Kersal do it for Harry

A MINUTE'S silence was observed prior to the start of this game to pay tribute to former Kersal prop Harry Howarth who died the previous week.

And he would have been pleased with the result, as Kersal ended a run of six straight defeats with a resounding 55-0 win over Stockport.

Almost 20 minutes had elapsed before Kersal were able to turn pressure into points.

They had played some excellent rugby but were kept out by the visitors' defence until full back Stewart came into the line and went over for a try and the first of his 25-point contribution to the total.

Altogether he kicked seven conversions and two penalties - nine successes from nine attempts.

But the match signalled the return to form of the whole team.

The forwards dominated in set pieces and loose play and the backs showed enterprise in attack and were firm in defence.

Fly half Ashman twice cut through the Stockport defence to get a pair of tries, captain Shepherd got one, as did his fellow back row Fernandez-Arias.

Centre Murphy ran from halfway for his and winger Petite completed the scoring when he seized on a loose Stokcport pass, outpaced the defence and touched down near the posts.

With only two more matches to play - away to Penrith in two week's timeand the final home game against New Brighton on April 14 - this win established a midtable position and ensured North One rugby at Stelfox Avenue next season.

Meanwhile, Kersal's Colts have reached the northern group final in the RFU National Cup.

They defeated Sandbach 15-10 in order to seal their place.

The match was played in extremely heavy conditions, which made open play almost impossible, but there were four tries scored in the first half.

Three of them were from Kersal - one for Nettleton and two for Atkinson - and Sandbach grabbed the other before adding a consolation effort after the break.

Kersal will now travel to Wharfedale on Sunday March 25 for what will be a tough encounter. Victory would earn them a spot in the national quarter-finals.