Pilkington Recs made it two wins from three after a hard-fought 16-6 win over Shaw Cross Sharks.

It was a Pilks side that showed six changes to the side beaten at Kells last time out. Ben O’Connell, Lewis Griffiths, Ryan Lockett, Warren Paladino and Ben O’Donnell all came out of the side. Replacing them were Aidyn Jones, Warren Hyland, Zak Hopkins, Richard Rafferty, Karl Ingham and Chris Stevenson.

After closely fought opening quarter, it was Pilks who took the lead. Phil Riley managed to break free and step past a couple of defenders to score. Tom Connick added the conversion for a six-point lead.

However, Pilks couldn't see that lead through to half-time. The visitors managed to break through, making it a level game at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, but Pilks ended up retaking the lead on 53 minutes. Jamie Smith broke up the middle and Aidyn Jones was there in support to score. Connick again added the conversion.

The game was hanging on a knife edge, and some great defence from Pilks kept them in front.

They got the try that would ultimately seal the game just past the hour. Tom Connick placed a little grubber kick into the in-goal, with him and Scott Simmons getting to the ball at the same time for a try. Connick couldn't convert that time.

They kept up their defensive efforts and seal another important victory in the battle to stay in Division One. They travel to Wigan St Patrick's, who sit two points above Pilks in the table, next Saturday.