Pilkington Recs 13

Halton Simms Cross 12

HIGH drama and tragedy featured in this contest as Recs snatched a last-gasp victory to progress in the BARLA Lancashire Cup.

Drama came from a last-minute touchline conversion from Mark Jackson, while tragedy struck with both sides losing players with serious leg injuries.

The Pilkingtons club wish a speedy recovery to their young talented loose-forward Neil Morris and to David Lloyd, of Simms Cross.

Recs took an early 1-0 lead through a drop goal from Mark Jackson and with better and more composed finishing could have added to that lead.

The only other score of the first half came from the visitors when stand-off Parle crossed for a try from a scrum.

In the early stages of the second half Recs pounded away at the visitors try line, enjoying considerable territorial advantage, without any success as Jackson, Burrows, Gauchwin and Leyland all went close.

A penalty goal from Jackson 20 minutes from time was all that Recs had to show for their efforts, reducing the deficit to just one point.

After all this pressure, the visitors appeared to have delivered the sucker punch, when they took advantage of two handling errors to cross for two unconverted tries, the second being scored just five minutes from time.

Recs then threw caution to the wind and quick hands saw wingman Jason Ledger finish well for a try in the corner three minutes from time. Jacksons conversion attempt hit the upright.

From the ensuing short kick off Recs wingman Nicky Leyland leapt to collect possession and the ball was whipped across to the opposite wing for Ledger to plunge in again. This time Jackson's towering conversion snatched a deserved victory for the City Road men.

Full-back Jamie Hill collected the Mainsway Builders and Skip Hire matchday man of the match award. He was well supported by Mark Leadbetter, Shaun Dolan, Craig Burrows and Jackson.

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