ONCE again this season Recs were below their best, but a three-try burst in a dominant second half spell was enough to book their spot in the Lancashire Cup semi final.

Wayward passing and ill-discipline played into the hands of the Warrington visitors who took an early lead. Recs struggled for fluency but they were sparked into life by scrum half Andy Parr, whose defence splitting pass gave Nigel Pratt the space to send over winger Mark Rigby.

Moments later livewire Parr again probed before supporting a team-mate and diving over for a try. With an 8-6 advantage it appeared Recs would kick on, but errors continued, allowing Rylands to press down.

Under pressure, the home defence cracked again as Rylands kept the ball alive before sneaking over.

Recs faced a 12-8 half time deficit and injuries to both Pratt and Rigby forced a reshuffle. But the turnaround made a big difference and it was the likes of strong running sub Richard Rafferty and the direct Andy Burns who were making the yards.

Pressure rather than fluency that told, as full back Mark Ashton scored and Ste Rawsthorne converted to restore Recs’ lead. Next came the outstanding moment the match, as evasive centre Andy Lyons swooped on a loose ball and jinked past three defenders before feeding prop Rick Shaw.

Two defenders converged upon him but Shaw took route one to the line as he bounced off an upright and the challenges before plonking the ball down. Rawsthorne goaled.

Rafferty (C and S Tyres man of the match) then got a try as he used brute force to get over. Rawsthorne (Commhoist MOM) goaled and, although the visitors hit back, Recs had the game wrapped up.

1. Mark Ashton

2. Mark Rigby

3. Nige Pratt

4. Andy Lyons

5. Sean Forber

6. Ste Rawsthorne (c)

7. Andy Parr

8. Neil Morris

9. Peter Cahalin

10. Rick Shaw

11. John Rees

12. Mark Briody

13. Andy Burns

14. Danny Lynch

15. Adam Fogarty

16. Richard Rafferty

17. Mike Loughlin

Tries: Mark Rigby, Andy Parr, Mark Ashton, Rick Shaw, Richard Rafferty

Conv: Ste Rawsthorne (3)