THE Lancashire Wolverines took the long journey North on Saturday to face the East Kilbride Pirates, who were still smarting from the Wolverines handing them their first regular season defeat in 3 seasons earlier in the year.

And you could tell the Pirates were pumped for this one, as they opened the scoring on the first drive, as running back Iain Dick ran in after a fine drive from the home team. The Wolverines blocked the PAT to keep the score to 6-0.

The game quickly turned into a simmering defensive battle, often threatening to boil over as both teams played for field position. The Wolverines notched a field goal through Paul Stewart to reduce the deficit by three points but the Pirates would soon hit back, as Neil Baptie found receiver Andrew Meechin in the end zone for a score. The PAT was good, giving a score of 13-3 in favour of the Scotsmen.

The Wolverines soon bounced back, with the defence playing a blinding game as they have done all year. Defensive lineman James Lago, pounced on a fumble, recovering the ball deep in Pirate territory before the Lancashire offence capitalised, with stand-in quarterback Sam Bloomfield connecting well with Toby Sirkett, who twisted and turned incredibly for the pylon and score.

The half time whistle came with the Wolverines feeling very positive, losing in a close 13-10 game but with all the momentum.

However, the second half played out with both defences firmly on top, each halting the opponents' offence from moving, with the Pirates notching a field goal to take their lead to 16-10.

The Wolverines threatened to drive for what would have been a game winning touchdown late on, but the Pirates defence stood strong, meaning the Wolverines headed home to Lancashire empty handed.

The team will attempt to bounce back next week as they head to Tamworth to take on the Phoenix, which is now a must win as the chase for the playoffs heats up.