AMATEUR rugby league finally restarted last weekend for Clock Face Miners and Pilks Recs after a frustrating 12-months out due to Covid-19 restrictions when the sides met in a pre-season friendly.

It was Clock Face who came out on top when they defeated Pilks 24-18 at Ruskin Drive.

Pilks took an early lead when Andy Morris crashed over for a try on four minutes, converted by Kyan Knapper. But, Clock hit back when hooker, Lewis Geraghty, scooted over for a try from close range with Jordy Cresser converting.

Pilks hit the lead again when Owain Abel was put through a gap and raced 20 metres to score out wide. However, Clock levelled the scores when a Shaun Costello pass put Tom Taylor in for a try on Clock’s left edge.

Jordan Morris powered his way over to give Pilks a 14-10 lead at half time.

Pilks extended their lead seven minutes into the second half when Abel stepped his way through the Clock defence for his second try.

As the game edged towards the final ten minutes Clock hit back with a short range try for Costello with Cresser converting.

Minutes later Clock hit the front when Michael Carney collected a kick and offloaded to the supporting Callum Topping who crashed over for the try. Clock sealed the win when Costello crashed over for his second try minutes from full time.

Clock’s NWML also won in their pre-season friendly 50-18 against Liverpool Lions at Clock Rec with a four try haul for Bryan Unsworth.