Pilkington Recs 14 Ulverston 10 RECS secured two valuable league points against promotion rivals Ulverston.

The City Road men took an early lead with their first attack. Left wingman Jeff Albin made the most of an overlap to score by the left hand corner flag.

For a lengthy period the visitors then enjoyed a territorial advantage helped by some sloppy handling from Recs. But Recs held firm and there were strong tackling stints from forwards John Rees, Ian Connolly and Dave Houghton who was starting his first game for more than two seasons.

On 15 minutes a penalty goal for Ulverston reduced the deficit to just two points.

Ten minutes before the interval as Recs were beginning to get the upper hand, a 50-metre break from centre Mark Leadbetter created the position for Recs second try. On the last tackle an astute chip kick from skipper Craig Burrows saw supporting full-back Darren Haigh win the chase to pounce and score by the corner flag.

In what was turning out to be an 'old fashioned' forward struggle, Recs forwards Andy Crehan, John Rees and Ian Connolly were working hard in gaining yardage.

In the second half, after Recs had squandered two scoring chances, Ulverston scored an unconverted try through their burly ball-handling prop.

Five minutes later Recs moved into an eight-point lead. Scrum-half Alan Fletcher chipped through the Ulverston line and collected from the floor before feeding the supporting Burrows who cantered in to score. Fletcher added the conversion.

The final quarter saw each side cancel the other out, Recs were hampered by a high penalty count against them. Substitutes Stu Mansfield and Andy Kilmurray featured highly in these stages.

With what was the final play of the match the visitors crossed for their second try.

For Recs the Specialist Fireplace Supplies man of the match was Alan Fletcher who also tackled well. Big games also from Ian Connolly, Dave Houghton and John Rees. Pilkington Recs A 14

Golborne Parkside 11

Table-topping Recs held onto top spot with this useful win against a strong looking Parkside second string.

Recs played somewhat apprehensively, which led to some poor handling and scrappy play.

They trailed 4-10 at the break, but raised their game in the second half to overhaul the visitors.

Flying wingman Dave Archer crossed for his second hat trick in two games, with one conversion from full-back Mark Jackson.

The Colliers Arms, Kings Moss, man of the match was hard working forward Phil Roughley. Centre John Mather ran strongly all day, with good games also from Ian Stonley, Jackson, Archer and Steve O'Neill.

Pilks under nines 14

Orrell 48

Pilks struggled against an outstanding Orrell side. Points came from top tackler Dean Jones (try), most improved Darren Quirk (try) and Matthew Twist (try and goal). Man of the match was Liam Critchley and Coaches Award winner Mark Hamon.

Wigan St Pats under

nines 48 Pilks 32

Pilks attacked with determination and skill, but made a few mistakes in defence against a strong St Pats. Scorers were man-of-the-match Mark Hamon (two tries and a goal), coaches award winner Adam Moss (try and goal), top tackler Ryan Hilliard (try and goal) and Ben Topping (two tries). Most Improved was Daniel Frodsham.

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