Henley 54 Liverpool St Helens 14 THIS was a disappointing end to the National Cup run as LSH crashed to a heavy defeat against a Henley side two division higher.

To suggest that the difference in status was reflected in the scoreline would be misleading as the Moss Lane men were almost entirely responsible for their own downfall.

The game started in sunshine more suited to the regatta than rugby, with both sides having little to show for their efforts in the first 20 minutes. Then Henley seized upon a moment of indiscipline from LSH, resulting in Stefan Ferreira being sin-binned, when James Winterbottom scored their opening try, converted by Barry Reeves.

Minutes later Peter Evans joined the young South African in the sin-bin after a high tackle and Henley scored their second try through winger Pete Davies. All this after LSH had spurned two excellent chances when close to the Henley line leaving the visitors trailing 20-0 at half time.

Henley, by now relishing the prospect of victory showed no mercy in the second half running in five more tries, two scored by scrum half Ben Ayres who dominated proceedings all afternoon.

LSH, with the untiring presence of full back Sean Casey, continued to play with one hundred per cent effort but made little impact. Consolation

Belatedly Mjike Tehakoute was introduced from off the bench with just 25 minutes to go and immediately blitzed the Henley defence setting up a try for Danny Jones converted by Simon Worsley.

It was the Cameroon International who also grabbed the final consolation try close to the end.

A sorry afternoon for LSH who must learn to be more controlled, make less errors, and above all reduce their penalty count if the early season promise is to be fulfilled.

Another tough task lies ahead this Saturday, October 20 when Darlington MP come to Moss Lane, kick off 3pm.