LIVERPOOL St Helens gave their all in the much awaited top of the table clash at Altrincham Kersal but were unable to match the leaders as Kersal claimed the South Lancashire/Cheshire One title.

In a similar story to last year the Moss Laners have found themselves short of key personnel in the closing stages of the season, particularly amongst the backs, and just as at Glossop a fortnight ago, it showed at Stelfox Avenue on Saturday. Hearteningly however, this time around a number of young local players, Sam Scott, Paddy Royle, Matty Johnston and Mike Romano for instance, are making the most of the opportunities presented to them and the club and they, will surely benefit next year.

On Saturday these lads and the rest of the LSH side contributed more than fully to an excellent game of rugby, despite the conditions, in which they probably had greater possession than the home side but were unable to make it count. Kersal looked bigger and stronger, were extremely well organised, particularly in defence where they hardly missed a tackle and took full advantage of their scoring opportunities when they came.

Two short range push over tries after eleven minutes and immediately before the half time whistle, one converted, gave the home side a 12-0 lead. This was extended three minutes into the second half, somewhat harshly, when the referee awarded Kersal a penalty try with alarming alacrity, to extend the damage to 19-0.

Far from capitulating LSH knuckled down and produced a tremendous fighting display with James Burrows, now warming to his emergency role as scrum half, having an outstanding game. The entire pack including the vastly experienced duo of Lee Nevitt and Alan Donlevy, on as replacements, raised their game.

As the seventieth minute approached they took the ball from their own twenty two yard line all the way to the opposition try line in what one observer estimated to be 86 continuous phases before perhaps the hardest working lad of all, Joe Bate was rewarded with a try. Matty Johnston converted.

As time ran out, deserved champions Altrincham Kersal looked for a fourth try and as the heavens opened scored it down the right flank.

The victory and the Championship was joyously acclaimed by the home support and rightly so.

Meanwhile, as the LSH players trudged off, they could do so knowing that they had left absolutely nothing on the pitch and that the play-off game now definitely awaited.

LSH travel to De La Salle on Saturday for the semi-final of the Lancashire Trophy. 3pm kick off.