A PLAY-OFFS place is looking less likely as Pilkington Recs enter the business end of the season.

A 34-24 loss at Leigh Miners Rangers in a closely-fought National Conference League game leaves Recs outside the top six.

Some poor defence and a handful of blown chances and ultimately cost them a success at Twist Lane.

Tries from Jake Hodgson, Ian Stanley, Andrew Nisbet, Dan Filson and man of the match Greg Smith were not enough to stop a high-flying Miners outfit that no doubt are looking to retain the championship.

Pilks opened strongly as they sought to complete a league double over Miners and they deservedly opened the scoring when Filson finished well at the corner.

Miners took a lead they were never to relinquish when Andrew Groves proved elusive from 10 metres out, touching down a try goaled by Ian Mort.

Young winger Robert Crompton extended the home side’s lead before Matty Pendlebury’s debut off the bench changed the balance of the game.

The stand-off put another under 18s player Joe Digby through a gap to the line and then went over himself.

Much of the third quarter became an arm wrestle.

Hodgson jumped highest to claim the ball from a kick and score a six pointer but Miners restored their advantage with a solo effort from Scott O’Brien.

At 28-14 Miners appeared in command but Pilks rallied and two tries in the final quarter put the game in the balance again.

First an intercept effort was finished off by Smith and then Stanley crossed as the game headed for a frantic finish.

Miners finally wrapped things up with the final play, Darryl Kay kicking a spilled Pilks ball down field and Crompton beating him in the race to dot down.