Pilkington Recs started the season with a long trip up to Newcastle for their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Wallsend Eagles, who play in the North East First Division.
It was Pilks' first game of the season and any worries of rustiness were soon eased as they went into a 30-0 lead in the second half. The Eagles would pull one back but Pilks would go on to win 42-6 at the home of Newcastle Thunder, who were playing a friendly later that day against Super League runners up Castleford Tigers.
The Man of the Match was Jake Hodson. The winger scored four of Pilks' eight tries on what was a long day for the lads. They travelled to and came back from Newcastle the same day, which equated to a 12 hour round trip.
The second round saw Pilks play on familiar terriotory as they were back at Ruskin Drive as they took on fellow NCL Division One side Thornhill Trojans.
Given the Trojans had only just been promoted and Pilks had only just been relegated from the NCL Premier Division, Pilks came in as heavy favourites, and they won 16-0. They were the only side to shut a team out in the Second Round.
On the scoresheet once again was Jake Hodson, who scored five tries in just two games. This was to go with tries from Mark Briody and Kyran Knapper.
The Third Round saw them at Ruskin Drive once again as they took on NCL Division Three side Millom.
The Cumbrians would make damgerous opposition having beaten Pilks' fellow NCL Division One side Bradford Dudley Hill in the previous round.
Despite the toughness of the opposition, Pilks ended up going through, winning 32-16.
The victory had ensured a trip to League One opposition Coventry Bears, however, there was more pressing matters at hand, as they were preparing for their NCL Division One opener against fellow relegated side Leigh Miners Rangers .