ALTRINCHAM Kersal first XV suffered a disappointing 42-21 loss at Blackburn in North One West.

After a dismal first half saw Kersal trailing 28-0 at half time, they responded with a gritty comeback in the second.

A strong team effort culminated in them scoring three tries and two penalties.

They now have a break from action before a home clash against Manchester on March 24.

There was better news for the junior set-up with the Under-17 Colts winning 32-17 at Heaton Moor to keep their chances of securing the title alive.

Kersal got off to a great start, turning over the ball from the kick off and setting up phase after phase of play to put Heaton Moor on the back foot. 

The game proved to be a real test of character, with Kersal sealing victory through tries from Tom Gill, Derry O'Driscoll, Cormac Grieves, Jay Thompson (two) and Sam Walsh, with one conversion from Max Brookes.

The Under-13s also continued their winning run, beating Crewe and Nantwich 40-20 in the quarter-finals of the Cheshire Plate, despite not having played a competitive match for more than a month.

A strong all-round team performance saw Kersal pile on the pressure from the off, giving them the impetus and confidence to secure a fantastic home victory.

They will face either Winnington Park or Bowdon in the semi-finals.

* The Inner Warrior free training session for women wanting to play rugby, run by RFU coaches, which had been cancelled due to bad weather recently, will now be held on Friday, March 23 from 7pm-8.30pm at Stelfox Avenue with players of all ages and abilities welcome.