ALTRINCHAM Kersal’s determination came to the fore once again as they won 15-6 at West Park St Helens.

The forwards dominated from the outset, giving the backs time to run their plays and Kersal took an early lead through Nathan Bailey who, for reasons unknown, had been lingering on the wing.

The game went into stalemate for a period and, with defences on top, West Park kicked their way into the lead from two penalties to lead 6-5 at half time.

Kersal battled hard after the restart and, through great carries from number eight Micah Dyos and Kashley Watkins in the centre, regained the lead via a great try from the elusive Paul Mallaband.

Altrincham were 12-6 in front with just 15 minutes to go and threw everything they could muster at the hosts as they looked to secure a much-needed win.

The final nail in West Park’s coffin was hammered in two minutes from time by Jack Emerson’s boot to leave Kersal deserved winners after a gutsy performance.

Next week Kersal head to old rivals Wilmslow, with revenge in their sights after losing narrowly by one point earlier in the season.

At Stelfox Avenue the second XV lost 11-10 to Didsbury Toc H.

In the first half, Kersal always looked the better side but had little reward for their time camping in opposition territory, something that would eventually prove telling.

At the end of the first half a crisp backs move led to flanker Mike Jones using his body weight to beat his tackler and cross the whitewash.

However, Didsbury levelled from open play with the first move of the second half, after possession was gained in the breakdown from a strong opposition back row. More problems unfolded for Kersal as a lack of discipline meant they spent half of the second period playing with 14 men.

The defence stood firm but two successful Didsbury penalties put them 11-5 ahead.

There was a final flourish from the home side, winger Jack Wise scampering over but the conversion attempt hit the post and, agonisingly, bounced wide.

Kersal’s ladies continued their good form with a 22-7 victory at home to Ormskirk.

Dominant in the first 10 minutes Alty led through Becky Bravender’s try, and strong forward phases saw her go over again, Helen Johnson slotting the conversion.

Ormskirk came back strongly as the second half got under way and scored what turned out to be their only try, converted from underneath the posts.

But AK responded and a great passing move through the backs put Sarah Burns through and, after breaking two tackles she sent Bravender flying up the wing for try number three.

As the clock wound down Bravender touched down for the final try to seal victory and a bonus point.