Pilkington Recs 10 Siddal 34

RECS’ Challenge Cup run came to halt after they were overwhelmed by the pace and power of the NCL Champions in the second half.

The BBC’s decision to screen the second round tie live on the red button generated a huge amount of interest and drew nearly 400 spectators to Ruskin Drive.

In a frantic opening 20 minutes both sides’ defences held firm before swift hands created space for Recs winger Jake Hodson to cross on the left flank.

After a further 10 minutes of fast and furious rugby a smart blind side play saw Ryan Hilliard put centre Jonathan Frodsham through a gap and on his way over the try line.

Kyran Knapper had been unsuccessful with both conversion attempts but he struck a penalty shortly before half time to extend the lead to 10-0.

The game changed after the break though and, after capitalising on a Recs knock on, Siddal mounted the pressure before second rower Tom Garatt crossed.

Recs were now on the back foot and full back Freddie Walker jinked his way over the line, with Gareth Blackburn’s second conversion putting the visitors ahead 10-12.

The home side couldn’t stem the tide and burly prop Iain Davies crossed before Blackburn found space down the left wing to squeeze in at the corner for the fourth try in 20 minutes.

Joe Martin and Shaun Garrod crossed for further tries and Blackburn finished with five conversions to make it a comprehensive victory for the Halifax team.

Ladbrokes man of the match awards went to Tom Roughley for Recs and Shaun Garrod for Siddal.

The AMDEC Fork Lifts award went to Ryan Liptrot.