ALTRINCHAM Kersal first XV travelled to Warrington but were on the wrong end of a 41-27 scoreline in Northern Division North One West.

The game started off slowly for Kersal, conceding shortly after the kick off, but they rallied together, dominating in the pack and marching Warrington off the park at scrum time.

The game was a free-flowing game with both sides almost scoring points at will keeping it very close into half time when it was 22-20 to Kersal.

Shortly after half time some serious foul play on AK skipper Nathan Bailey saw the Warrington number six go to the bin for 10 minutes and Bailey leave the field due to a knee injury.

The momentum changed in Warrington's favour with the home side edging away on the scoreboard.

It got worse for Kersal when they lost influential number six Niall Coogan to what looked like a serious bicep injury.

They again rallied to get back into the game led by Taylor who scored a brace on the day, but they were always up against it after losing two key forwards.

The game's sour nature continued when a melee in midfield resulted in a red card for Kersal winger Jack Wise and a yellow card for the opposing Warrington player.

Kersal dug deep defensively, led by John Bishop who was having a stalwart performance as usual, but the game fizzled out for them, giving Warrington five points and a bonus point for the visitors.

The second XV enjoyed success with a 41-12 home win against Chester thirds at Stelfox Avenue.

There were seven tries from Kersal – all except one from the backs.

Many Kersal moves straight from the training ground came to fruition and were pleasing on the eye for the home spectators.

Any attempt by the visitors to kick their way out of defence only resulted in good collection and passing by the back three to join up with team-mates and further attack the defensive try-line.

Coulson brothers John and James crossed the line, as well as fly-half Doug Whyley and Danny Kennedy.

The ever-improving Micah Dyos, at number eight, made sure the forwards had their weekly allocation of points.

The third XV also won, 38-8 at Ashton-under-Lyne.