11th Oct 2008

Parkside Golborne 4 Pilkington Recs 14

SKIPPER Ste Rawsthorne inspired Recs to a gritty away victory at Parkside.

The visitors’ delayed start to the season has left them scratching around for top form and, although they were again short of their best, resolute defence and a commanding display from their captain ensured they took the two points.

Rawsthorne gave Pilks an early lead with a penalty goal, but they fell behind when the home side went over from close-range.

The contest developed into a midfield slog among the forwards, with packmen Richard Rafferty and Rick Shaw prominent for Pilks. But with the attack lacking fluency, Recs needed the individualism of Rawsthorne to restore the lead as he surged over and then goaled to make the score 8-4.

Pilks opened the second half well, with hooker Peter Cahalin becoming influential.

However, they missed chances to extend the lead, most notably when John Rees spilled the ball close to the try-line.

Golborne came back strongly but Recs’ defence remained defiant with full back Mark Ashton, Rawsthorne and Rees all making vital tackles.

And, after soaking up pressure, John Ledger’s side countered magnificently.

Fifteen yards inside his own half Ryan Rogers put Nigel Pratt through a gap and the centre fed teenage winger Sean Forber.

With the defenders closing in Forber directed a beautifully weighted kick towards the posts which was gathered in by Rogers, who slid over for the match sealing try.

Commhoist man of the match was Rawsthorne, while young forward Mark Briody and Forber also impressed.

Man of the Match Ste Rawsthorne                   

Recs play their first home game of the season this Saturday when they face Rylands in the Lancashire Cup at City Road, kick off 2pm.

1. Mark Ashton.

2. Sean Forber.

3. Nigel Pratt.

4. Andy Lyons.

5. James Lacey.

6. Ryan Rogers.

7. Andy Parr.

8. Neil Morris.

9. Peter Cahalin.

10. Rick Shaw.

11. John Rees.

12. Mark Briody.

13. Ste Rawsthorne. (c)

14. Andy Fairhurst.

15. Adam Fogarty.

16. Richard Rafferty.

17. Mike Loughlin

Tries: Ste Rawsthorne, Ryan Rogers

Conv: Ste Rawsthorne (2)

Pen: Ste Rawsthorne