Pilkington Recs suffered a fourth straight defeat after a narrow defeat at Leeds based Oulton Raiders.

Pilks had made seven changes from the side that lost against Egremont Rangers last time out. Aidyn Jones, Tyrese Daley, Tom Eastwood, Liam Potter, Mark Ashton, Ryan Lockett and Harry Coleman all came out of the side for various reasons. Replacing them were Owain Abel (who was making his rugby league return, more than two years since he last played for North Wales Crusaders), Elliot Martin, Lewis Griffiths, Ben O'Connell, Scott Simmons, Ben O'Donnell and Jamie Smith.

It was a good start for Pilks, who opened the scoring after just a few minutes. Kyran Knapper's delicate kick was collected by the returning Abel, who evaded the defence to go over. Knapper then converted to open up a six-point lead.

Soon after, Pilks doubled that lead, Knapper getting the ball from first receiver and crashing over for the try. He then converted his own try for a 12-point advantage.

Oulton hit back, but straight away, Pilks reasseerted their advantage. O'Connell intercepted and ran half the length of the pitch to score the try. Knapper added the conversion to make it 18-6.

In the final eight minutes of the half, the hosts went over three times to turn the game on its head and put them in front at the break.

It got worse as well, as Oulton scored the first try of the second half to stretch their advantage to eight points. To make matters worse, Knapper also had to come off after that after going over on his ankle in the build up.

Pilks needed a response, and they got it. O'Connell diving through a gap to get his second try. With Knapper off the pitch, Tom Connick took over kicking duties, and got it.

Just two minutes later, Pilks led again. They spread the ball out wide, and Keenan Parr was able to crash over. Connick couldnt convert this time.

With the game hanging on a knife edge, it was Oulton who managed to get the decisive try.

Pilks tried to find the score that would swing the pendulum their way again, but the hosts were able to hold out and claim victory. Pilks will be hoping for more when they welcome Oldham St Annes to Ruskin Drive next Saturday.