ALTRINCHAM Kersal firsts had a losing start to 2017 when they went down 19-11 at Leigh in North One West.

It was a closely-fought clash with both defences on top for large parts of the game.

Kersal went in at half time trailing 14-11 and it looked like they could get back into it after the break.

But the majority of the game was played in the centre of the field and nothing was getting past either team's defence.

A last-gasp run for the Leigh whitewash by Kersal appeared to be heading for what would have been a deciding try for the visitors but a loose pass was cleverly intercepted and a Leigh player ran the full length of the pitch to seal the win for the home side. 

Kersal now have all eyes focused on Saturday when they host Vale of Lune at Stelfox Avenue, kick off 2.15pm.

The following day, the ladies' team also lost on the road – 12-8 at Chester Devas.

The Kersal team had a fresh look with regular hooker Toni-Lea Deering switched to scrum-half, and the game started well for the visitors who kept hold of possession for the majority of the first 15 minutes.

The forwards were disciplined and patient and worked through the phases to stay in the opposition half.

This patience was rewarded when Deering released the backs; Sarah Burns at 13 shrugged off her tackler and the field opened up in front of her.

Burns still had a lot to do as she executed her trademark scything run and resisted the Chester cover to earn an unconverted try.

Chester came back strongly and after a hotly-contested period, they took advantage of some poor Kersal discipline to score in front of the posts and bag the extras just before the break.

Kersal restarted well and were able to push Chester deep into their own half where they managed to stay and set up a period of prolonged possession.

Another classy move from the backs was held up just short of the line and number seven Christine Braithwaite was first on the scene.

She picked up from the base of the ruck and, keeping low, darted for the line before being held up by a Chester player tackling her around the neck but, surprisingly a penalty try was not awarded.

However, in the closing stages Kersal captain Eeron Cunningham was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and could only watch in agony as Chester set up a catch and drive before they managed to push over for what was to prove the decisive score.

Kersal coach Joe Wrigley said: "It was an impressive performance and was the first test for us to see the progress of the season.

"Decision-making and patience have improved and in defence we threw everything at Chester.

"We were unlucky to only come away with a bonus-point loss but means good things for the upcoming matches”

There were promising debuts for Laura Stockton, converting from Lacrosse, and Hannah Depledge who both showed fearless tackling and great hands.

The ladies' XV entertain Crewe and Nantwich at Stelfox on Sunday.

There was better news for the men's thirds who won 24-7 at Eccles, while the under-13s beat Lymm 55-20 on home soil.