Liverpool St Helens 6 Leeds 21 FULL-time professionals Leeds were considerably flattered by the scoreline at Moss Lane on Saturday.

Three tries to none certainly did not reflect the balance of play. LSH were determined to show their illustrious opponents no respect and defended heroically.

A much improved froward display gained a fair share of possession and scrum-half Liddle and fly-half Wellens used it well. They retained possession whenever possible and unleashed strong running centres Hitchen and Hunter to good effect.

Leeds' defence, however, was superb and they scored two converted tries in the first quarter. The first came from Tongan international Tem Tuipoloto and the second from South African number eight Tim Fourie. Tuipoloto converted both.

Jim Salisbury pulled six points back with two penalties.

After the break LSH hit back strongly and their aggressive back row play and the constant probing of Liddle caused Leeds considerable problems.

It was expected Leeds' seven-days-a-week training would tell in the final quarter. But, although they scored a third try by scrum-half Christian Severimutto, converted by Tuipoloto, LSH dug deep into reserves of stamina and not only kept Leeds out, but almost scored themselves.

This Saturday LSH entertain Reading in a game that kicks off at 2.30.

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