PILKINGTON Recs head into Saturday's home fixture with Wigan Rose Bridge knowing a victory will effectively secure a return to the top flight of amateur rugby league.

For a club that is one of the game's most famous names, largely due to their golden eras of the 70s and 80, it would complete a remarkable rise back to the top tier, where they last competed in the early 90s.

Current leaders of the National Conference Division One, Recs are chasing their third promotion in an as many years since rejoining the competition from the regional leagues.

The red, amber and blacks, coached by Kurt Haggerty, face Rose Bridge at Ruskin Drive on the back of 12 successive wins.

Recs' strong points difference means a victory on Saturday would effectively seal promotion to the NCL Premier Division, maintaining St Helens’ representation in the top tier after Thatto Heath's relegation.

Then a week later they face a trip to second placed Kells, a fixture which appears destined to be a title decider.

Veteran forward John Rees, 36, has witnessed plenty of highs and lows for his boyhood club since a senior debut in 1998.

Rees, who is playing alongside many homegrown players who he coached in the junior ranks, said: "It will be huge motivation for the players in front of their home crowd and families.

"The reality of the situation is whatever happens we appear set to head to Cumbria for a title decider the following week, which is enormous for the club."

Kick off vs Wigan Rose Bridge is 2.30pm at Ruskin Drive. Admittance is £2 on the gate.