24 January 2009

 

Milford Marlins 14 Pilkington Recs 24

Carnegie Challenge Cup 1st Round

 

A THRILLING fightback inspired by stand off Ryan Rogers saw Recs win in Yorkshire to progress to the second round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

It is more than a quarter of a century since the men in red, amber and black played in the famous competition and the resilience that John Ledger’s side showed in Leeds underlined their determination to enjoy a cup run.

For the majority of the opening half Recs were under siege from the Marlins, who lead the National Conference Second Division.

But a rearguard action - led by defensive rock Andy Burns - prevented the Yorkshiremen from running away with this game.

After defending manfully for 23 minutes Recs let in two tries in quick succession as Steven Mead and Chris Smith both went over for Milford.

But Recs - who were given a special training session by Warrington Wolves’ Lee Briers ahead of this contest - dug in.

And scrum half Greg Smith jinked down the blind side before sending centre Nigel Pratt crashing over for a try that left the half time score 10-4.

Ledger introduced livewire half back Danny Lynch for the injured Smith at the break and the momentum began to swing back in Recs’ favour.

They drew within two points of the Marlins as winger Mark Rigby slipped an inside pass for Pratt to dive over from close range.

The home side hit back with a brilliant try which saw the ball go through about a dozen pairs of hands before scrum half James Morley crossed.

But from then on 20-year-old Rogers took charge, with an adventurous kick from a scrum providing the field position from where John Rees went surging over.

Ste Rawsthorne converted to put Pilks in front before Rogers handled twice in a move that sent Rees striding in for his second.

Rawsthorne goaled - and with the front row of Neil Morris, Peter Cahalin and Ricky Shaw working tirelessly - Recs held on to the lead until sub Andy Parr touched down a grubber kick to seal victory.