15th November 2008

PILKS scored seven tries as they strolled to victory, but the significant winning margin masks what was generally a disappointing performance.

Up against the NWC Premier Division’s bottom side Recs’ appeared to lack focus, contributing to a lackadaisical, error-strewn showing.

Clearly though there was a gulf in class and when Recs did string some fluent rugby together they threatened the opposition’s try line.

In-form centre Andy Lyons was the player to get Recs on the board in the seventh minute, darting over from close range after a smart pass by hooker Peter Cahalin.

Ste Rawsthorne converted, but 20 minutes of disjointed rugby followed before stand off Ryan Rogers scored the next try after Latchford’s defence bought his dummy.

Then strong running substitute Richard Rafferty touched down on the half hour, before full back Mark Ashton scored after backing up a Nigel Pratt break.

Two more Rawsthorne conversions left the score 22-0 at half time.

Recs made a sleepy opening to the second half, allowing the home side – who were down to 12-men after having a man sin binned – to score via a grubber kick.

A try though by grafting packman Rick Shaw put the game to bed, and that was followed by another from powerful centre Pratt.

With sub Danny Mason adding another – and Rawsthorne converting all three second half tries – the result was not going to be in question.

But the scoreline should not gloss over Pilks’ barrel load of knock ons and failure to make touch from penalty kicks on three occasions.

Commhoist man of the mach was Ryan Rogers, while Lyons and Shaw shared the C&S Tyres players’ award.