PATIENCE paid off for Helsby who held out and bided their time when the elements were against them, before running out comfortable winners against strong opposition to reach the Cheshire Plate semi-final.

With a strong wind in their favour, the visitors applied early pressure and were rewarded with a try from good forward play.

The home side slowly got into the groove and Bob Merrill and John Williams paved the way for Alex Rutter to gather and race over from 15 yards.

Andy Rowlinson's conversion levelled the scores.

Despite Salians enjoying a lot of territorial advantage before half-time, Helsby's defence held firm.

The second half started well for Helsby, who took a first-time lead.

No8 Jim Gray broke from the base of the scrum and fed Andy Rowlinson, who had enough pace to cross near the corner.

The visitors again applied pressure but could not cross the Helsby line.

They were made to pay when Rutter kicked ahead a loose ball and won the race to the touchdown.

A late score by Rowlinson, who skipped past a couple of would-be tacklers to go under the posts, sealed the victory to continue Helsby's recent good form

The Frodsham Tandoori MoM was Jim Gray for his outstanding display from the back of the scrum.

This Saturday, Helsby are at home to Holmes Chapel in the league (ko 2.30pm). Helsby U14 50 Dukinfield U14 19: A superb performance from Helsby saw them through to the next round of the Cheshire Cup. Stand-off Tom Merrill and inside centre Dwayne Walker scored five tries between them.

Craig Woodward and Ashley Ormson also crossed while No8 Sam Vernon helped keep the home side out.

Caldy A U11 28 Helsby U11 0: Helsby ran into one of the county's strongest teams at this age group.

The Villagers started well but experience and class eventually told.

Caldy B U11 21 Helsby U11 19: Soon back on the field to take on Caldy B, Helsby ran the opposition close.

Tries came from Ormson (2) and Ravenscroft. Dunbebin converted two. Widnes U9 30 Helsby U9 5: Although well beaten by an aggressive Widnes, Helsby never gave up.

Reward came with a try from captain Sam Warburton after a barnstorming run by MoM William Hyde. Caldy U9 15 Helsby U9 10: Helsby were beaten by three tries to two.

Sam Warburton scored his second try of the day after a brilliant run by Nathan Rogers from the base of a halfway scrum.

The second came from newcomer and MoM David Hayes, who stole the ball and ran through three tacklers to the corner.