JOE Purcell grabbed the match-winning try as Halton Farnworth Hornets edged past Pilkington Recs 20-16 in a golden-point finish to the North West Men's League Division Two Grand Final at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Saturday.

Pilks opened the scoring after 22 minutes from Ryan Stephens’ short ball to Mark Aston.

But after an end-to-end first half Halton’s Danny Mellor touched down, Lewis Hulme stepping up to convert to give his side a 6-4 lead.

Hornets went ahead shortly into the second half, Tom Swift finishing off a fantastic attack to the right flank for 10-4 after Hulme’s conversion.

Pilks soon hit back as Jonathan Key powered over, Ben Gravener converting to level the scores, before the St Helens-based side regained the lead through Knapper whose half-back partner Stephens goaled for 16-10.

With time ticking, Halton full-back Alex Smith stepped up to give his side a lifeline. Hulme converted Smith’s try for 16-16, the third time the game had been level.

Hulme failed to slot a late penalty, while Pilks missed two drop-goal attempts and so the game headed to extra time.

The drama continued into golden point as Purcell looked like he was going to spill the ball on a frantic last-tackle play, only to recover with a chip over the top which he chased through to score and win the game.