Altrincham Kersal welcomed Carlisle, last year’s league runners-up, in their first home game of the season. 

Kersal knew it would be a tough game against a young, well-drilled side and Carlisle’s opening try, about five minutes in, proved this theory right.  A few minutes later, good ball handling and use of space led to a second try for the away side.  Altrincham’s lineout jumping disrupted Carlisle ball on several occasions and some strong runs took the home side to within several metres of the try line, however, a strong Carlisle defence prevented any scores.  End to end play tested Kersal but a dogged defence saw a would-be third try for Carlisle held up over the line.

However, with a twelve point lead established, there was no stopping the away side.  In what would prove to be a favourite and profitable move, Carlisle’s full-back joined the back line dummying to several players before sending the ball out to the winger who went over to score.  In spite of some good covering tackles from Altrincham Kersal, the same move helped Carlisle to a 27 point lead by half-time. 

Kersal team changes after forty minutes saw Nadine Donath move from the wing to play at flanker pushing Amy-Jane Dutton across to replace Nicky Herdman in the second row; Brierny Brown replaced Natasha Corns at outside centre.

The home team started the second half with their heads up but excellent tackling, especially from the flankers off the side of the scrum, was not enough to stop Carlisle.  With strong support play, they secured two tries in the opening fifteen minutes. 

Henny Olofsson debuted on the wing and fresh legs helped the backs to create more opportunities in the second half but excellent defensive organisation from the away team saw several periods of play come to nothing for Altrincham Kersal.  Despite further tries from Carlisle, the home team remained committed to the end chasing try scorers to the line and putting in some great covering tackles.

Although no individual played poorly, a disappointed Kersal felt they could have played better as a team.            

Final score: Altrincham Kersal 0 – 55 Carlisle. 

Altrincham Kersal:

1) Katy Hart,  2) Lisa Cooke,  3) Amanda Palin,  4) Carmel Dunkley,  5) Nicky Herdman,  6) Amy Jane Dutton,  7) Ali Keeling,  8) Anna Goatman,  9) Jude Thompson,  10) Pam Read,  11) Emma Button,  12) Natasha Corns, 13)  Lee Anne Cardus,  14)  Nadine Donath, 15)  Kelly Rickard,  16) Brierny Brown,  17) Henny Olofsson