A DROP goal in the dying moments by Tom Connick salvaged a win that even at this stage of the season could be vital to Recs’ title chances. The cool-headed teenager landed the one-pointer as Cuthberts appeared set for a share of the spoils with the scores deadlocked at 16-16. The home side went into the fixture missing several experienced players, but with Connick’s fellow GB Community Lions under 18s tourist Danny Filson also impressing, it underlined the strength in-depth of the club’s open-age squad. In a tight first half Recs fell behind when their attack broke down and Cuthberts scrum half Houghton scooped up the ball before racing 70-metres to score. John Ledger’s side responded positively when centre Nigel Pratt jinked on the outside of an opponent and sent winger Filson dashing in at the corner for a try on his debut.  Rawsthorne’s conversion drifted wide but moments before half time Recs took the lead when Connick’s incisive pass put Pratt clear and he sent supporting stand off Daryl Lacey to the tryline. Recs’ lead was 10-6 at the break and attacking down the slope, they extended the advantage when winger James Lacey touched down a grubber kick that had caused panic in the home side’s defence. Rawsthorne’s goal gave the red, amber and blacks a ten point advantage – and with young backrower Mark Briody leading the way in defence – they appeared in command. But Cuthberts’ powerfully-built sub Matty Lowe was proving a real handful and his charges up Recs’ right flank offered then platform for sub Riley to register a quick-fire double, the second goaled by Jamie Dallimore to tries the scores. In dramatic closing stages Pilks rallied – and after dragging one opportunity wide – Connick stepped up to land the drop goal that sunk last year’s BARLA National Cup runners-up. Connick was the Commhoist man of the match and Filson took the C&S Tyres players’ player of the match honour. |