Dudley Kingswinford 44 Liverpool St Helens 31

LSH gave up a 16-point half-time lead in this exciting National League Division Three clash.

Events in the first 15 minutes of the second half conspired against the visitors, enabling Dudley to overhaul the LSH lead established in the first 40 minutes.

Sean Casey opened the scoring after just five minutes, finishing off a fine move involving Darren Crilly, Simon Worsley and Danny Jones. Worsley converted.

Dudley opened their account when scrum-half and skipper Shaun Perry scored in the corner. But, aside from a further penalty to Dudley, the next 30 minutes belonged to LSH as their forwards, with Richie Bailey in commanding form and debutants Phil Hewitt and Rob Madle both performing well, provided plenty of possession.

Winger Danny Jones scored following powerful work by Casey, and the former Swinton RL captain scored his second try of the match with a 50-yard interception. Worsley, recording a 100 per cent performance with the boot for the second week running, converted both tries.

The 15 minutes after half-time were disastrous for LSH as they conceded 24 points and were reduced to 14 men. Dudley full-back Steve Smart scored immediately after the restart and converted his own try. Three minutes later LSH second-row forward Alan Marsh was shown the red card for alleged use of the knee, although most observers felt that the youngster had been harshly dealt with.

Dudley seized the initiative, wheeled a scrum, won the ball and centre Phil Baker went over under the posts. With the home side only two points behind the referee awarded a penalty try against LSH, adjudging that Casey's high tackle prevented a certain score by Baker. Smart converted to give Dudley the lead that was extended just two minutes later with a penalty to the Midlanders.

LSH now faced an uphill struggle that soon became a mountain to climb when Perry and Smart emphasised their superiority with a further try apiece. The visitors did not give up though and skipper Steve Cook sneaked in for a final try just before the end.

Table-topping New Brighton are this Saturday's visitors to Moss Lane (kick-off 2.30pm) in a Merseyside derby crucial to both clubs.

Liverpool St Helens are to celebrate 70 years of Rugby Union at Moss Lane with a special dinner at the club on Saturday, May 12, from 7.30pm. Further details from chairman Alan Walker on 0151 426 8974.