ALTRINCHAM Kersal first XV travelled to Tarleton for the latest match in Lancs/Cheshire Division One and suffered their first loss of the season.

The visitors found themselves 7-0 down early on and never really got going in the first half as Tarleton went in at the break 12-0 up.

The second half was a different story and Altrincham Kersal put in some determined effort to score straight from the whistle.

Tarleton responded to make it 17-5 before Kersal closed the gap to 17-12.

Both teams then traded tries and with seconds to go Kersal were leading 24-22.

But Tarleton were then awarded a try with zero time left to leave a final score of 29-24 in their favour.

The hosts played with great determination against leaders Kersal and freely admitted this was their 'cup final'.

Kersal are still in top spot having picked up two bonus points despite their loss and have a break next week before hosting Bolton on February 9. 

Altrincham Kersal second XV had a lengthy trip to Penrith second XV, losing 62-10, while the thirds lost 44-17 at home to Broughton Park.

On Sunday, the club's senior colts travelled to face Liverpool Collegiate as league leaders and despite a depleted squad, they put in a dogged and determined performance, typifying the spirit they have shown throughout the season.

Liverpool won the game in the first 20 minutes with some impressive play by their pack in particular, ending worthy winners by 24-12

The Kersal tries were scored by Ollie Joyce and Cormac Grieves with conversions by Max Brookes.