Widnes Albert 4 Pilkington Recs 30 PROMOTION-chasing Recs secured two more vital league points as superior fitness saw them stroll away with the game in the second half.

Once again their defence looked solid. However better handling in the first half would have seen them firmly in control of this contest at a much earlier stage.

They took the lead in the eighth minute when good work from Andy Crehan and a long pass from loose-forward Mike Dennett saw wingman Giasone Del Farro squeeze in to score at the corner.

In bitterly cold conditions Recs soon became their own worst enemies through their ball control, in effect keeping the homesters in contention.

After full-back Darren Haigh had a try ruled out following his own chip kick through, Recs stepped up a gear just before the interval to register a second try. Following breaks from John Rees and skipper Craig Burrows, quick hands found the ball moving to wingman Jeff Albin who plunged in for his fifth try in four games, giving Recs an 8-nil half-time lead.

In the second half Recs cut out their handling errors and enjoyed longer spells of pressure as a result.

Ten minutes' play saw forwards Rees again and Ady Beard breaking into the home final quarter of the field, Rees' final pass found the supporting Darren Haigh who strolled in to score. Craig Burrows added his first conversion of the game.

A momentary lapse in Recs defence saw the burly home prop forward cross for their solitary score minutes later. In an unsavoury incident minutes later saw the home scrum-half dismissed for the use of an elbow on Recs prop Andy Crehan. Burrows converted the ensuing penalty.

Twenty minutes from time substitute Ste Smith who had only been on the field for a minute found a spilled pass at his feet and he ran 60 yards to score Recs next try. Burrows converted.

Recs' attacks now came in waves after wave as the home defence began to open up. Next skipper Burrows dummied his way through the line to score. Burrows soon added a second score for himself as he burrowed through at the play the ball to score, following a good break by Albin.

As Albert were clearly struggling the referees whistle went early to end the game.

For Recs the Sutton Moss Boarding Kennels man of the match was second row man John Rees who worked hard throughout. The St Helens Roofing matchday award went to busy wingman Geoff Albin. Good games also came from Andy Kilmurray, Peter Cahalin and Ady Beard.

Recs A 16 Widnes Tigers 28

Despite a defeat this was a much improved brave performance from Recs against table topping Tigers.

A slow start saw Recs trailing 16-0 at the half time break, however they put together some impressive play in the second half to worry their visitors.

Hooker Kevin Gormley helped himself to two tries, whilst prop Bob Pickersgill also crossed the line. Fellow prop Stu Wilson added two conversions. The St Helens Roofing man of the match was tireless worker Phil Roughley. Keeping it in the forwards, good games also came from Stu Wilson and Ian Connolly.

Recs' under 13s produced a fine display against Mayfield and scored tries through Qualglass man of the match D. Leicester (2), K. Langley, J. Kavanney and parents' man of the match D. Toohey. Goals were added by A. Parr and N. Moore.

Widnes St Michaels under 12s 8

Recs 8

Pilks led 8-nil thanks to tries by R. Pilling and P. Robertson, only for the Widnes side to fight their way back into it.

The St Helens Motor Auctions man of the match was J. Smith, runnr-up R. Burkhill and most improved J. Gragham. R. Pilling also impressed.

Recs under 11s 34 Saddleworth 4

Joint man of the match award winners Danny Colquitt and Ryan Rogers both scored two tries and other came from James Campbell (2), Chris Key and Ian Redcliffe. The coaches award was shared by Anthony Stanley and St Houghton. Goals were added by Stanley, Key and Rogers. Recs under 10s 66 Folly Lane 36

Recs' tries came from from coaches award winner Martin Hutton, Adam Harris (2), Luke Smith, Phil Henry, top tackler Dave Mason, man of the match Greg Smith, Andy Webster, Daryl Craine, Karl Foster and Danny Halsall. Trophies were sponsored by Nichols Foods Ltd (Haydock).

Pilks Pumas under nines 24

Oldham St Annes 34

Pumas showed great spirit in appalling conditions. Their tries were scored by man of the match Stuart McDonald, most improved Scott Pennington and Paul Whittaker. Top tackler was Mathew Gadie and the coaches award was shared by Robert Martindale and Stuart Birch. Awards were sponsored by Pro-Secure.

Recs under sevens 16

Halton Hornets 16

Recs staged a brave comeback in difficult conditions. Tries came from debutant David Knapper and man of the match Mike Wright. Top tackler was Tom Marren and Josh Greaves earned a coaches award. James Axon and Josh Appleton also caught the eye.

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