Elland pay for poor first half

Pilkington won the toss and chose to play against the wind in the first half but still built a match-winning 22-0 lead.

They were soon on the scoreboard when a nice grubber kick on the last tackle produced a converted try out wide.

Their kick off was deep and a turnover ball set them up to pass down the line and score on the wing. The kick was missed.

Pilkington extended their lead to 16-0 when a forward burst through in the middle of the pitch and received good support for a try under the posts.

Danny Lynch converted and the elusive-running scrum half was on target again following his own try.

Just before half time Elland started to wake up and a chip kick was caught and touched down but a try was ruled out for off-side.

A fine try from Richard Crawshaw led to an upturn in Elland’s fortunes.

From the kick off, he took the ball virtually on his own try line and ran the length of the pitch unchallenged to score under the posts. Phil Taylor converted for 22–6.

Pilkington were now under pressure and Elland’s man of the match Alex Milburn caught their drop out and returned the ball with interest, only the post threatening to stop him. Taylor’s kick cut the deficit to 10 An interception try to the hosts interrupted Elland’s fightback to make it 28–12.

Chris Dyson side-stepped several players to add a further four points for Elland and then winger Oliver Fairbank was nudged into touch before he could cross the try line.

Pilkington came back with some good passing but a try was disallowed for a knock on.

Elland’s next match is at home to Milford Marlins on May 30.