Leigh Miners A 17
Pilkington Recs 21
VICTORY for Recs in this final league game of the season means they now have to meet Ulverston in a play-off for the Division One runners-up spot this Saturday.
As the Star was going to press, however, the venue, had not been finalised.
On 15 minutes stand-off Mark Forber gave Recs the first score through a well-taken drop goal. Five minutes later the scores were level as the Miners stand-off also kicked a one pointer.
Neither side had a clear cut scoring opportunity until 10 minutes from the break, when a good run from centre Andy Traverse opened up the home defence. Substitute Mike Dennett took play on and slipped an inside ball to fellow substitute Andy Kilmurray who scored well beneath the posts. Alan Fletcher added the conversion. Soon after, when Miners were attacking, a speculative long ball was intercepted by second row man John Rees who galloped 60 metres to score. Fletcher tagged on his second goal.
However, right on the break, Miners reduced the deficit to 13-7 through a converted try from their centre.
Recs were hampered with injuries, with Rees, Cranney and Nicky Leyland all forced to retire. They started the second half poorly, allowing Miners to gain the initiative.
On 10 minutes they conceded a soft try from acting half back to reduce their lead to just two points.
Worse was to follow midway through the half. Despite some solid defending from full-back John Mather, the homesters crossed for a converted try with some good fortune as their final pass was well forward.
This appeared to stir Recs and from 30 metres out Andy Traverse put wingman Dave Archer in for a try by the corner flag, in which he was injured in scoring. With the scoreline locked, a great towering conversion from Forber off the touchline restored Recs' lead to two points. With the match in the balance, Recs made their way down field with good work from skipper Craig Burrows now operating as an emergency loose forward. Alan Fletcher chipped through the defence and looked favourite to score, but was felled when chasing the ball. Forber kicked the ensuing penalty .
The St Helens Roofing man of the match was the tireless Dave Houghton. Hard working displays also came from Mansfield, Mather, Traverse and Morris.
Pilks under 15s 22
Wigan St Cuthberts 16
This was a gutsy Pilks effort. They were rewarded with tries byman-of-the-match Liam Bostock, John Ford, Mark Ashton and Adie Williams. Ste Raswthorne added two convresions and a penalty.
Awards were sponsored by N&P Bate Florists, of Fingerpost, and St Helens Roofing Ltd.
Pilks under 10s 30 Rylands 18
Pilks reached the cup semi-final thanks to tries from Thomas Armstrong (3), Danny Filson (2) and Gareth Frodsham The Dietiker Metal awards went to man-of-the-match Gareth Frodsham, top tackler Paul Knapper, most improved Danny Filson, coaches award winner THomas Armstrong and unsung hero Robert Foreman. Saddleworth under 10s 32
Pilks A 26
Pilks started slowly and at one point trailed 24-nil. But they fought back to register tries through Andy Bushell (2), Matty Owen and Terry Riley (2). The TMT Catering awards went to performer of the week Ste Keane, coaches award winner Jim Carroll, top tackler Sam Clitheroe and joint man of the match winners Michael Cottom and Andy Bushell. Hindley under nines 16
Pilks Recs 18
Solid defence won the game for Pilks. Man of the match was David Saunders (goal), coaches award winner Mark Harmon (try and goal),Top tackler was Liam Critchley and most improved Ben Topping (try). Other points came from
Sean Dingsdale (try) and Owain Griffiths (goal).
Rylands under eights 24 Pilks nil
Pilks went out of the cup - but not without a fight. Skipper Mike Wright was man of the match, whiule David KNapper was top tackler.James Axon was most improved, while Josh Greaves earned the coaches award. Adam Dargue and Liam Hill also impressed.
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