ALTRINCHAM Kersal defeated Liverpool St Helens 21-18 in a fixture switched at short notice due to the continuing problem of lying water on the Moss Lane pitch.

LSH once again found themselves chasing the game at half time.

Despite registering two penalties neatly slotted by Matty Wood, they were outplayed by the Cheshire outfit scoring three converted tries for a 21-6 half time lead.

And then, for the third match in succession, it was if a different team had taken the field for the second half.

Just as at Winnington Park and Whitchurch, LSH fought back with greater intent and energy, and as in the two previous games, rescued a losing bonus point although on this occasion it could have been more.

The ever-busy Jack Kennedy pulled one back for the Moss Laners with a fine try from 30 yards, 21-11 before the LSH pack gradually took control.

With the second row of Paddy Royle and Ben Battison now firing, and the introduction of John Arnold having a significant impact, LSH reduced the arrears even further with ten minutes to go.

A strong forwards drive enabled the ever reliable Dan Webster to reach out and touch the ball down for the second try, converted by Rob Sexton.

Despite their best efforts and with a strong rear-guard action from the home side, that is how the game finished.

A game that was made possible by both clubs, and match officials travelling from Gloucester and Oswestry, co-operating with each other in such a short space of time, all determined to get the game on.

The Spirit of Rugby.