Altrincham Kersal RFC

AK lost the toss and played into the low winter sun. Crewe are a big side and fared very well in the early exchanges. AK knew they had to compete with these bigger lads to get onto the front foot. AK got stuck in and Big Danny bagged 2 tries as the AK forwards took the game to C&N. AK then unleashed their potent back division and EDDIE LEES secured a well taken wingers try, ADAM WELTON took the kicking duties and landed one of his early conversions. With just 12 minutes on the clock AK had earned a good lead: AK 17-0 C&N.

Crewe and Nantwich, however had other ideas and fought very hard to secure 2 converted tries and bring the scores within 3 points with just 20 minutes gone: AK 17-14 C&N: Game on! AK then stepped up a couple of gears and our forwards got us though the gain line and the backs began to enjoy their day as AK seared into a 34-14 half time lead. (tries by Matt x2 and Lucas Columb). Lucas Columb's try was particularly special, following a superb break down the right from new Winger Rory, where he rounded his opponent out wide, then stepped the full back and fed the rampant lock Lucas Columb in support to put him away under the sticks for his 1st ever AK try.

AK began to use the bench and introduced fresh legs onto the field of play. Big TOM RICHER and ALEX PATERSON added more weight and power to the scrum, HUGO LAING added some bite in the front row and Harry added some height to the line-out. A quick switch put SAM DYSON on the wing to add some power and pace out wide, as Aidan and Adam took over at 9 and 10 as a profitable new half-back pairing.

Crewe and Nantwich started the 2nd half well and worked their way into the AK 22. AK earned a defensive scrum (approx 10m out from the line) after some solid defense and turned this into attack. Aidan fed Matt on the move from blind-side to open and Matt broke through the gap between the C&N 9 and 10, and raced clear to secure a score under the C&N posts, beautiful try with support chasing all the way and an easy (well earned) conversion for Adam.

More tries followed from SAM DYSON (his 1st for the club), Rory Entwistle (a real flyer this lad),SAM YARROW (back on top form with scitillating pace) + a 4th try of the day from the irrepressible Matt Anderson and a 2nd well eraned try from the hard working Lucas Columb. Adam kicked a total of 5 of the conversions.

Well done to all, a superb performance, the lads played a real team game and looked extremely well organised. Every player that pulled on an AK shirt today wore it with pride and played their hearts out. The man of the match selected by the match referee was Freddie Atkins, who played 2nd row today and tackled and rucked hard all day to keep the team ticking, well done Freddie.

Thanks to our opponents Crewe and Nantwich, who played in the right spirit and worked hard, also thanks to the referee, Stuart from Carrington RFC, who marshalled the game very well.