PENALTIES were the difference as Altrincham Kersal firsts lost 19-12 at home to Northwich in North One West.

Four successful kicks for the visitors secured their third win against Altrincham in league and cup games this season.

Kersal started brightly and broke the deadlock inside five minutes with an unstoppable try by Paul Mallaband after they had opted for an attacking line-out from a penalty conceded by Northwich.

Kersal were in control as the forwards wrestled with Northwich for territory but they suffered a massive blow when they lost Cameron Thorburn, who was stretchered off with a bad ankle dislocation, to which paramedics were called to administer urgent care. 

The momentum went after the injury setback as Northwich fought back to score following a line-out after a penalty award to hold a 7-5 lead at half time.

Both teams were desperate to make their mark early in the second half but Northwich made the immediate impact by kicking a series of penalties, four in total, during an unsettled 15-minute period.

Kersal were not done, though, and a big push by their strong pack paid off as captain Nathan Bailey scored after a powerful driving maul.

However, time was not on Kersal's side and Northwich left the field feeling relieved after holding out with a seven-point advantage.

Kersal are on the road this weekend when they travel to Cumbria to face St Benedicts.

Elsewhere, the under-13s drew 40-40 against Lymm, while the ladies' team conceded against Barnsley.