Liverpool St Helens 0, New Brighton 32

LSH failed to show the improved form they have shown in the last four matches and paid the penalty against a well- drilled New Brighton side.

In the early stages the home side competed well and, although they faced a strong wind, they held their own territorially without actually threatening to score a try.

However, the New Brighton forwards soon built up a head of steam and LSH struggled to contain their two outstanding flankers who were to the fore in all the early exchanges.

When they were given the opportunity the visitors moved the ball around with confidence and forwards and backs combined in an impressive manner and after an initial push down the right hand side their number eight burst through a number of weak tackles to engineer a converted try under the posts.

LSH worked hard in defence, with scrum-half Matt Liddle outstanding in this area, but inevitably gaps appeared as the cover was stretched and the visitors were able to score three further tries during the game.

Michael Jones and Dave Topping worked particularly hard to give a lead to their team mates but others were unable to raise their game sufficiently to compete on a level.

LSH now face a critical stage in their season as they play all the teams at the foot of the table and they must quickly return to better form if they are to stave off the threat of relegation.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.