Pilkington Recs return to winning ways at York Acorn

Whilst Recs may have been expected to come away with victory over the struggling Yorkshiremen, the performance of his team will no doubt please coach Kurt Haggerty.

Recs were on the board first as Jamie Smith carried on his good form, powering over from close range after just five minutes play, Greg Smith converted.

York replied almost immediately as the half-back created enough space to send the centre clear who managed to do enough to beat the cover defence to the line for converted try.

Ryan Hilliard scored next for Recs following up a fine passing move in the middle and using his pace to burst through the full-backs challenge to score besides the posts. When York replied again, it seemed like another see-saw game might be on the cards with an almost carbon copy try from their first.

The missed conversion this time kept Recs in front.

Playing into a strong wind, Pilks extended their lead as Hilliard was over again, this time after good work on the left by Smith and Ian Stanley saw enough space created for him to dive over. Smith’s conversion opened up and eight-point lead going into half-time.

With the wind now behind them, Recs intentions were stated early as Smith produced a sublime 40/20 to set up field position for the now prolific Ryan Liptrot to fall over from acting half after the York defence parted like the Red Sea.

With Jamie Smith scoring his second of the afternoon minutes later as the ball was kept alive by his fellow forwards creating the space for him score beneath the posts.

York rallied briefly and were rewarded with a converted try as the centre found enough space on the right hand side to dive over in the corner, however Recs were now in command of the tie and despite the loss of the in-form Hilliard through injury were relentless going forward with Mark Briody scoring a rare try and Ryan Liptrot miraculously found him with a 20 metre pass across the face of the defence handing a gift to the second-rower.

Deputising at full-back for Hilliard, Kyran Knapper defied the odds after dislocating his knee cap to remain on the pitch and score the final try for Recs as he collected a low pass to then dummy his way over.

Greg Smith missing his only conversion of the afternoon.

Smith did have the final say of the game as he calmly slotted a drop-goal with the last play of the game.

Jamie Smith was the Amdec Man of the Match.

Pilkington Recs Past Players have organised a bus to the Leigh Miners fixture on 30 July.

Anyone interested in attending please contact Arthur Manning on 07875 174779.