Liverpool St Helens 12 London Welsh 50 A 28-POINT blast in the final 18 minutes gave London Welsh an emphatic but flattering victory at Moss Lane.

Until well into the second half, LSH, particularly in the forwards, had given such a good account of themselves against the league leaders that the visitors suddenly realised that they would have to pull out all the stops to seal a victory.

This they did to such good effect against a tiring home team who never threw in the towel, that four converted tries were scored in quick succession.

Coach Clive Griffiths has assembled a professional side containing classy and speedy backs and a superb back row, but he must be concerned about the ability of his front five to compete in the higher division following promotion which is almost certain next season.

LSH's pack often forced the exiles backwards at pace in the mauls and competed well in the scrums. Welsh won the lines out but improvement is being achieved in this department by LSH at last.

A half-time score of 10-7 was a true reflection of the first half play. The exiles took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but LSH hit back when forward pressure produced a try for flanker Tim Wood, converted by Brian Wellens. An early second half try to the Welsh was followed by the loss to LSH of skipper Wellens with a facial injury and, although not on top form in his attacking play, his defensive contribution was immense, and his direction and distribution was sadly missed in a back division already missing through injury and unavailability Jim Salisbury, Mark Sephton, Mike Hitchen, Danny Jones and Paul Brett.

A try by Andy Currier, who led his back division with experience and intelligence, might have sealed matters, but LSH roared back and the ever-alert Tim Wood snapped up a loose ball and scored his second try from 40 metres.

LSH continued to compete, and the game swung from end to end before the visitors' final burst produced an unrealistic score line. Welsh deserved their win and in Currier and Rowland Phillips, they have two experienced former Rugby League players whose contribution is considerable.

No joy then for the Moss Laners. Their forwards however, can look back on an afternoon where they were not dominated, and they fought to the bitter end.

An important away game follows at Harrogate on Saturday which is a four pointer. Kick off 2.30pm.

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