Birchfield 22 Christleton 14

IAIN Smith made his long-awaited comeback from injury but was unable to inspire Christleton to victory in Miller Home League Four West.

Smith was back after nearly two years out with a serious knee injury and got through the 80 minutes.

Christleton only came into the game in the second half once Andy Coates came off the bench and made an impact by scoring two tries. Dave Taylor kicked both conversions.

The longer the game went on, the more Christleton looked like snatching the game – but Birchfield held strong in defence and took the spoils. Fullback Will Jones was named man of the match.

Christleton host Liverpool St Helens 3rds tomorrow (3pm).

Helsby 15 Capenhurst 20

HELSBY slipped to defeat after failing to take their chances.

The visitors went ahead when their forwards won a line-out and mauled the ball over the line. But Helsby battled back to lead 10-5 at the break thanks to a Kevin Ryder penalty and a converted try from Wes McKibbin.

Capenhurst were back on level terms straight after the restart when their powerful forwards drove over for an unconverted try.

Good, quick passing in the backs set Phil Arkell free to go the length of the field and score for Helsby to make it 15-10. But yet again Capenhurst got back into the game with a penalty and they sealed the points with a converted try.

Helsby’s men of the match were captain Jim Gray and Donald Fulton.

Helsby under 12s defeated Shrewsbury 14-7 but their U10s lost 25-10 to Whitchurch. Helsby maintained a good attitude and continued to battle it out to the final whistle.