27th December 2008

RECS’ dreams of Lancashire Cup glory were shattered as they were defeated by superb Simmies.

Both sides went into the BARLA county cup final at LSH's Moss Lane ground on Saturday with unbeaten records this season.

But it was the Widnes outfit, led by the outstanding stand off Jamie Durbin and loose forward Gary Middlehurst, who turned in a classy display to sink disappointing Recs.

Pilks were on the back foot from the start and Simmies’ pressure told as livewire Durbin touched down a deflected grubber kick for a converted try after seven minutes.

Recs struggled to escape the clutches of Simmies’ well marshalled defence and when John Rees did break clear following a Ste Rawsthorne pass he was hauled down a yard from the tryline by a magnificent last ditch tackle.

John Ledger’s side were also hampered by injuries, with Rees and full back Mark Ashton left dazed by heavy blows and hooker Peter Cahalin forced out of the game with a nasty facial wound.

Dominant Simmies took advantage of Recs’ difficulties, cutting the defence apart wide out to create tries for centre Dave Percival and winger Ray Waring to open up a 16-0 lead.

But in first half injury time Recs did grab a lifeline when stand off Ryan Rogers hacked on a Greg Smith kick and touched down for a converted try that left the score 16-6 at half time.

However, in the second half Simmies strengthened their grip on the contest as Percival grabbed his second before man of the match Durbin jinked over the line and was awarded a try despite Recs’ protests that he did not ground the ball.

Trailing by 18, the match appeared beyond Pilks, however, sparked into life by the introduction of sub Danny Lynch, they did rally bravely.

With seven minutes remaining, Lynch slipped out an offload that sent prop Ricky Shaw crashing over and in the dying moments winger Danny Davies crossed wide out following a fine handling move.

But Recs ran out of time to stage a fightback and Simmies deservedly lifted the trophy.