Widnes Albion 36 Pilkington Recs 8

RECS flattered to deceive in the first quarter of this contest as they took an early 8-0 lead for 20 minutes. The well drilled title chasing Albion however gradually overhauled Recs and took control of the game.

The visitors were first on the scoreboard after 10 minutes. Good early running from John Pennington, Graham Cranney and Ian Connolly saw them on the attack. Play was switched to the left as scrum half Andy Lyons broke the line from 30 metres out and he galloped in to score. Full back Mark Forber kicked the conversion.

Soon after as Recs went close to crossing again in the left corner, John Rees and Dave Archer were both held up. A penalty for obstruction saw Forber tag on his second goal.

A bomb that was allowed to bounce saw Albion cross for their first score on 20 minutes. Three more tries at regular intervals eased them into an 18-8 interval lead.

The second half deteriorated, but the homesters managed to score three more well worked tries, one scored on the seventh tackle.

The closest Recs came to scoring was 10 minutes from time when Recs put wingman Archer over, only for the score to be ruled out from 30 metres away for a forward pass.

In a below par second half showing, Recs, St Helens Windows man of the match was the industrious Andy Lyons. Hardworking prop Graham Cranney played well as did strong running wingman Rick Shaw.