Langworthy 15, Pilkington Recs 12

TWO precious league points were lost for promotion chasing Recs against fellow contenders Langworthy, in a contest they dominated for long periods.

But they were unable to turn territory into points.

After withstanding early pressure, Recs' forwards Graham Cranney, Stu Mansfield and Mike Dennett made good yardage.

However, they suffered a cruel blow on 15 minutes when a speculative pass on the last tackle bounced forward three times, unspotted by the official, from which the homesters crossed for a converted try.

Soon, after backs Jeff Albin and Mark Leadbetter were unable to collect the final pass to score with the home line at their mercy.

On 30 minutes Langworthy stretched their lead to seven points through a drop goal from their impressive full-back. A minute later after good work from stand-off Mark Forber, Recs had appeared to reduce the deficit as wingman Dave Archer crossed, only to see the score ruled out for incorrect grounding of the ball.

Recs hit the interval without scoring, scant reward for a great deal of effort with Leadbetter and second row man Jason Ledger in the thick of the defensive action.

The visitors did, however, get the start they wanted in the second half on two minutes from a towering Forber 'bomb', the ball was allowed to bounce and skipper Craig Barrows pounced to score, Forber converted.

Fifteen minutes into the half Langworthy added two further points via a penalty goal. Worse was to follow for Recs as they conceded another disputed try by the left side corner flag. The touchline conversion stretched the home lead to nine points and the signs looked ominous for the visitors. Recs who had a much changed side due to injuries had other ideas however and debutante substitutes Rick Yelland and Andy Burns worked hard to get Recs back in the game.

Ten minutes from time a busting run from centre Andy Traverse and then a pass out of the backdoor to supporting Darren Haigh saw the full back score beneath the posts. Forber kicked his second goal.

Try as hard as they could Recs were unable to get the vital final score.

In an all effort team display the Specialist Fireplace Supplies man of the match was Andy Traverse. There were also big games also from Leadbetter, Forber, Dennett and Ledger.

Hindley under 14s, 12 Pilks 2

Pilks never gave up trying on a heavy pitch, with the issue only decided in the last five minutes, when they had a try disallowed. Their points were scored by K. Langley. Bargain Booze man of the matchw as K. Langley, while others in form were D. Halliwell, M. Davies, A. Parr and P. Gauchwin.

Pilks under 12s 20, Wigan St Judes 12

Pilks' pack paved the way for their passage into the next round fo the cup. Tries came from man-of-the-match Danny Colquitt (2), coaches award winner Chris Key and Jamie Callaghan, with Key and Ryan Rogers adding conversions. Daniel Williams was most improved, while Dave Northey topped the tackle count. Awards were sponsored by Pilkington plc.

Pilks under 11s 18, Waterhead 10

Pilks points came from Martin Hutton (two tries and a goal), Greg Smith (try and goal) and Luke Smith (goal). The man-of-the-match award was shared by Dave Mason and Greg Smith and top tackler was Karl Foster. Andy Bacon, Adam Harris, Mark Briody and Andy Webster also impressed. Trophies were sponsored by Nichols Foods Ltd, Haydock.

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