THE HOSTS consolidated third place in South Lancs Cheshire Four with a hard-earned victory over their fifth-placed visitors.

Helsby started like a dream with powerful centre John Williams bursting through the Linley defence to hold off oncoming tacklers to score at the corner.

Indiscipline by Helsby allowed the visitors to barge over the try line. But their response was an outstanding solo try from Ashley Wakefield whose weaving 40-yard run left three trailing. Andy Rowlinson's conversion made the interval score 12-5.

The second half was tight and, with O'Neill in the sin bin for punching, Linley levelled with a converted try.

With less than five minutes left, the game was heading for a draw. But Helsby made a break following good play by Williams and Frodsham Tandoori MoM Paul Healey, whose handling and vision at stand-off was exemplary.

The latter fed centre Felix Jones who raced in from 30 yards to snatch a priceless victory. Helsby 29 Parkonians 0: Helsby reached the Wirral Floodlit Trophy final for the first time with a superb victory over the South Lancs-Cheshire Four leaders.

Playing into the wind, Helsby started last Wednesday's game strongly. Lee Thomas made a fine break and the supporting John Williams crashed over, with Andy Rowlinson converting.

Helsby made better use of the conditions in the second half and Rowlinson scored a self-improved try at the corner after good handling across the line.

Helsby's pack then earned the territorial rights for the ball to be fired out to wing Alex Rutter, who had the pace to cross out wide.

Rowlinson added a penalty before converting stand-off Paul Healey's great solo try - his first score for the club - Rowlinson again converting.

Frodsham Tandoori MoM went to prop Tony McKibbon.

This Saturday, Helsby travel to Capenhurst in the league. Team (from): M Williams, Walker, McK-ibbon, Johnson, Gibson, Oliver, O'Neill, M Wakefield, Gray, Thomas, Healey, A Wakefield, Jones, Stubbs, Rutter, McKean, Rowlinson.