Liverpool St Helens 12 Fylde 40 LSH suffered their heaviest defeat so far this term, and their third at home, against table leaders Fylde who overcame a poor first half, to run out easy winners.

LSH prop Colin King was sent off for the second week in succession and flanker Neil Hughes got a yellow card.

Last week at Clifton, LSH considered they were ill treated by an inconsistent referee, but LSH have only themselves to blame. If players are caught fighting and generally succumbing to the temptations of foul play, they cannot blame referees for taking appropriate action.

LSH started well, with a superbly worked Kevin Simms try after seven minutes and a second to lock Mike Nugent following a quickly taken tap penalty while Fylde stood bemused.

Simon Humphreys converted to give LSH a 12-3 lead, Steve Gough having kicked a penalty for Fylde.

Fylde, however, showed they had no intention to concede, and winger Greg Anderton scored a try converted by Gough to cut LSH to 12-10 at the break.

Fylde had the bit between their teeth now, and as LSH lost their discipline, the seasiders took a control that they never lost.

Chris O'Toole at scrum-half, having a fine game, sent Alistair Bell over and once again Gough added the conversion, followed by a penalty on the hour when King was dismissed.

LSH found it harder to gain possession, and what little ball they won was often wasted by poor option taking or bad handling.

Julian Irving and Chris O'Toole added tries, both converted by Gough as LSH crumbled. Bell collected the second yellow card of the match to show that Fylde were not whiter than white.

This Saturday sees the first team travel to Havant on the south coast.

West Park under 17s 52

LSH 5

LSH under 16s nil

Orrell 40

Though beaten, LSH can take heart from a gutsy performance.

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