French hails fightback

Apr 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL ST HELENS have another break this weekend with time to contemplate on the next few weeks.

Last Saturday’s results in North One leave four clubs continuing in a dogfight to avoid relegation.

With two games to go and three to go down it is possible for any one of Darlington (12 points), LSH (10 points), Altrincham Kersal (10 points) and Penrith (10 points) to escape the drop.

Altrincham have their work cut out with games against the first and second-placed clubs, Kendal and Huddersfield while improving Penrith play Cleckheaton and Middlesbrough. LSH, currently with marginally the best points difference, entertain Hull on 12 April and travel to Cleckheaton a week later.

Whatever the outcome LSH have had an eventful 150th Centenary year. President Ray French is proud of the achievements at Moss Lane this season.

“The Centenary dinner and the re-enactment match were tremendous events,” he said.

“But the real success was out there on the playing field with four senior sides every Saturday and two colts and eight junior sides every Sunday.”

French admits however that everything is now focused on the efforts of the first XV.

“In mid-February we were two points adrift and had been written off,” he continued.

“The lads have done really well to get back in contention and I know they will give everything in the next few weeks.”