PILKINGTON Recs advanced to the Third Round of the Challenge Cup for the second time in three years after beating Thornhill Trojans 16-0 at Ruskin Drive.

It was a fast start from the visitors, whose early enthusiasm was keeping the Pilks penned in early on.

The wet conditions were proving difficult to hold onto the ball.

But Pilks did find their way through as Mark Briody managed to use his strength to power to get over the try line.

Danny Lynch hit the conversion to put the Red, Amber and Black into a six point lead.

It was a match dominated by refereeing decisions and it came to a head as the Trojans were given two yellow cards in just four minutes as the match heated up an otherwise chilly Ruskin Drive.

The Recs were soon on the board again as a brilliant passing move saw Jake Hodson go in in the corner for his fifth try in just two games.

Lynch nailed the touchline conversion for a 12 point lead.

That wouldn’t be it for the number of yellow cards dished out before the end of the half however.

Josh Ratcliffe was sent to the sin bin for the Trojans for his part in a brawl, one of many that broke out.

And then Phil Riley, who had been on for less than a minute, was in for holding down his opponent.

That ended a first half where there was more yellow cards than tries.

It was a close game where the next try was crucial and the Pilks got it when Tom Roughley’s inch perfect kick found Kyran Knapper who was able to touch down.

Lynch was unsuccessful with the kick this time, but it Pilks into a three score lead.

Tensions were mounting and frustrations were creeping in for both sides. A couple of melee’s broke out as tackles got harder between both sides. Jono Peers was then sent to the sin bin for his part in one of the melees, becoming the fifth player to be put in the sin bin in this game.

The game then calmed down and Pilks were able to see the game through and successfully shut out the Trojans.

Ryan Hilliard was the AMDEC Man of the Match

The draw for the next round will be on Tuesday at 5pm, and this stage is where the League 1 sides come into the fray. Meanwhile, preparations continue for the NCL Division 1 opener at Leigh Miners Rangers