A RUTHLESS performance by Pilkington Recs in the torrential Yorkshire rain, underlined their title credentials as they moved within one point of the Division One summit.

Recs saw off Myton Warriors 42-16 with the half-back pairing of Greg Smith and Danny Lynch involved in almost everything they did.

Smith scored a hat-trick of tries and diminutive scrum half Lynch kept the home side pegged back with a calculated kicking game.

It didn’t take long for the opening score to come as Smith darted through the smallest of gaps to score from close range. Lynch added the extras.

Recs hard work in defence paid off, when strong tackling forced a knock on and Smith pounced to hack the ball 30 metres forward before collecting over the line for his second of the game. Lynch converted.

Young centre Brandon Lewis continued his impressive run, scoring a long range try to make it 16-0 at half-time.

The second half saw the expected early onslaught from the home team, however ferocious defending by the Glassmen frustrated the Warriors who were making mistakes as they tried to find a way through the wall in front.

And it was from a mistake that Smith completed his hat-trick, Stanley initially getting to the loose ball before Smith picked up and out-paced the cover defence on a 70 metre sprint to the line. Lynch converted.

Ryan Hilliard was next on the scoresheet for the try of the afternoon after Lynch and Mark Briody linked up, before the latter provided the final pass on the inside for the explosive fullback to dive over besides the posts. Lynch converted.

Recs final try of the afternoon came to wingman Andy Nisbet to dive over.

Hunslet managed to get a consolation try after Mike Garrity was penalised for punching in the tackle, allowing the home side one last attack on Recs line.

A well worked move down the left saw their powerful winger splash down in the corner.

Recs are now third, behind Normanton and Kells.

Greg Smith was the Amdec MOM, with Danny Lynch taking the Bold Tyre Centre award.

Recs next game is home to Skirlaugh on August 15 when there is a past-players reunion.