LIVERPOOL St Helens dug deep to contain a spirited challenge from Liverpool Collegiate in this ADM quarter final, eventually triumphing 36-20.

A biting cold wind made handling difficult although LSH, with their close controlling game, adapted to conditions much the better.

The home side, playing with a decent wind down the slope, opened the scoring after just three minutes with a blind side run-in from a scrum from around 40 yards.

St Helens Star:

LSH gradually got into their stride and beginning to dominate the set pieces they put significant pressure on the Collegiate line.

This eventually told when a fine charge from Joe Jackson led to the peripatetic Sean Richardson, having a fine game, plunging over for the equalling try in the 31st minute, converted by Wood. Both sides shared penalties just before the break.

St Helens Star:

Now with conditions in their favour LSH lost no time in going ahead through Rob Sexton, jinking his way through would be tacklers and running in from 35 yards, converted by Wood.

St Helens Star:

His half back partner Jamie Morris repeated the manoeuvre five minutes later, almost from the same spot, converted by Wood to extend the lead.

Collegiate fought back with a try down the right in the 65th minute, before yet another strong drive towards the collegiate line saw Morris charging over under the posts for his second try, converted again by Wood.

St Helens Star:

LSH made sure of the win when Sexton delivered a pinpoint kick over the home side’s defence for Sam Walker to catch and then accelerate down the left wing to score in the corner.

Collegiate however were not quite done and replied with their third try, with the referee ending the encounter as the conversion sailed between the posts.

St Helens Star:

LSH have been rewarded with a trip to Littleborough in the semi-final scheduled for5 February. The other semi-final sees Widnes hosting Didsbury TOC H.

Next Saturday LSH are away to Fleetwood. 2.15.