LIVERPOOL St Helens followed up last week’s decent start with a 25-11 win in front of their home crowd against Manchester Medics.

But they were made to work for every minute of the 80 by a lively and determined Medics outfit.

With the scores deservedly level after an even first half, the strength and experience of a number of those on display for LSH began to tell in the second.

LSH’s three tries to the Medics’ one produced a scoreline that, although worthy, slightly flattered the Moss Laners.

A scrappy first half, full of endeavour from both sides, produced few clear-cut scoring chances and two successful penalties apiece. Simon Worsley, rolling back the years at scrum-half, landed two for LSH, with Tom Boulter slotting two for the Medics.

LSH went ahead early in the second half, with Mark Williams and Phil Kearns, both outstanding throughout, inspiring their side into a series of strong drives. The pressure ultimately brought a try for prop Mark Fryer, converted by Worsley.

Settled down by Fryer’s try, the LSH backs had a run or two themselves and the Moss Lane faithful were taken down memory lane with the sight of Sean Casey, operating at inside centre, bursting through the Medics defence before passing to Matt Cunliffe, who unleashed full-back Jake Hodgson to sprint over for a try.

Medics then hit back strongly and a sequence of attacks close to the LSH line saw both Fryer and Kearns dispatched to the sin-bin.

The visitors took full advantage and scored a neat try in the 60th minute through number 8 Tom Lightburn. With only seven points between the sides and both going for the next score, LSH gradually began to assert themselves in the closing stages. They settled matters with four minutes to go when Mark Williams touched down after a number of reset scrums in the left-hand corner. Worsley showed that you never lose it with a touchline conversion to make it 25-11.

On Saturday LSH travel to Northwich, kick-off 3pm.