ALTRINCHAM Kersal first XV displaced local rivals Bowdon at the top of Lancs/Cheshire Division One by beating them 25-19 last weekend.

Going into the game, Bowdon had a one-point lead at the top of the table

And they snatched an early lead with a penalty which was returned with interest when Jon Bishop crashed over for the home side for a try.

At 5-3 the Altrincham Kersal pack dominated the scrum with both teams performing well at the line-out and breakdown, and some great running from both sets of backs.

Defence was crucial and both teams demonstrated total commitment to the task.

Bowdon edged ahead with another penalty which again was countered with a try from Jack Wise which Jacob Daldry converted, making the score 12-6.

The half continued to be hotly contested and Bowdon took advantage of two further penalties to make the score 12-12 at half time.

Bowdon ran in an early try in the second half which was converted to make the score 19-12.

However, Kersal stuck to their game plan and worked hard to score a try from Doug Whyley and then to add a penalty from Daldry.

Things were not over yet and Bishop picked up his second try to make the score 25-19.       

Both sides took the game right up to the final whistle and there was little left in reserve.

The bonus-point win takes Kersal back up into first place in the league with a tough last match this week at Rochdale to seal off the season and win promotion.