PENDLE Phoenix were pipped at the post as they travelled to Liverpool on Saturday to take on second place Mossley Hill.
The home side were first on the scoreboard after a well-worked move created an overlap on the wing, which saw a pacey winger race clear to score the first points of the day, though the conversion was missed.
Phoenix did not panic, and it was the forwards who took control at the scrums and line outs, which provided scrum half Dave Morris with the ball to get the back line moving,
Tee Hempstead drew his man, and a well-timed pass allowed Rob Lawless to show his power and pace which saw him score in the corner.
Lawless also converted his try from the touchline to give Pendle a two-point lead.
This did not last long as a penalty was awarded against Pendle for being off-side at the ruck, and the Liverpool fly half converted to send Mossley Hill in at half-time with a one-point lead.
Half-time saw Craig Wiseman substituted after a first half injury, and Phillip Wayne stepped up in the wing position.
Pendle had the run of play, and only stout defending by Mossley Hill kept Phoenix from scoring a try.
A well-struck drop goal by Liam Canning allowed Pendle to take a two-point lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Pendle now threw everything at the Liverpool side, but could not find a way through the defence, only when Pendle were awarded a penalty, it was that man Lawless who stretched the lead to 13-8.
Mossley Hill were not beaten, and constant pick and drive moves by their forwards eventually resulted in a try, and with the last kick of the match Mossley Hill’s fly half converted, giving them the win.
Pendle can be proud of their performance, every player in the team played with pride and passion.
R.E.M. man of the match was Liam Canning.
FINAL SCORE: Mossley Hill 15, Pendle Phoenix 13