ALTRINCHAM Kersal's young sides had a weekend to remember as the under-13s, u15s and u16s all recorded big wins.

The u13s were away on tour and beat Marlow 55-20, while the u15s progressed to the second round of the Cheshire Cup with a 61-5 victory at Ellesmere Port and the u16s beat Crewe and Nantwich 52-0 at home in their first-round cup clash.

It was a particularly strong team performance from the undefeated u15s, with the forwards and backs working perfectly together to stretch the Ellesmere defence and create numerous scoring opportunities.

The forwards, led by Alistair Merrill, dominated the rucks with standout performances from a number of players, including Josh Molnar, Jamie Catto, Sam Harkin and Luke Burgess.

Playing off such a strong platform, fly-half Elliot Gourlay marshalled the backs, pushing centre John Bailey through for three tries, Marco Lavorini for two and wingers Jacob Ansbro and Luc Eppie for three tries.

The first XV lost 62-13 at top-of-the-table Kirkby Lonsdale in North One West but the seconds beat Bowdon 39-17 at home in a local derby.

After two weeks of results going the wrong way, Kersal started well with energy and crisp moves in the backs getting them to a line-out in the opposition 22.

A catch and drive later gave them the first score with only five minutes gone.

Kersal remained dominant throughout the first half, with forwards and backs combining well.

It was flowing rugby which gave much pleasure to players and spectators alike.

Doug Whyley called the shots at fly-half and the communication with the scrum-halves meant good quick ball, whether moved out to forwards looking to gain ground and take in opposition numbers at the breakdown, or to an eager three-quarter line.

The game was won at half time with Kersal 31-0 in front.

They took the foot off the gas in the second half and made changes from the bench to give those carrying slight knocks a break.

Three tries from Paul Mallaband was a great return after a knee injury, while wingers Ismael and Danny Quinn also crossed the whitewash for the team.

In the final game of the weekend, the third XV drew 5-5 at home against Rochdale.