PILKINGTON Recs produced a battling second half display in Cumbria, but still went down to defeat.

They had led 8-0 after nine minutes, courtesy of unconverted tries from Jonathan Frodsham and Ian Stanley.

But Kells, who are a pretty formidable outfit at home, took advantage of a slack Recs spell to rattle in four tries and register a 22-8 lead at the break.

That left the Glassmen with plenty to do, but with some excellent defence keeping the line intact they began to get back in the game.

A Jake Hodson try on the hour mark, converted by Greg Smith put down a marker.

Four minutes later Hodson was over again to cut the deficit to just four points.

A Kells penalty on 70 minutes and a late drop goal saw the Cumbrians home despite Recs best efforts.

Recs man of the match was Greg Smith.

Recs are third from bottom of the National Conference League Premier Division, with eight points one and two points off Wigan St Patricks and Egremont respectively.

It means Saturday’s game at home to Egremont is a massive four-pointer for the Red, Amber and Blacks.

Thatto Heath are going strongly in second, winning 60-14 against relegation-threatened Skirlaugh.

They have a tough game at West Hull on Saturday.

Blackbrook were beaten 23-16 at home to Underbank in Division One.