LIVERPOOL St Helens signed off the first half of the ADM Premier Division in third place with their fourth victory in a row, winning an entertaining encounter at Oldham 26-19.

Going ahead with the game when given the option by the RFU of not doing so, both sides were further tested when faced with the realisation that the referee had not turned up. Embodying a “can-do” approach the whistler from the neighbouring 2rd XV match was readily accepted and the game went ahead.

The home side scored first after the LSH defence failed to deal with a viciously bouncing ball enabling a pick up and try in the fourth minute. Eight minutes later the scores were level when a charge down the right wing from Matt Kilgannon, another fine addition to the LSH squad, was continued by winger John Romano, continuing his splendid season, with a fine try in the right hand corner. Thereafter, both sides enjoyed the significantly calmer weather than of late, as they both worked hard for a breakthrough.

This came LSH’s way when long serving centre Matt Cunliffe made a successful interception on the half way line and ran in unopposed for a try under the posts. Wood converted. Oldham immediately hit back with a second try, converted, before Wood landed a nice penalty on the half time whistle to give LSH a 12-15 lead.

LSH had much the better of the next thirty minutes, dominating the lineouts and playing the game in their opponents half. Full back Matty Johnston extended the lead after linking well with the back line to score close to the left hand corner, before continued domination brought two successful and crucial penalties from Matthew Wood.

Oldham then noticeably upped their game, scoring a third try, converted, to put them back in touch before launching a ten minute blitz on the LSH line. As the sun disappeared over the horizon however, on this occasion, LSH were not to be denied. Making tackle after tackle, every advance was stopped as Paddy Royle’s men fought hard for a fully deserved win.