Pilkington Recs keep up play-off push

The visitors started the brightest, camping out on the Recs line for what seemed like an eternity. However, Recs stern defence did not succumb to the pressure, holding firm as the Rochdale attack tried to find a way through.

Despite all the pressure, it was Recs who were first on the score sheet after Liam Bostock’s game came to an end as he was clattered by an illegal shoulder charge with Greg Smith slotting the penalty conversion on the half-hour mark.

This sparked Recs into life and hard working Jake Hodgson was rewarded as he backed up a Greg Smith break, beating four defenders on his way to score. Smith converted.

Mike Garrity’s reputation as a try poacher increased as he was handed a gift by the impressive Andy Nisbet, who somehow offloaded the ball in the tackle, leaving a short dash to the line.

Smith's missed conversion left the score 12-0 at half-time.

Rochdale scored the opening try of the second half as a stray pass created the space on the right hand side to leave enough space for the winger to dive over on the corner.

Recs immediately responded as Nisbet finished of a midfield break, turning his opposite number inside-out on his way to score. Smith converted.

Rochdale kept their hopes alive as they opened up Recs defence down the middle to score a converted try besides the posts.

The Glassmen, however, were not in any mood to let the game slip, and sealed the game with two minutes to go as Ian Stanley went over untouched as he raced onto a Greg Smith pass. Smith converted.

The visitors scored a consolation try as they collected the kick-off and raced under the posts before Recs had chance to defend.

The converted try was all in vain as the referee blew for full-time.

Jake Hodgson was the Amdec Man of the Match

Recs A team defeated Halton Farnworth 12-31 in a dress-rehearsal for next weeks Trophy Semi-Final. The win leaves the at the top of the Division 2 table, still undefeated in league rugby for over 18 months.