ALTRINCHAM Kersal overcame the first hurdle of the season and maintained their unbeaten home record with this league victory over Vale of Lune.

It was a tense game, not short of thrills, in which Kersal showed their determination to play 15 man rugby.

But the result was in doubt right up to the last minute.

Early on, the Vale pack put pressure on the home side and took full advantage when Altrincham Kersal were reduced to seven forwards after the referee had "sin binned" the Kersal No. 6.

A 5 metre scrum resulted in a push over try and gave a five point lead to Vale of Lune.

But up to that point, it had been a fluid game with Altrincham Kersal building up attacks through excellent handling and support play but being frustrated at the last moment by a good tackle or the ball not going to hand.

The AKRFC captain Wade, thinking quickly, took a quick throw-in, the ball shot across the line and Cueto went over for a fine try.

Vale's next score came from a kick ahead from Vale's excellent fly half, Bennett, Altrincham Kersal's full back, Edwards, playing his first game after nearly a season out of the game through injury.

He was tackled as he went for the ball and Vale scored a converted try to put them one point in the lead,12-11.

As the second half progressed the Altrincham Kersal forwards gained ascendancy particularly when the referee again "sinbinned" a player - the Vale No. 7.

These were to be crucial moments.

One came when Edwards saved a certain VOL try with a crunching tackle and the second when the referee disallowed another Vale try for an infringement by Vale.

Then, from a scrum in the Vale 22, Wade broke and passed, Hancock came into the line and time his pass perfectly to put Halliwell in the corner.

Then came the moment of drama.

A penalty to Vale of Lune at the last moment of the game.

If successful they would win by two points.

It was missed and Altrincham Kersal had won by 16 points to 15.

Scorers - Altrincham Kersal - Tries Cueto 1, Halliwell 1 - Penalties - Forster 2.

Vale of Lune - Tries - Darwen 1, Fouler 1 - Conversions - Tyson 1 - Penalties, Tyson 1.

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