Pilks draw second straight away game

Pilkington Recs A drew 12-12 for the second away game in a row at Cadishead Rhinos, who go top of the league.

In a point-less first half, both sides had chances up the pitch, but a combination of good defence and handling errors meant there was no points on the board.

The second half had started in much the same vain, until the hosts took the lead just before the hour. They worked the ball into space on the right, and managed to score in the corner. The conversion was scored, meaning the Rhinos were six up.

But just four minutes later, Pilks responded. They had some pressure close to the line, and Tez Riley was able to make it count by barging over. Owain Abel missed the conversion.

The scores were level soon after, Abel slotted a penalty from 20 metres out for a ball steal.

Abel then showed his quality, with a step to evade the defence through the middle, and run 30 metres to score. He added the conversion to give Pilks a six-point lead with seven minutes to go.

A knock on close to the line gave Cadishead some field position,and they managed to make it count by scoring on the left-hand side. The conversion was missed, meaning they still trailed by two points.

There was to be one final twist. A penalty with seconds to go allowed the Rhinos to level it up. They also had enough time to try a drop-goal, although it was short and wide.

Both sides were left to settle for a point, and with Leigh Miners not in action, it left both sides with the chance to go top. A draw was enough for the Rhinos.

Pilks will be hoping to return to winning ways next week when they welcome Folly Lane to Ruskin Drive.