LIVERPOOL ST HELENS travel to Manchester this Saturday for a game billed as a repeat of the oldest open Rugby Union Fixture in the world.

With the Liverpool Club formed in 1857 and the Manchester Club established three years later it is known that the “Gentlemen” of the two cities played each other initially at the time of the formation of the Liverpool club and subsequently under the club names during the 1860s.

All of this, though of importance in the tradition and history of the two clubs, will count for little as the home side battle to avoid relegation from North One West and LSH continue their quest for promotion to the National Leagues. Meeting up at the same level for the first time in 20 years, the clubs are experiencing life at opposite ends of the table.

LSH, with six games remaining and on the back of an excellent 44-0 win against Leigh, will want to continue their current impressive form but Martin Jones is not taking their opposition for granted. “The lads did well last Saturday, particularly in keeping a clean sheet,” he said. “But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – anyone can beat anyone in this league.

“We will concentrate on our own game and continue doing what we do well.”