A GAME which swung first one way and then another, in which both sides gave their all, saw Liverpool St Helens produce a blistering final ten minutes to win the game and then almost lose it.

After being 12-0 up the Moss Laners had no answer to Manchester’s twenty point scoring spree either side of half time and found themselves 12-20 down with 20 minutes to go.

Seemingly under the cosh and with Dave Cunliffe having a ten minute rest, LSH rallied to take the game to the visitors and reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when a move sparked by the never-say-die full back Jake Hodson was continued through a pack drive before being swung all the way along the back line to winger Andy Pickavance who finished neatly by the left corner flag.

With just two minutes to go LSH attacked again down the left, won a penalty, kicked for touch, won the lineout and drove for the line.

When stopped just short, the irrepressible Cunliffe, now back in the fray, took a hand and charged over from short range to score to put LSH 22-20 in front.

Dan Filson missed the wide conversion.

There was still time for Manchester to restart and charge forward and win a penalty on the 22 metre line as LSH were immediately penalised.

With memories of the added time penalty kick defeat by Liverpool Collegiate fresh in the minds of the Moss Lane Faithful, fingers were crossed and breath was held as the Manchester kicker stepped forward to miss by a whisker.

Earlier LSH had made an excellent start with two tries in the first twenty five minutes, both from tap penalties.

The first came after six minutes from skipper Darren Wilson and the second from prop Mark Fryer, continuing his fine season.

With young back rowers Dan Webster and Sam Molyneux working effectively and continually making inroads into Manchester territory the scene was set for LSH to push on and extend their lead. Manchester however had other ideas and playing a more expansive game registered a converted try and a penalty either side of half time to take an eight point lead.

LSH, in turn, seized the initiative to fight back and produce the bonus point win which maintains their third place in South Lancashire/Cheshire One and leaves them just about hanging onto the coat tails of the two leaders, Northwich and West Park.

Next Week LSH are away at Glossop. Kick Off 3pm.