ALTRINCHAM Kersal travelled the short distance over Barton Bridge to face fellow North One West strugglers Eccles and secured a much-needed 29-9 triumph.

Kersal made the first breakthrough within the first five minutes with a well-worked try from Jack Emerson, swerving swiftly over the Eccles whitewash before kicking the conversion.

Eccles responded, winning a penalty and converting but Kersal's defence remained resolute after that as it ended 7-3 at the break.

The second half started with confident line-outs from the visitors with vice captain Steve Richardson's height and strength allowing Kersal to turn the screw on Eccles, who only managed to add an extra six points from two penalties to their total.

There were excellent performances from George Wise, Doug Whyley and Callum Yates as Kersal extended their lead with further tries from Kashley Watkins, James Coulson and Micah Dyos.

The firsts host West Park St Helens at Stelfox Avenue on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The second XV also enjoyed victory, beating Winnington Park 26-5 on home soil.

They were always the team which seemed likely to get a positive result, however, the opposition scored first against the run of play.

The road to recovery came from gradually working through the phases into attacking areas before two scrum pushover tries, with Andy Frost showing excellent control of the ball at number eight.

Dave Coleman managed the one conversion for Kersal to send them into the break 12-5 up.

In the second half, full-back Jack Snoddy kept up his weekly tally of tries and broke the defence with another turn of pace.

Then winger Ismo Clichy ran a good line from a training ground move to touch down below the posts.

More points from the boot of Coleman pushed Kersal further ahead and they finished the second half with no points conceded.