Liverpool St Helens 16 Rosslyn Park 16

LSH got off to a fine start on Saturday when early pressure produced a try after five minutes.

A long kick by full-back Salisbury found touch. LSH won the line out and a series of mauls created the space for Matt Liddell to force his way over. In the absence of Paul Brett, Salisbury converted.

The good start was not maintained however and play became scrappy in difficult conditions. LSH gave away penalties through indisciplined play and a fussy referee. He made no allowances for the blustery wet elements and penalised them twice in five minutes allowing Park centre Maddock to kick the goals. An undistinguished first half ended with yet another penalty, and Maddock gave the visitors a 9-7 half-time lead.

LSH forwards had the better of the scrums, but the line-out play was poor, and Park dominated this important phase of the game. They were unable to capitalise on this possession, largely because of excellent midfield defence by Liddle, Pilkington, Sephton and Mike Hitchen, assisted by an active back-row of Gaskell, Wood and Lupton.

But after 20 minutes Park took the lead with a good try from Maddock following a lost line-out. Maddock also converted.

Park tried to hang on to their lead but a spell of indiscipline resulted in three penalties kicked by Salisbury in the last ten minutes to give LSH a deserved draw.

Brian Wellens' appearance seemed to inject some co-ordination and purpose into the LSH play and it is hoped that his injured hand is ready to stand up to the physical demands asked of it in the hard season ahead.

On Saturday LSH visit Wharfdale in a match they will be looking to win.

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