Welcome victory for Recs

RECS produced a solid and improved performance to register this welcome victory.

A good start was important and Recs got that after just four minutes before the visitors had even touched the ball. On the last tackle, Alan Fletcher put in a cross-field kick which was collected by wingman Dave Archer who dived in at the corner to score.

On ten minutes though the scores were level as sloppy Pilks defence from a scrum 35 metres out saw the visitors' centre brush through to score.

However, Recs continued to exert pressure with the forwards getting on top against a more physical visiting six. Neil Morris, Stu Mansfield, Keiron Lacey and Graham Cranney all made good yardage, then hooker Andy Kilmurray was held down in the tackle and Fletcher landed the penalty goal.

Minutes later a long ball from Fletcher to full back Nick Camann saw him make a break before off-loading inside to supporting centre Mark Leadbetter who strode in for a try.

Up to the break the visitors had their best spell of play but strong defence, led by top tackler John Rees, kept them at bay, and all they could manage was two penalty goals. And Recs got a bonus just before the interval when a loose ball was swooped on by Leadbetter who sent Archer speeding in at the corner to give them a 14-8 half-time lead.

Good early defence in the second half through Mansfield and Leadbetter forced the error which enabled Leadbetter to complete his brace of tries in the corner. Fletcher added a touchline conversion.

Again Recs enjoyed much of the territory but when they were reduced to 12 men for a temporary period Farnworth managed to narrow the deficit with an unconverted try wide out. The visitors sensed a possible comeback, but once again good defence headed by Rees, Shaun Allen and substitute Nicky Leyland steadied the ship.

A Fletcher penalty on 65 minutes restored Recs' 10-point lead. And the game was effectively sealed when, from a scrum on the home 20-metre line, Fletcher surprised the visitors with a downfield kick which saw Archer easily win the race to score and complete an impressive hat-trick. Fletcher converted.

The St Helens Roofing man-of-the-match went to Dave Archer, the Mike Wilson, Painter and Decorator award went to hard-working Neil Morris and good contributions also came from Mansfield, Rees, Lacey and Haigh. Crosfields Storm U/16s 14 Pilks 20

Pilks sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Cup with a dominant first half display.

At the interval they led 16-2 through tries by Mark Ashton, Mike Woodhead and Ian Kenny with Ted and Steve Rawsthorne adding a goal apiece.

In the second half, playing uphill Pilks were their own worst enemies, conceding penalties to allow their opponents back into the game. However, James Lacey scored an excellent try after a well-slipped ball from Kenny to clinch victory.

The N & P Bate Florists man-of-the-match award went to Liam Bostock, with Peter Cook pushing close for the honours.

Pilks U/15s 18 Orrell 10

In heavy conditions Pilks ran in some cracking tries through Gareth Davies, Ashley Stuart, Dean Halliwell and Ian Langley, with Andy Parr adding a goal.

Outstanding for Pilks were Philbin, Gauchwin, Stewart, Langley, Leicester, Davies, Hill, Bonney and Chowdhury. The Lanes Trophy man-of-the-match went to Andy Parr. The Euro Register most improved was Robin Chowdhury.

Pilks U/12s 34 Leigh East 10

Recs produced some superb rugby to overturn an excellent Leigh outfit.

Best for Pilks were man-of-the-match Mark Briody (2 tries), top tackler Luke Smith (try), and wingers Phil Langley and Adam Harris who shared the coaches award.

Pilks' other points came from Karl Foster (2 tries), Danny Halsall (try) and captain Greg Smith who kicked five goals. Daryl Craine and Martin Hutton also impressed.

All trophies were sponsored by Dieteker Metals Ltd.

Wigan St Pats U/10s 26 Pilks Recs 10

Despite a good team effort, Pilks' winning run was halted by a strong St Pats side in heavy conditions.

Man-of-the-match was Jonathan Frodsham, top tackler Liam Critchley and coaches' award went to Daniel Frodsham (try). Other points came from Adam Moss (try) and David Saunders (goal).

Wigan St Pats U/8s 18 Pilks 48

On a quagmire of a pitch, Pilks under-eights produced one of their best performances of the season.

Try scorers were Sportsline man-of-the-match Andrew Frazer (3), joint coaches' award winners Luke Bavis (2) and Rhys Williams (2), top tackler Thomas O'Neale (1) and Tommy Travis (1).

Other good performers were unsung hero Matthew Foreman and most improved and captain for the day, Matthew Kent.