LIVERPOOL St Helens triumphed 9-0 over local rivals Ruskin Park by virtue of three successful second half penalties from stand-off Greg Smith.

The win, in a game played throughout in a bitterly cold howling gale and on a rain soaked surface, maintains LSH’s challenge in second place in South Lancashire/Cheshire One.

The above, however, does not do justice to a tremendous effort from the home side, particularly in the second half, completely belying their league position and keeping the result in the balance until the very last minute.

LSH kicked off into the wind and so began a scoreless 40 minutes in which both sides conceded seven penalties.

In that opening half prop John Windle injured his ankle and was replaced by Dave Pickavance who went on to have an excellent game.

Both sides created chances to score in the first 40 with Park’s pack producing a number of well organised drives and LSH looking more lively but making errors at crucial times.

And critically - in terms of the game’s outcome in such difficult conditions - the home side did not get any of their penalties in kickable range.

On the restart LSH immediately made good use of the wind and Smith made no mistake with a 35 yard penalty in the 43rd minute.

Both sides deserve massive credit for the rugby played in the second half with Park making good use of majority possession and LSH countering to put them under pressure.

Smith landed a second penalty after 51 minutes before Park enjoyed an excellent spell, with loose head prop John McGarvey having a fine game, thwarted only by a strong and well organised LSH defence. LSH came close on the counter with a barnstorming run from Sam Molyneux out of defence, continued by Dan Filson almost to the line, but it was not to be.

To the huge relief of the travelling LSH fans huddled together in the pitch-side stand, LSH were awarded another penalty with just seconds left.

Smith stepped up to convert it and the win was secured.

On a difficult day for rugby, skipper Phil Kearns once again stood out for the Moss Laners, Matt Cunliffe continued his fine season with another strong display and everyone else deserves credit for stopping Ruskin Park scoring.