Lie point symmetries and first integrals: the Kowalevsky top
  We show how the Lie group analysis method can be used in order to obtain first integrals of any system of ordinary differential equations.   The method of reduction/increase of order developed by Nucci (J. Math. Phys. 37, 1772-1775 (1996)) is essential. Noether's theorem is neither necessary nor considered. The most striking example we present is the relationship between Lie group analysis and the famous first integral of the Kowalevski top. 
M. Marcelli and M. C. Nucci