BOTH sides deserve enormous credit for producing such an entertaining game in such dreadful conditions.

A swirling wind with squally showers, turning heavy in the second half, with wet conditions underfoot, proved to be a mere inconvenience in a game which lacked nothing in effort and endeavour and had plenty of skilful rugby on display.

LSH took the field with Jan Lourens, Phil Kearns and Greg Smith in their ranks and with Dave Cunliffe on the bench and in such testing conditions and against a strong and determined New Brighton side their presence proved to be crucial in determining the outcome.

On days like these there is no substitute for experience and know-how and with skipper Darren Wilson calling the shots from the base of the scrum and second rower Mark Potter once again bossing the lineout, Saturday was a day for the more mature element of the LSH squad to show the way.

LSH, playing into the wind, enjoyed the better opening and went ahead after eight minutes after a finely worked move along the backs saw full back Dan Filson joining the line and passing to Jake Hodson, cutting in sharply to score his ninth try of the season, close to the posts. Filson converted.

LSH continued to make the running for the next ten minutes or so but were met by a resilient New Brighton defence. This was turned into attack as the visitors began to win more ball and in turn, they controlled the second quarter.

New Brighton almost scored but for a last ditch try saving tap-tackle from Wilson before a strong series of carries brought a penalty successfully kicked in the 28th minute.

Then, in the final minute of the half, they scored a try by the right hand corner flag for a 7-8 lead at half time.

LSH restored their advantage three minutes after the break when Smith made a decisive break towards the New Brighton line leading to the LSH pack putting together a powerful maul enabling Sam Molyneux to claim the touchdown. Filson converted.

Both sides were determined to play an open style of rugby and were helped greatly by the welcome approach of referee Daniel Taylor in letting the game flow.

LSH went further ahead in one such sweeping attack in the 54th minute, finished off with a fine run in by Filson, continuing his excellent season.

LSH tried hard to get the all-important fourth try but it was not to be.

In keeping with the tempo of the game and the closeness of the exchanges, New Brighton had enough left to grab a second try and a losing bonus point just before the close.

No-one could begrudge the visitors that.

This week LSH travel to the Isle of Man to play Douglas.