LIVERPOOL St Helens brought down the curtain on the South Lancashire/Cheshire One season with a cracker of a game in which the outcome was not settled until the very last kick of the game.

An end to end contest in which twelve tries were equally shared was a fitting acknowledgement to the significant history behind such clashes between the two teams.

The legendary match on Liverpool sands in 1857, with a ball from Rugby School, was played by two teams primarily from Liverpool and Manchester and the Liverpool and Manchester clubs played their first competitive game in 1860.

LSH had the better of the first half with winger Andrew Pickavance scoring in the 4th minute.

Setting the tone for the afternoon, Manchester replied with a try and a penalty soon after to take the lead before Pickavance then scorched over for his second try after an excellent move along the three quarters, this time converted by John Pape. LSH went further ahead on the half hour mark with a Phil Kearns trademark try from a catch and drive, again converted by Pape, who also landed a penalty just before the break.

There was however, still time for the visitors to hit back again with a fine running try in the right hand corner to make it 22-13 at half time.

The second half was a non-stop affair in which LSH went further ahead in the 45th minute when stand-off Dave Cunliffe powered over to score by the posts, converted by Pape.

Once again Manchester hit back with a converted try before Rainford lad Pickavance notched his hat-trick of tries, in the 53rd minute, with a fine burst scoring in the left hand corner.

The next 20 minutes belonged to the men from Manchester as they ran in three converted tries, including a 60 yard interception, to move into a 34-42 lead with seven minutes to go. Cue Jake Hodson.

The young winger has had a tremendous season and almost as though he had saved the best till last, he collected the ball deep in his own half and flew down the right wing past two men running round under the posts to score.

Pape converted to make it a one point game with little time left.

In truth neither side deserved to lose but just as time had almost run out, LSH were awarded a penalty 30 yards out, midway between the touchline and the posts.

John Pape stepped up and made no mistake before a sizeable and appreciative crowd, swelled by those attending the annual beer festival, loudly applauded both sides off the pitch.

On Saturday LSH contest the Divisional play-off away to Leigh. Kick off 3pm