As Ruskin arrived at Waterloo Road, home of Southport, on Saturday, the sun was just breaking through the gloom of the early morning rain.

With the pitch in great condition, this was perfect conditions for the top of the table clash between Merseyside West’s two unbeaten teams, both vying for top spot in what is fast becoming a two horse race.

It was the worst start possible for Ruskin as within two minutes they were 7-0 down following an early try from Southport.

Shocked in to action, following a string of high scoring victories, Ruskin began to up their game and were rewarded with a try from Chris Lyon in the corner narrowing the gap 7-5.

Southport edged further ahead with a well worked try following a neat kick through the middle, pushing the score onto 14-5.

However, following Southport losing a man to the sin-bin, Ruskin took advantage of the extra man and Neale Foster crossed in the corner, Alex Stuart converting 14-12.

With half-time fast approaching, Ruskin won clean ball at the breakdown and Phil Thompson and Sam Hughes combined well to put Mike Farrelly clear.

Farrelly out-paced the Southport defence to cross out wide making it 14-17 at the break.

Southport began the second half with some sustained pressure in the Ruskin half, and were rewarded with a penalty under the posts after five minutes, this was duly converted levelling the scores with half an hour to play, 17-17.

Despite numerous attacks Ruskin’s defence held firm and the more experienced Ruskin pack managed to limit the possession for Southport.

With 15 minutes to go Southport launched an attack down the centre of the field and when the young Southport centre broke through the defence with the line at his mercy it was the evergreen player-coach Adam Fogarty who saved the day for Ruskin hauling him to the ground 10 metres short of the line.

Ruskin immediately upped the pressure at the other end of the field winning a penalty deep in Southport’s half.

Alex Stuart converting to nose Ruskin ahead 17-20.

The pressure continued on Southport and the Ruskin forwards worked tirelessly to gain excellent field position.

It was Adam Leadbetter who secured both the well-deserved victory and the bonus point, as he drove over the line with minutes to go.

Alex Stuart converting to make the final score 17-27.

After recent, relatively easy victories, it was good for players and spectators alike to be involved in such a hard fought and close encounter.

Credit must be given to Southport who fought hard to the end, and with the youth and skill on show, they will no doubt be destined for success in the future.

Ruskin will not be resting on their laurels, as next week they travel to Liverpool to take on St Edwards Old Boys; determined to maintain their top spot in the league.