FOR the second time this season Liverpool St Helens tasted defeat in time added on, this time to a 25 yard penalty kick close to the touchline leading to a 25-22 defeat at Aldwinians.

In truth, it was not what they deserved after giving their all in an error prone and well refereed game, never spectacular, but very watchable with a lead that changed hands six times. This is a team that cannot be faulted for effort, needing a little bit more luck and perhaps a bit more inventiveness when chances come their way.

The first half ended in a stalemate with both sides scoring two tries and converting one, producing a 12-12 scoreline.

Winger John Romano answered the homes side’s early score with a superb mazy run from the half way line in the 14minute, converted by Matty Wood. Aldwinians hit back with their second try before Wood roared down the left wing to score in the corner just before the break. 12-12.

On a day when the swirling wind did not help either side, both sides exchanged penalties in the first fifteen minutes of the second half, 15-15, followed by the East Manchester outfit going ahead after 67 minutes with a converted try after pressure on the LSH line. 22-15.This was swiftly equally by a fine solo try from Rob Sexton two minutes later, converted by wood to level the scores once again at 22-22.

The final ten minutes or so saw both sides striving for the win, without success, until the award of a penalty in time added on saw the last kick of the game sail between the posts.

Team Johnston Romano Stanley Cunliffe M Wood Sexton Morris Metcalfe T Jackson J Heywood Royle P (Capt) Molloy Webster Thompson Hull . Reps Bonati Richardson, Roberts C Hall Bogg

Next Saturday LSH travel to Hoylake in the Cup. (2.15)