Pilks A graft to Westhoughton win

Pilkington Recs A picked up a much needed win as they claimed their first in six league games, as they beat Westhoughton Lions 30-18 at Ruskin Drive.
It was a good start for Pilks, as they took the lead after just four minutes as Andy Knapper brilliantly supported Mikey Houghton's break to go through and score. Rob Marsh added the conversion to make it the perfect start for the home side.
It soon got even better for the hosts as they added a second try before the ten minute mark, as Pilks went through the short side and Elliot Dennett got in on a tight angle to score. Marsh nailed the touchline conversion to put Pilks in a comfortable position early on.
The home side then added a third midway through the second half as Knapper broke free again and grabbed his second try of a warm afternoon. Marsh scored the conversion again to make it an 18 point lead.
But almost straightaway, the visitors grabbed a try back, their first of the afternoon. It was converted as well to bring the Lions back into the game.
There were numerous water breaks throughout the game as both players adapted to the warm conditions.
The score stayed the same heading into half time with plenty still left to play for.
Westhoughton made the perfect start to the second half, grabbing another try back within just two minutes of the restart, it was converted as well to leave them just one converted try behind.
But Pilks soon grabbed back control of their destiny before the hour as Luke Riley got over from dummy half to score. Marsh nailed the conversion from in front of the posts to give Pilks their 12 point lead back. This was right before another water break.
The Lions didn't lie down and were playing a majority of rugby inside Pilks' half of the pitch. They eventually goth their reward and grabbed another try down the right hand side. It was converted as well meaning there was just one try in it with three minutes to go.
But with the last play of the game, Pilks sealed the game as Josh Lynch managed to power over from short range. Marsh scored the conversion and sealed a hard fought victory to move them clear of the bottom.
It is back to North West Mens League Trophy action for Pilks next week as they travel to unbeaten divisional rivals Chorley Panthers next Saturday.