Pilkington Recs ARLFC 6 - 2 Rylands Tigers

Pilks turned up today really looking forward to the game after a couple of weeks off. We also welcomed our newest team member Ryan White for his debut game for the U9s.

Captains this week for the forwards Kian Hurst, and for the backs Reece Boadey.

With almost the full squad to choose from the starting line up of Kian, Reece, Cameron, Dan S, Rebecca, Dan T, Ethan, Josh B and Josh T took to the pitch.

Rylands put up a tough battle and both teams initially found it hard to break through. Some great tackling by Daniel Tabern, Reece Boadey and Ethan Moore kept Rylands out, and some great runs by Joshua Burton ,Joshua Thiselton and Rebecca Benthom got the team up the pitch. Despite some powerful plays by Cameron Cranny, Kian Hurst and Daniel Sutton they couldn't however quite break the Rylands defense.

Once again it took the speed and agility of Daniel Tabern to sidestep the Rylands players and go over the line for Pilks first try.

A well deserved rest was in order then for all but Daniel Tabern when the rest of the squad: Ryan, Jacob, Sam, Charlie, Jack , Kyle, Max and Aaron took to the pitch.

Powerful runs by Jacob Wilding, Sam Caddick and Kyle Prescot followed, all pushing forward into the pack. Despite some great tackling by Charlie Swift, Max Tracey and Aaron Cranny Rylands managed to create a gap in the Pilks defense and went over to make the score 1-1.

Ryan White however had other ideas, and what turned out to be a spectacular debut for the team he ran hard for the line and got the ball down to score his first try for the red, amber and blacks. Well done Ryan!

Both teams finished the half in good form but it was Pilks who had the slender 2-1 advantage .

The second half saw Pilks try a few changes, Joshua Thiselton took a role as half back linking with Max Tracey, and Reece Boadey was moved to try a position at Edge forward. Daniel Tabern and Joshua Burton stuck to their roles as full backs.

The team proved they had been listening at training and tried a few moves which gave them a boost when they worked out!

Rylands started the second half fast and before long were over for their second try leveling the scores.

Pilks though were not to be outdone today. Joshua Thiselton broke through players to get the ball up near the opposition try line and Joshua Burton scored a great try on the next play of the ball. Charlie Swift and Max Tracey were unlucky not to score as they made some great runs, Rebecca Benthom, Jack Bailey, Reece Boadey and Ethan Moore made great off loads. Daniel Sutton, Sam Caddick and Jacob Wilding again pressed forward. Kyle Prescot, Cameron Cranny, Aaron Cranny, Kian Hurst, Ryan White,Jack Bailey and Ethan Moore kept our defense tight, and with a neat side step Joshua Thiselton was over in the corner for Pilks fourth try.

Superb passing led the Pilks fifth try and the second on his debut for Ryan White who has fitted into the team with ease. Daniel Tabern, not to be outdone scored his second after some great moves to end the game.

Rylands put up a fierce battle and gave us a very testing game, which our team matched and more.

It was great to see how the players congratulated, supported and overall enjoyed playing as a team today!

Well done to everyone, all the parents and spectators were incredibly proud!

MAN OF THE MATCH: JOSHUA BURTON
TOP TACKLER: JACK BAILEY
MOST IMPROVED: JOSHUA THISELTON
THE STEVE MATAI AWARD: CHARLIE SWIFT

Special mention to Aprils PLAYER OF THE MONTH .. MAX TRACEY