ALTRINCHAM Kersal's first XV were narrowly beaten 16-15 at Stockport in a close North One West clash.
Kersal were deservedly 7-6 up at half time, thanks to a Doug Whyley try and conversion from Calum Yates.
Aiming to keep the pressure on in the second half, they put their foot firmly on the pedal and a second try was scored by Ged Scrace, who also kicked a penalty.
With five minutes left Kersal led 15-9, but Stockport broke through their resolute defence to score a last-gasp try and Liam McGovern kicked the conversion from what seemed an impossible angle.
On Saturday, the firsts host league leaders Vale of Lune.
The seconds hosted Capenhurst firsts in Division Two South and secured a comfortable 46-7 victory.
Capenhurst tried their best to score in the second half, but solid defensive resistance saw Kersal step up and deny the opposition the opportunity to close the margin.
Dominance in the set-piece area, in both the scrum and the line-out, allowed for more expansive rugby to be played, giving the backs the opportunity to open up against the opposition and keep the scoreboard rolling.
The tries came from Jack Gallimore, Jake Langmead-Jones (two), Jack Snoddy (two), Dale McLean, Chris Weighell and Ishmael Bashir, while Jack Braithwaite and Jordan Roberts kicked a conversion apiece and Braithwaite grabbed a penalty.
The thirds secured a 10-7 win at Burnage in Division Four East.
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