Pilkington Recs A 26-27 Westhoughton Lions: Second Half comeback falls short

Pilkington Recs A's second half comeback was in vain, as they fell to a 27-26 defeat against Westhoughton Lions in the rain at Ruskin Drive.

The Lions took the lead after just three minutes. Phil Wadsley managed to power over after some early pressure. Jordan Gibbons' conversion attempt went in off the post.

Pilks managed to respond quickly, just two minutes later. Karl Ingham managed to slide over after a good move. Owain Abel missed the conversion attempt, meaning they still trailed by two points.

It was soon three tries inside the opening 12 minutes, as Westhoughton were able to stretch their lead out. Joe Charnley managed to get over out on the left-hand side. Gibbons was off target with his conversion attempt.

However, their cause was not helped by Chad Boyce being sent to the sin bin. He was sent for 10 minutes after stopping Pilks from making a fast restart after the ball went dead in goal.

Despite their disadvantage, the Lions went further ahead a minute later. They spread the ball out wide, and Tobias Bailey went over the line. Gibbons added the conversion.

Just before the break, Westhoughton scored their fourth try. Ryan Berry managed to get over by the posts. Gibbons hit the conversion.

In the final act of the half, Gibbons slotted over a drop-goal to give the Lions a 23-4 lead at the break.

Westhoughton started the second half in the same fashion they ended the first half with. Berry managed to power over for his second try. Gibbons was off-target with his conversion attempt.

However, this time, there was an instant response. Elliott Martin managed to break through a gap and get over under the posts. Abel scored the conversion to get Pilks into double figures.

Seven minutes later, Pilks got another one back. Connor Gavin managed to get over to get Pilks' tails up. Abel scored the conversion.

Soon after, Gavin was sent to the sin bin after kicking the ball away to prevent a quick restart.

With the clock winding down, Pilks continued to put pressure on the Westhoughton line. They got another try, despite their man disadvantage. Lewis Caine managed to get through and score. Abel converted to make it just a five-point game.

Pilks then almost completed their comeback with another try. Connor Marsh got free down the right hand side and managed to score out wide. Abel had the conversion attempt to win it, but it went just wide.

That meant Pilks lost by just one point. They will hope to put that right when they welcome Wigan St Patricks A to Ruskin Drive.