Pilkington Recs managed a 16-16 draw at fellow St Helens side Clock Face Miners in a game which had much more than local pride at stake.

Both sides are firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion to Division One, and would have seen this game as an opportunity to steal a march in the battle.

It was Clock Face who drew first blood after just 12 minutes gone, after a good break from the fullback. The kick was missed, meaning the advantage stood at four points.

It took Pilks 10 minutes to respond. A kick went high against the wind, and it wasn't dealt with by the defender, allowing Ryan Lockett to pounce on the loose ball to score. Kyran Knapper converted to put the visitors ahead.

Just a few minutes later, Pilks found themselves down to 12, as Warren Palladino was sent to the sin bin for stopping a quick restart.

Things got even worse soon after. After a clash following a ruck, Harry Coleman was sent off, leaving Pilks with 11 players on the pitch. Clocak Face also had a man sent to the sin bin in the same incident.

Despite playing with two less players, it was the visitors who struck next. In trying to defend on their own line, Clock Face tried to ground the ball in goal, but couldn't hold onto it, and George Hannan got there to score. Knapper couldn't convert this time.

Pilks were also forced into a reshuffle in the second half, after Callum Derrick was forced off the pitch after taking a knock.

It was a fast start to the second half for the hosts, as they levelled within a minute of the half kicking off.

But it did not take Pilks long to strike back. Hannan got the ball from close range and powered over for his second. Knapper converted for a six-point lead.

The rest of the second half proved a real test of both side's mettle, and neither were giving an inch.

But Clock were able to level once again with 10 minutes to go and set up a grand stand finish.

Both sides had attempts at the drop-goal. First, Andy Knapper fired wide for Pilks, before two attempts from the hosts which also didn't find the target.

That meant both sides had to settle for a draw, and the race for second place remains wide open. Pilks face another tough test next Saturday when they welcome the unbeaten league leaders East Leeds to Ruskin Drive.