Pilkington Recs were narrowly beaten on their crunch match with Egremont Rangers.

It was a Pilks team that showed five changes from the loss at Kells last time out. Ben O’Connell, Aidyn Jones, Dan Johnson Nathan Livesey and Ewan Gilford all dropped out of the side, while Tyrese Daley, Koby Prescott, Scott Simmons and Tom Eastwood all returning.

It had been a real battle in the first half, with both sides trying to claim the early ascendency.

But it was Pilks who took the lead. They moved the ball out wide and Tyler Duberry managed to get over. Tom Connick was off target with the conversion attempt.

Just seven minutes later, Egremont responded with the centre going over after a scrum. The kick was missed.

The hosts led at the break after they got the ball back in a dangerous area, and they made it count.

Pilks needed to respond in the second half, and they did through Elliot Martin. He got an arm free after being tackled close to the line and reached out to score. The kick was missed by Connick.

Things soon got even better. Jamie Smith was able to find some space and get the ball down for another try.

That soon became three tries in eight minutes. They got in on the right hand side again, this time it was the returning Daley who scored.

However, that lead would only last three minutes, as Egremont hit back. The centre got the ball in space and went over. The kick was good, making it a two point game.

They then retook the lead with less than 10 minutes to go. The ball was kicked forward, they got there first to score. The kick was good.

It was a frantic final few minutes, but the hosts held on to claim an important victory.

Pilks will now have next week off before welcoming Dewsbury Celtic to Ruskin Drive