Orrell St James Blues 3 - 8 Pilkington Recs ARLFC

With almost a full strength squad the team were full of enthusiasm despite the early start.

The game was played in great spirit by both teams, and a lot more tries could have been scored if it hadn't been for the defenses on both sides working overtime!.

A quick mention to Jack Bailey and Joshua Thiselton who both volunteered to play for Orrell in the second half when they had a player go off injured, and a big thanks to the Orrell coaching staff and players who welcomed them warmly onto their team.

The starting line up for Pilks of Dan T, Rebecca, Ethan, Josh B, Jacob, Luc, Kian, Kyle and Reece took their places on the pitch.

Captains for todays match were Daniel Tabern and Ethan Moore.

Orrell started play and made some great runs, the final turnover being close to Pilks line. Pilks however started the game strong, continuing where they left off last week. With some great footwork and a new spring in his step Luc Holloway sped past the Orrell team and scored a fantastic first try of the match.

Orrell didn't let it phase them and a slight lapse in concentration from the Pilks team meant Orrell went over with a great equalizing try.
Daniel Tabern, not to be outdone picked up the ball and crossed the pitch scoring a fabulous try to put Pilks ahead 2-1.

Orrell picked up pace again and scored the next try of the match to make it 2-2 and game on!

With a change over and the remaining squad members, Sam, Aaron,Max,Josh T,Jack B. Cameron and Charlie now on the pitch Pilks fresh legs meant a fantastic run by Joshua Thiselton brought the ball just short of the Orrell line. Quick moves by Jack Bailey almost put Max Tracey in, who was only stopped by the hard work of the Orrell defense.

Pilks weren't about to give up and Josh Burton scored another great try, which put Pilks 3-2 ahead at half time.

The second half showed the advantage of having a big squad as the fresh legs of the Pilks team put pressure on the Orrell side. Some great tackling by Ethan Moore, Reece Boadey and Jack Bailey held out the Orrell team, Jack shortly after moving across to help out Orrell.

Luc Holloway again opened the scoring for the second half, and Rebecca Benthom broke her way past most of the Orrell team to keep going and score a great try.

Pilks defense was outstanding in the second half. Cameron Cranny, Aaron Cranny, Kian Hurst and Jacob Wilding all put in great forward runs and good tackles.

Pilks showed what playing as a team can do... Reece Boadey with a fabulous pass to put Max Tracey in at the corner and Charlie Swift making a great run and unselfishly passing short of the line, only to get the ball back in the next play and score himself.

Some big tackles from Joshua Thiselton, Kyle Prescot and Sam Caddick on the wing kept Orrell back, Josh swopping the red,amber and black jersey to the blue of Orrell whilst Jack rejoined his Pilks team mates.{Josh also made a great run for Orrell who scored from the next play of the ball!)

However Pilks hadn't finished scoring ,Kyle Prescot powering through the Orrell defence to finish the scoring 8-3.

A great to watch and played in the spirit of the game, both teams should be proud of the performance they put on today.

Well done to Pilks , who are showing improvement week on week.. Keep it up!

MAN OF THE MATCH: DANIEL TABERN
TOP TACKLER: ETHAN MOORE
MOST IMPROVED: LUC HOLLOWAY
THE STEVE MATAI AWARD: JACK BAILEY