LIVERPOOL St Helens failed to make a winning start in their campaign back in North Two West, failing to make the most of plentiful possession at Rochdale.

With Dave Hale and James Cashman leading the way and full of endeavour and effort they failed to press home significant territorial advantage and succumbed to the home side’s pacy counter attacks. In a new-look three quarter line, which clearly took time to acclimatise, Kiwi Bryce McKenzie impressed with his strong tackling and powerful running and Greg Smith showed promising glimpses of what may be to come. All three Rochdale tries came from swift moves down the left flank, the first coming in the sixth minute followed soon after by a penalty from fly-half Steve Collins.

LSH kept up the pressure and were rewarded in the 29th minute when scrum-half Ollie Cashman darted over from close range.

Trailing 8-5 at half-time, a tired looking LSH worked hard but conceded two more tries before James Cashman reduced the arrears with a fine try just before the end, Tony Filson adding the conversion.