Egremont Rangers moved into fifth spot in the NCRL's Division One after producing a strong second half finish to eventually pull clear of Pilkington Recs. A late intercept by Jak Conway proved decisive in an entertaining encounter, helping secure a 46-24 victory in the sun in Round 7.
The visitors struck first after ten minutes when Connor Williams reacted quickest to a loose ball to open the scoring. Joe Lewis was unable to convert but Egremont led 4-0. Pilks responded strongly and edged in front soon after when Kieran Knapper converted a Ryan Lockett effort that came from a well-worked attacking set.
It was an arm-wrestle at this stage and Egremont regained control with Williams grabbing his second try. This time Lewis added the extras to restore the lead at 10-6. The visitors continued to apply pressure and extended their advantage when Jak Conway crossed for his first try.
Pilks kept themselves in contention and hit back through Aidyn Jones, who finished well to narrow the deficit in the 37th minute, although the conversion was missed. However, Egremont finished the half strongly. Sam Williams crossed to extend their lead to 10-18 at the break.
An early second half try by Jenson Burney, goaled by Joe Lewis gave further advantage to Egremont.
But Pilkington Recs came back with renewed intent and Warren Palladino soon powered over the line with Knapper on target again to close the gap to 16-24. Burney added his second try for the visitors after 57 minutes with a third goal from Lewis making it 16-30, before a spell of pressure was rewarded for Pilks when Keenan Parr crossed just after the hour mark, to make it 20-30.
The final ten minutes belonged to the visitors as Pilks wilted. Egremont scored three tries back-to-back with Joe Lewis adding the first after 71 minutes to stretch their lead to 20-34. With just three minutes remaining, the hosts' were desperate and as they pushed the ball wide, Conway intercepted to race clear, ending the game as a contest.
With the result now beyond doubt, Williams completed his hat-trick, adding Egremont’s ninth try for Lewis to slot over goal number six. Recs had the final say when Tyrese Daley crossed late on, but it was little more than consolation as Egremont celebrated their first away win of the season at the end.
Full-time: Pilkington Recs 24 Egremont Rangers 46
Date: Saturday 25 April
By Ste Beech
