Pilkington Recs 50 Accrington 4 AN experimental looking Recs side eased through into the next round of the North West Counties Cup.

But Accrington enjoyed most of the early play and stole the lead on 10 minutes through an unconverted try.

Two minutes later the ever improving Recs centre Chris Hillam got the home side moving with the first of two tries for him in two minutes. Mark Jackson kicked one conversion.

As the first half progressed Recs put some flowing,rugby together. Two senior members of the side, prop Shaun Allen and Jackson were instrumental in regularly prising open the visiting defence. A pass from Allen sent Andy Kilmurray stepping over for a try.

Skipper Craig Burrows was then the creator for debutant first team wingman Dave Archer to stride in for a try in the corner, this was to set him on the way to an eventual hat-trick.

The impressive running forward John Rees tore through for a try courtesy of Kilmurray in the dying minutes of the half before the final score of the half came following a flowing 10-man passing movement which eventually saw the veteran Allen help himself to a try. A conversion apiece from Burrows and Jackson saw Recs into a comfortable 30-4 interval lead.

Straight after the restart a break from centre John Mather put Archer striding down the left touchline for him to finish well for a second try.

With Recs having the luxury of being able to now substitute players, their flowing game was slightly interrupted for a 15-minute spell, until Jackson slipped neatly through for a try.

Midway through the half hooker Alan Fairhurst who enjoyed a fine all round game broke through to set up Archer for his third score.

In the closing stages a Jackson chip through saw Rees collect and storm in for his second try. Jacksons fourth goal of the day neatly wrapped up the 50 point scoreline.

The Specialist Fireplace Supplies man of the match was John Rees who ran strongly all day, fellow second row man Stuart Mansfield pushed him close. Pilkington Recs A 18

Eccles 22

Recs gave an outstanding display in this midweek Whitbread Millennium trophy contest as they just went down against high flying Conference Division One side Eccles.

The City Road men took an early lead through an Alan Fletcher penalty goal.

A spell of nerves and errors allowed Eccles to open up a 10-point lead through two converted tries, both of which came on the last tackle.

Nonetheless Recs were competing well enough with forwards Ian Connolly, Andy Beard, Chris Thair and Dave Price working tirelessly.

Centre Mark Leadbetter was causing endless damage with his strong running and following a high tackle which halted another of his raids, scrum-half Fletcher had the speed of mind to play the ball quickly to himself and score a try to reduce the interval deficit to six points.

Recs were caught cold on the restart as they conceded a try early on.

However Recs lifted their game and after Dave Price had just been held short of the line Kilmurray sent in substitute Stu Mansfield for a try which he deserved for his efforts. Fletcher converted.

Just as the contest was in the balance Eccles pushed themselves 10 points clear again 10 minutes from time, with good rugby keeping the ball alive for another try wide out.

Back again came Recs, and a searing break from John Rees split Eccles wide open as he fed the supporting Dave Archer who crossed to score.

Fletcher's conversion set up a potential nailbiter, but Recs had ran out of time soon after.

The Specialist Fireplace Supplies man of the match was the highly impressive Leadbetter, with great contributions also from Connolly, Fletcher, Mansfield and Darren Haigh. Saddleworth under 15s 4

Pilks 26

Despite being below their best, Pilks still deserved victory. Tries came from man of the match Ian Kenny (2) and Mark Ashton (3). Barry Pope kicked two goals and Ste Rawsthorne one. Saddleworth's try came from Simon Mather, who was guesting for them.

For Pilks others in form were Stu Tickle, Liam Fuller, Adam Westhead and John Ford. Awards were sponsored by N&P Bate Florists, of Fingerpost, and St Helens Roofing.

Pilks under 12s 30

Royton nil

Pilks tries came from man of the match Chris Key (3), James Campbell (2), top tackler Danny Colquitt, Ian Redcliffe, Ryan Rogers, John Topping, Ste Houghton and Anthony Stanley. Rogers, Houghton and Stanley added conversions.

Dave Northey earned the coaches award, most improved was Martin Langley, while Dave Ward, Craig Critchley and Ste McBride also did well.

Awards were sponsored by Pilkington plc.

Pilks under 11s 4

Ashton 22

Best for PIlks were Luke and Greg Smith, who shared the man of the match award, top tackler Karl Fioster and coaches award winner Mark Briody. Martin Hutton scored Pilks' try. Trophies were sponsored by Nichols Foods Ltd, Haydock.

Pilks under 10s A 12

Westhoughton nil

A fine defensive effort earned Recs victory. Both tries came from Jonathan Phillips, while TMT Catering Services awards went to performer of the week Mike Cottom, top tacklers Matthew Owen and Scott Pennington, coaches award winners Stuart Birch and Terry Riley and men of the match Jonathan Phillips and Paul Owen.

Pilks under nines 38

Ashton 20

Good teamwork helped Pilks to another hardfought victory. Points came from coaches award winner Jonathan Frodsham (2 tries and a goal), Ryan Hilliard (2 tries and a goal), Ben Topping (2 tries), Daniel Frodsham (try and goal), Man-of-the-Match Dean Jones (goal) and Most Improved Owain Griffiths (goal). Top Tackler was Shaun Pritchard.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.