Leeds 44 Liverpool St Helens 10 THE 44-10 scoreline flattered Leeds who although controlling most aspects of play, did not dominate a committed LSH, who never threw in the towel.

Leeds, the league's only full professionals, have spared no expense in amassing a diverse team of recent Internationals from Wales, Europe and the South Pacific, along with a few ex-Rugby League players with the sole intention of getting into the top bracket.

Although unbeaten at home, where they share Headingly with their illustrious league namesakes, having sold their own two grounds to provide finance for development, their away form has been indifferent, and they may yet have to wait another season to achieve promotion.

Their fate is in the hands of Exeter who, if they win their last two games, against Otley and Reading, will accompany Fylde into the second division.

The large and athletic forwards were presented with a first minute score, charging down an ill-directed clearance kick by LSH and putting prop Shelley over, Tuipulotu converting.

LSH spent the next 15 minutes attacking the Leeds line.

Relief came for Leeds when LSH centre Kevin Davies was harshly penalised for tackling Tuipolotu when the full-backs feet were adjudged to be off the ground.

The quickly taken penalty caught LSH off guard and centre Johnson scored a try converted by Tuipulotu.

Again LSH hit back but were unable to score.

Tuipulotu added a penalty, but after a further good spell, a quick penalty by scrum-half Eldoy put prop Tommy Jackson over. Brett's conversion attempt hit a post.

Leeds swarmed back and Gerry Ainscough scored, converted by Tuipulotu to give them a half time lead 24-5. Immediately after half time Leeds went further ahead when a long kick into LSH's 22 was caught by full back Graham who attempted to link with his backs, but his pass was adjudged forward and from the scrum Leeds scored through Shelley.

A long spell of pressure by LSH brought their second try through substitute scrum half Liddle who spotted a gap following a 15 metre scrum and scored.

Leeds then forced a scrum near LSH line and number five Green forced his way over. Fly half Stephens then added a drop goal for Leeds and 10 minutes from time scrum half Lawthorne went in for their sixth try to wrap up the scoring.

The last 10 minutes were all LSH who twice almost scored, props Lever and Jackson both being held on the line.

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