ALTRINCHAM Kersal's first XV beat North Walians Denbigh 19-12 at home in their pre-season friendly on Saturday.

In an evenly-matched first half, the visitors broke the deadlock with a well-worked try.

Kersal rallied quickly and moved up a gear, using the players available on the day from a large squad hoping to make their mark in the coming season.

There were encouraging signs for the season ahead during the victory as many key players who had been affected by injury last season put in good performances and completed the match with no adverse effect.

On Saturday Kersal host Wirral in the first round of the Cheshire Vase, kick off 2pm, then the regular league season begins a week later at Firwood Waterloo (3pm).