Pilkington Recs lost out in their first friendly match of 2026 against Blackbrook at Ruskin Drive.

It wasn't an ideal start, with Pilks falling 12 down within 13 minutes. But they gave themselves hope with one of the final acts of the first half. Jamie Smith was able to use his power to bundle his way over. Tom Connick was unable to convert, but it was still a one-try ball game heading into the break.

That seemed to give Pilks a lift, as they got another back just four minutes into the second half. Ben O'Connell managed to reach a grubber kick from Connick to really get the hosts back into it. Connick again couldn't convert, but there was only two points in it now.

But near enough straight away, Brook scored again to help them breathe a little easier.

Frustration was then starting to creep in, and Pilks ended up finishing the match with 12 men, with O'Connell sent to the sin bin with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Blackbrook then added their final score in the closing stages to rubber stamp their victory.