Rugby Union: Cleckheaton 19, LSH 34

Apr 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

DESPITE producing an excellent performance to achieve a crucial win, LSH ended the day relegated from North One.

Darlington’s defeat of Birkenhead Park signals an immediate return to North Two West. The LSH pack, with the front row of Lourens, Houlton and Jackson all outstanding, dominated throughout and powered their team to a deserved success. Behind them young scrum half Anthony Harden made a pleasing debut.

Cleckheaton led in an entertaining game with a try from Ross Hayden before LSH replied with a Phil Kearns try from a catch and drive, converted by Ashley Worsfold. A storming try from Mark Dickinson and a Worsfold penalty put them ahead before Cleckheaton scored two tries to lead 19-15 at half time.

LSH then took control, denying the home side possession, with two close-range tries from Alex Isherwood and skipper Kearns, both converted by Worsfold, to lead 19-29 after 60 minutes. Winger Ashley Stuart then sprinted over for the fifth try, finishing off a fluent backs move just before full time.