PICTURE the scene. A roaring log fire ablaze in the iconic Moss Lane fireplace, carefully fired up and tended by the Club President; a clubhouse filling up with loyal supporters finally reaching sanctuary from the Arctic conditions outside; dozens of brave Father Christmases enjoying hot drinks after completing the mini/juniors Santa Dash, match sponsors from O2 Rainford Business Centre, warming themselves on home-made hotpot; and then…they kicked off.

They kicked off in wind and rain and a temperature with a wind chill factor of somewhere around minus 10c.

They kicked off in front a handful of intrepid spectators experiencing the wonders of the structure that is the Moss Lane stand. With due respect to the club pioneers that designed and built it – when it rains, those at the front get wet.

When it rains and the wind blows everyone gets wet. When it rains. Is blowing a gale and is freezing cold, everyone gets soaked through and most supporters go back inside at half time.

As for the game itself, the players did well to last the 80 minutes. The 29-3 scoreline shows that Widnes adapted to the conditions well, scored four tries, were well organised and were much the better team. This win, coming on top of a recent run of wins sees them top of the ADM Premier league.

For LSH this has been a disappointing end to an enjoyable and reasonably successful first half of the season.

They have slipped to fifth, but with just four points separating the top five clubs, have everything to play for after the Christmas break.

Finally, something not able to be written around 10 years ago….. 10 of the 20 players in Saturday’s line up were LSH Colts.

Enjoy the break everyone and a very Happy Christmas from the back of the stand!

LSH return to action at Tyldesley on 5 January. Kick off 2.15.