Wolverines made a splendid start to the new campaign, beating Northern champions East Kilbride Pirates 31-28.

East Kilbride kicked off and saw the Wolverines cap off a six-play drive with an eleven yard touchdown run from quarterback David Mead.

This was successfully converted by Paul Stewart for an early 7-0 lead.

The scores were soon tied but the Wolverines restored their advantage late in the quarter, with Mead and Sam Bloomfield combining. Wolverines stretched their lead further, James Nuttall landing another touchdown.

It was nip and tuck, though, Jamie McLaughlin reducing the deficit.

The half ended with the Wolverines unsuccessfully attempting a 34-yard field goal. However, Chris Astley then scored, handing the hosts some extra momentum.

Then another Pirates mistake gave away possession near their own 20 yard line, and this was quickly turned into points when Mead and Astley linked up to make it 31-14 moving in the final quarter.

The Pirates, not beaten in the regular season for two and a half years fought on, though, and Neil Baptie went over for a score.

31-20 soon became 31-22 when Blair McTague and Tom Lacendro tackled Chris Littler in the endzone for a safety.

However, a Chris Anderson interception looked to seal it but another penalty gave the visitors a fresh opportunity.

Baptie took full advantage of the reprieve and passed to McLaughlin from seventeen yards for his third touch-down of the game.

The two point conversion was unsuccessful, but the Pirates were now only three points down with minutes left in the game.

The Wolverines, however, were determined to hang on, pouncing on the onside kick attempt to seal the match.

The Wolverines go to Yorkshire Rams on May 10.