Pilks edged out in final friendly

Pilkington Recs A were edged out 20-18 by Heysham Atoms in their final pre-season friendly at Ruskin Drive on Saturday.

It was the perfect start for Pilks however, after Chris Clayton burst his way through with barely a minute on the clock. Andy Knapper converted to make it a six-point advantage.

Heysham soon got back into it with an unconverted try after six minutes, the visitors then took the lead after 24 minutes and hit double figures with the successful conversion.

Play was then stopped for 15 minutes while Kurt Asson received treatment on the pitch after being knocked unconscious in a tackle. He was stretchered off the field and eventually went off to hospital in an ambulance for further checks.

When play resumed, Pilks retook the lead as Mikey Houghton managed to find a gap and go through the defence to score. Knapper was again on target to make it 12-10 at the break.

However, the visitors were not lying down as they went back in front, just six minutes into the second half, but the conversion was missed, meaning they led by two points.

Just past the hour, Pilks retook the lead for a third time as Houghton managed to get through for his second of the afternoon. Knapper kept up his perfect record with the boot to take Pilks four points in front.

The winner came for Heysham in the final ten minutes, the conversion was good, meaning the NWML Premier Division side came away with the spoils.

It was a very close game, and one Pilks can learn from going forward. They enter the North West Mens League Trophy next week at Westhoughton Lions.