LIVERPOOL St Helens began their campaign in South Lancs/Cheshire One with a hard fought 26-17 win at Manchester.

With a cohesive pack dominating throughout they were in control for much of the game but were severely tested by a lively home side.

The opening day win was underpinned by a strong and determined performance from all 15 on the park. Manchester scored first when full back Doug Day neatly avoided two LSH defenders to score near the left hand corner. LSH responded well and a penalty, converted into a scrum, was successfully pushed backwards over the try line after 12 minutes for Phil Kearns to touchdown, converted by Matt Cunliffe.

Seven minutes later LSH repeated the procedure although when the scrum was stopped Kearns dashed over from three yards to score.

The first half action was far from over as Manchester then had much the better of the final 15 minutes.

It was probably here that the game was won and lost as the home side created half a dozen chances all of which were repelled by a strong and sterling defensive effort enabling LSH to reach half time seven points in front, 5-12.

A Matt Cunliffe penalty early in the second half edged LSH further ahead,before Manchester hit back in the 48 minute with a converted try from centre Steve Pearson to make it 12-15.

With Matt Cunliffe in the sin bin Matt Johnston was called upon to convert the next penalty in the 55th minute. LSH then pressured again and 12 minutes later following another Dave Cunliffe break, stand-off John Pape threw out a long pass left finding Mark Potter. The second row then galloped over at pace from 15 yards.

Manchester capitalised on a poor clearance kick to score close to the left hand corner to bring the encounter back to a one score game at 17-23.

LSH, however, were not to be denied and another Matt Cunliffe penalty close to the end put the issue beyond doubt.

LSH are at home to Manchester Medics on Saturday, kick off 3pm.