IT is an accepted fact in rugby union that the set scrum and line-outs are the foundation on which success is based.
In this game at Burrows Hill, it was clear that the Winnington Park forwards were going to make things difficult for the Altrincham Kersal eight, especially in the scrum.
In fact the Winnington first try came when they were going for a pushover at a 5 metre scrum and the Altrincham Kersal scrum collapsed at which the referee awarded a penalty try.
Prior to this, Altrincham Kersal had scored first.
A tap penalty had been taken by Wade who made ground and passed to Worsfold who jinked into the Park 22 and passed to the left.
The ball was turned back inside for Petite to take the final pass and score.
Daldry converted.
With heavier Winnington forwards denying Altrincham Kersal any quality ball, the home team raced ahead with tries by Richardson, Patterson and Barton to make the half time score 31-7, with Bell kicking three conversions.
Altrincham Kersal came back in the second half.
Just after the kick-off the Altrincham Kersal defender was forced into touch deep into his own half but the Kersal forwards stole the ball at the Park put in.
Worsfold made a run down midfield, sent the ball out to Bate, who had replaced the injured Wade at hooker, who fed Faulkner who passed to Harrison to score in the left corner; Daldry converted.
Then, from a line out 10 metres out from the Winnington line a good attacking move gave Spence the chance to score an unconverted try to close the gap.
Once again, Park's forwards came into it.
They set up a rolling maul from a line out and powered their way over to score right in the corner.
Altrincham Kersal's final try came after a loose kick ahead by Winnington was gathered by Worsfold and with the ball passing through eight or 10 pairs of hands before Faulkner scored under the posts.
Daldry kicked his third conversion.
The final blow came when some loose Altrincham Kersal defence let Barton through to score under the post.
It was quite obvious that, if the speedy Altrincham Kersal three-quarters can be given quality possession, they are capable of scoring a bundle of tries every game.
Next week sees cup action back at Stelfox Avenue, when Altrincham Kersal entertain De La Salle.
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