London Welsh 55 Liverpool St Helens 12 LIVERPOOL St Helens suffered their second heavy defeat at London Welsh on Saturday.

But it has not destroyed the spirit of the Moss Laners.

The Exiles fielded only four of the team defeated by LSH at the end of last season. Well supported, financed and organised, unbeaten so far, the Welsh are bidding strongly to get back into the big league. Shrewd team building, including international rugby league centres Andy Courior and Scott Roskell, made the most of possession won by a solid pack organised by Rowland Phillips.

And ex Saint Clive Griffiths is moulding them into a very effective squad.

Before the visitors had run off the coach lag of a five hour Saturday morning motorway journey, London Welsh had taken control with a grip they never released.

Injuries and illness caused LSH to make several changes, and they fought hard, scoring two excellent second half tries through Dave Gaskell and Oliver Shelldrake. One of which Jim Salisbury converted. Debutants fly-half Graham Close and substitute back Paul Cummings made praiseworthy starts. They are two of the several promising youngsters in the Moss Lane ranks, building well for the future of the club.

On Saturday LSH entertain strugglers Morley, old foes who have fallen on hard times due to the loss of players to the predatory bigger Yorkshire clubs. A home win will retain the mid table position. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

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