Rugby Union: Altrincham Kersal 25 - 19 Rochdale RUFC

A tight game was always on the card as the two previously relegated sides took the field in this first game of the new season, and so it proved but Altrincham Kersal took the points.

Rochdale fielded a completely different back row to last week’s cup game and Alex Isherwood, Harry Hayes and Andrew Foster were soon put under the cosh as Altrincham Kersal tried to exert pressure early on.

The Rochdale defence were not found wanting, and held Altrincham Kersal in midfield.

A nasty accidental injury to the elbow of James Duffy had him taken off and away to hospital early in the game, and coach Danny Collins had to re-shuffle.

From the re-start Altrincham Kersal worked the ball through the Rochdale defence to score wide left. The kick was unsuccessful.

Altrincham Kersal had a good drive to get well into the Rochdale half, the ball came out and three quick passes saw the Altrincham Kersal winger score on the right. The kick was converted.

Pressure from the Altrincham Kersal attack kept them in the Rochdale 22. Three pick and goes had them up to the line and the number eight crossed over from close in. The conversion attempt missed.

Rochdale started to make things work and good running from Isherwood, Buckley and Dom Macklin broke through the Altrincham Kersal line.

Cheered on by good away support, Rochdale put in a powerful play up the left hand side with Tom Helliwell and Jake Smith making good ground, supported by Hill and Isherwood, the latter taking the ball from a quick penalty and crashing over wide out left for a well earned try. Replacement kicker Matty Buckley slotted the extras.

Half time: Altrincham Kersal. 17 - 7 Rochdale

The second half started very lively with Rochdale taking the impetus.

Rochdale captain Dom Serridge was having an excellent game and his tackling and running were causing problems for Altrincham Kersal.

Serridge made a 12-metre dash and popped the ball out to Buckley who made a superb run to score just right of the uprights. Buckley also added the two points.

Rochdale applied pressure in the Altrincham Kersal half, and after Jake Smith produced some excellent passing, the forwards started a rolling maul about 20 metres out that finished with Harry Hill forcing the ball over the whitewash. Buckley missed the conversion.

With 30 minutes of the second half gone Rochdale had the lead, albeit briefly.

Rochdale's Harry Hayes was sin-binned for a deliberate knock down and his game was spent.

Minutes later a penalty was awarded to Altrincham Kersal and the resulting three points took them back into the lead.

Rochdale worked hardto try and wrestle the game back and in the tussle Isherwood was adjudged to have committed dangerous play and was awarded a yellow card.

Down to 13 men, Rochdale camped on the Altrincham Kersal 22 metre line and tried everything to get over the line, but the game ended without further score.