LIVERPOOL St Helens found promotion rivals Northwich far too good in this South Lancashire/Cheshire One clash, losing 40-7.

Without a game for the previous five weeks and looking like it, Andy Northey’s men found themselves up against a recently strengthened side on a nine game winning streak, fresh from another win the previous Saturday.

The opening few minutes belonged to LSH before the home side opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a try from Underhill.

The opening pattern was resumed with LSH enjoying most of the territory and possession. On the 17th minute LSH opened their account with a try from a line-out by Phil Kearns, converted by Dan Filson for a two point lead.

Northwich replied four minutes later with a penalty.

The next 15 minutes proved a stalemate with both sides fighting to gain an edge with the home side eventually proving successful, Chris Bradshaw charging over for a converted try just before half time.

The second half belonged to Northwich who went 14 points ahead with two successful penalties.

Another try was added before the fourth was achieved in a fortuitous fashion when a lineout was awarded to the blacks and it looked like the mark had been confirmed. Northwich took a quick lineout way behind the mark and the LSH defence froze expecting it to be recalled.

The referee allowed play to continue leaving the LSH defence all at sea presenting Northwich centre Sam Naylor with the try followed by a concluding one from Outram.

Although outplayed the score line does not reflect how tough and uncompromising the game was nor the effort put in by the Moss Laners.

West Park are the visitors to Moss Lane on Saturday kick off 2.15.