Pilks A return with win

Pilkington Recs A marked their return after 13 months with a 38-22 victory over Haydock at Ruskin Drive.

Pilks fell behind after just 45 seconds, as Haydock picked off a Phil Riley pass on the first tackle and went over. The try was converted, giving the visitors a six-point lead.

However, the hosts were not behind for long, as Jack Roughley managed to get himself over. Lewis Caine hit the conversion to level the scores.

Just three minutes later, Pilks took the lead after Andy Nisbet got on the end of a kick and ran 40m to score. Caine hit the conversion to give Pilks a six-point lead.

Nisbet struck again just past the 20-minute mark after breaking free down the right-hand side to get over. Caine added the conversion.

Haydock pulled themselves back into the contest after half-an-hour, as their prop took in a short pass and went over from close range. The try was converted, meaning it was a six-point lead again for Pilks going into half-time.

The visitors pulled level just four minutes into the second half, after another short range effort. They scored the conversion.

Pilks hit the front again with just over 25 minutes to go, as halfback Aaron Lynch managed to get in on the short side. Caine added the conversion to give them a six-point lead again.

Just past the hour, Pilks took control after Connor Gavin, who had been off having treatment on a knee injury, got in in the corner. Caine was off-target for the first time, but Pilks had a 10 point lead.

Seven minutes later, Pilks got in on the left-hand side again, this time it was centre Joe Spencer who managed to cross the line. Caine pulled the conversion attempt just wide.

Hooker Phil Riley then got in on the act after getting over from close range with eight minutes to go. Caine was back on target with the conversion.

However, the final word would go to Haydock, as they crossed on the final play.

It was a successful first hit out for the seconds, who played their first game at Ruskin Drive since a 34-8 win over Westhoughton Lions in the North West Men's League Trophy in February last year.