Bad defeat for Laners (From Warrington Guardian)

Bad defeat for Laners

Preston G 14 LSH 5

This was a bad defeat for the Moss Lane outfit as they reach the half-way mark in National Three (North) without an away win and face a new year fighting relegation.

Although the atrocious weather did not exactly help either side, LSH, as all too often this season only had themselves to blame.

Not surprisingly the continuous heavy rain caused lots of handling errors in a game where there was not a great deal between the two sides. Ultimately Preston made the most of the few clear cut chances that came their way, LSH did not.

The home side had most of the early play before LSH opened the scoring on their first excursion into the Preston 22 , in the 15th minute. A fine break by South African prop Jan Lourens was continued by Simon Worsley and again by Lourens himself before winger Dave Cunliffe touched down in the corner.

Both sides slogged it out for the remainder of the half in which the defences had the upper hand. Lourens, outstanding throughout, almost extended the LSH lead on the half hour when he combined with Jon Hitchen , but he was stopped inches from the line Paul Bailey landed a penalty for Preston in the 7th minute of added time as LSH reached half time 5-3 in front.

The home side took the lead within two minutes of the restart with another Bailey penalty, repeated ten minutes later to extend it to 9-5. Hampered by an inability to win line out possession and with persistent failures to find touch at key times LSH fought desperately to regain the lead.

The game was put beyond LSH when Preston's Anton Cramant managed to travel from the half way line all the way to the try line. It looked as though he had been stopped ten metres out but somehow the lock forward wriggled free to score with just two minutes to go.

Dudley Kingswinford, one point behind LSH, are the visitors to Moss Lane on Saturday 3 January 2004 (kick off 2.30) and if ever there was a double pointer, this is it.

LSH 2nd XV 15 PGH 2nd XV 10

This was another excellent win for the seconds as they continue their climb up the National North 2nd XV League. Despite having prop Dave Conway sent off, for the second time this season, they outplayed and out-thought their opponents, particularly in the first half.

Australian import Dom Carter marked his return to Moss lane with a well taken try followed by a superb score from centre Chris Stabler. Hooker Martin Keenaghan finished off a strong forwards move with a try just before half time.

14 man LSH were well in command until the last ten minutes when Preston grabbed two tries. Paul Woodward's men were not to be denied and they hung on for a well deserved victory.

PGH 3rd XV 38 LSH 3rd XV 0

On an overcast and rain swept pitch there were no seasonal celebrations for LSH with the performance matching the weather conditions.

Missing several regulars due to last minute Christmas shopping the LSH defence withstood a determined and well-organised Preston side that scored three tries in each half.

LSH will need to pick up the pace in the New Year if they are to continue their push for promotion.