LIVERPOOL St Helens took on third-placed Tarleton in the latest round of the ADM Counties division one, eventually coming out 14-8 victors, but only after some sterling work in defence to hold out a spirited display from the visitors.
Tarleton kicked off, and with a cold north easterly breeze at their backs, LSH were soon on the attack.
After both sides had come close to scoring, LSH finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with young back rower James Appleton (playing in the centre) forcing his way over from short range, after some fine work from the forwards, Jake Dickinson converting.
In an evenly matched tussle the Moss Laners, after a strong period in defence, emerged to go further ahead just before half time, after some more fine work from the forwards.
Matty Rabette led the charge feeding Matt Cunliffe for the in-form full back to crash over, Dickinson again converting for a 14-0 lead at the break Early in the second half, Tarleton hit back with a penalty to keep them in the game before both sides created chances.
However this was a day, when the rain never stopped and when defence outplayed attack, with LSH producing a power packed defensive performance.
This restricted the visitors, now with a strong wind at their backs, to one consolation try, from the last touch of the game.
As the Moss Laners made their way from the field, news drifted in about West Park’s win at Didsbury, a result which leaves LSH four points clear at the top of the league with two games remaining.
On Saturday LSH are at home to Widnes, 3pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here