ALTRINCHAM Kersal remain top of Lancs/Cheshire Division One after a thumping 85-7 home win against Fleetwood last weekend.

Kersal took an early lead with a well-worked try in the first two minutes which set the pattern for the whole game.

The half-time score was 45-0 in a game where the hosts dominated the set-piece and produced some excellent running rugby,

Fleetwood were by no means a pushover and Altrincham Kersal had to defend with an intensity that was fully committed by all the players.

The only blot on the first half was a cheap shot punch on the blind side on the Altrincham Kersal scrum-half by the Fleetwood hooker, which left a young player with a fully swollen eye and mild concussion.

The second half progressed in very much the same pattern as the first with Fleetwood scoring an interception try when the score was 78-0.

To their credit, Fleetwood did not give up, but on the day they were outplayed as Kersal ran in 13 tries.

On the scoresheet were: Doug Whyley (two), James Coulson (two), Chris Loughlan (two), Mica Dyos (two), Danny Booth, Jack Wise, Rob Worsfold, John Coulson and Sam Gallimore. Whyley also converted three attempts while Sam Gallimore slotted seven over.

Kersal travel to Tarleton on Saturday for the next fixture. 

Also at home, Kersal's seconds put in a creditable performance against Birkenhead Park.

After suffering a heavy 128-0 defeat away last year, they put in a solid performance to keep the score deficit much closer, losing 31-14 this time around.

They visit Penrith on Saturday.