Liverpool St Helens 20 Waterloo 14

LIVERPOOL St Helens triumphed by two tries to one in this evenly-matched Lancashire Cup quarter-final at Moss Lane.

Eric Hughes named an unchanged team for the third week running and LSH took the lead with a penalty by Simon Worsley after 12 minutes.

Waterloo, resting a number of first teamers after their exertions at Manchester the previous day, replied with a penalty from Paul Williams.

A period of LSH pressure midway through the first half led to centre Sean Casey bursting through the Waterloo defence to score, converted by Worsley. Williams reduced the deficit to one point with penalties for Waterloo either side of half-time.

In a dour second half, both sides made basic errors and LSH were to be grateful that the Waterloo kicker was having an erratic day.

A Simon Worsley penalty was followed by Waterloo's best period of the match leading to a fine try from Dave Telford and with six minutes left the Blundellsands men were in front for the first time 14-13.

But this young LSH side have been improving all season and they were not to be denied.

Systematically and effectively the pack worked the ball down the right flank, retaining possession following numerous phases of play until skipper Steve Cook fed fans' favourite Njike Tchakoute, who powered over the line from close range with just a minute left on the clock.

Worsley converted to seal victory and set up a semi-final clash with Division One side Manchester.

It is back to National League action this Saturday when LSH face new league leaders Sedgeley Park at Moss Lane (kick-off 3pm).