STRONG defence in an end-toend game saw Halton pass a tough test to go top of South Lancs-Cheshire Four.
With the forwards dominating scrums and line-outs - HSP man-of-the-match Bibby being supported by Shingler, Housley and Lawrence - Kelly was unlucky to have a try disallowed for being in touch when 'scoring'.
Halton's pressure was unrelenting and Mellor kicked one of several penalties the visitors were awarded as Sefton struggled to hold on.
Then, from a scrum in Sefton's 22, a reverse pass from McIntosh to Paul Curphey saw him score under the posts. Mellor converted and added a penalty.
Quick handling in difficult conditions from Watt, McIntosh and the two Curpheys saw Bibby drive it forward for Cowell to go in at the corner.
Halton 1sts take a breather from league duties this week but the club is arranging a second-team game.
Helsby 28 Port Sunlight 11:
Helsby moved into second spot with a comfortable victory set up by first-half tries from storming winger Alex Rutter and Felix Jones.
Frodsham Tandoori MoM John Stubbs added another in the second half and Tony Ayres capped an excellent victory for Helsby, using his strength to hold off three defenders to power over on his debut.
Helsby have a week off before visiting top-of-the-table Mossley Hill, on February 12, in a crucial league game.
