Liverpool St Helens and Manchester, the two oldest rugby clubs in the North of England, share a long and illustrious history with the many games played between them providing exciting and closely fought outcomes. On the day when LSH showcased their Heritage Project, the game that followed the formal launch proceedings, was most definitely not one of them.

Manchester arrived at Moss Lane having stealthily worked their way to the top of South Lancashire/Cheshire One and certainly played like league leaders. They took control in the opening exchanges and proceeded to score four first half tries, all converted by the accurate boot of Doug Day, who also added a penalty for good measure to give the visitors a 31-0 half time lead.

The addition of Dave Cunliffe in the second half gave LSH some added bite but it was Manchester who got the first second half score, 0-36, before LSH got on the board with an interception try from Ian Stanley, converted by Matt Cunliffe. 7-36. Manchester, however were enjoying their day at the lane and scored two more tries, both converted by Day to bring up the half century. 7-50.

These are testing times for the Moss Laners, losing two consecutive games for the first time this season alongside the annual departure of a number of players to the 13 man game. They still have a number on the injury list, added to on Saturday when prop George Wilson was carried off with a leg injury. The squad have shown great character and determination more often than not this season and it is certainly needed now.