RUGBY

NO matter what the result of this final league match of the season between the two clubs was going to be, it would have no effect on league positions.

They would still be first and second and both are guaranteed promotion to NW1 league.

Nevertheless, both sides wanted to win and Stockport had their intention clear when, after a series of line outs a threequarter move saw their winger Matt Brundrett go over for a try, converted by Louis Marx.

All this time Altrincham Kersal seemed anxious and were playing nervously.

Their usual efifcient lineout seemed to be running on only three cylinders and usual safe hands were snatching at passes.

However, after a passage of good attacking play 'Max' Faulkner gathered a ball at the base of a ruck and dived over for a try.

Then, from a scrum awarded to AKRFC from the restart, possession was gained, full back Rob Worsfold came into the line, beat three players before the Stockport cover defence caught him and slipped a perfect pass to Altrincham Kersal's man of the match Dave Hancock who ran 25 yards to score.

Two tries scored in two minutes, the first after 24 minutes and the second after 26 minutes.

The second half was all Altrincham Kersal as attack after attack kept Stockport on the back foot but they all foundered, the final pass going astray when tries seemed certain.

Then, after being penned at their own end of the field for three quarters of the half, a penalty took Stockport into Kersal territory and from the line out scored a converted try to make the final score 14-10.

Cheshire Colts Plate Final

Altrincham Kersal Colts

30 Sandbach 3

ALTRINCHAM Kersal conceded a scrum by being in front of the kicker at the start but put pressure on the Sandbach side and gained possession after the tackle.

The suceeding passing movement resulted in an Altrincham Kersal try after only two minutes play.

This set the pattern for the rest of the game:

Agressive tackling, good forward play providing quick ball for the three quarters and expansive open play.

All this frustrated the Sandbach side so much that they were forced into illegal tactics to prevent tries being made.

And for their sins had two penalty tries awarded against them, which did nothing for their cause.

The only response that Sandbach were able to make was a well taken penalty, to give them their three points.

Quite often, after a game, a player is nominated as man of the match.

That was not possible after this one, everyone who played made an equal contribution to an excellent display and it would be unfair to select any one individual.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.