Knutsford secured a win and bonus point in some convincing style in their first away fixture of the season at Altrincham Kersal.

The blues travelled with a strong squad after key players had returned in key positions and were looking to continue a 4 game trend of victories against the dogged Kersal side on their fantastic 1st XV pitch on a dry September day with the going good to firm.

Knutsford received with the ever consistent Tom Copsey taking a dominant catch and setting up several phases of play but it was clear ill discipline was going to slightly taint the match form the off when the penalty count steadily rose even in the first few mins and Altrincham were able to settle in to the game with some possession. Knutsford lost centre Cook within these first exchanges to a calf injury so player coach Chris Edmonds came on to replace him.

Defensively though, Knutsford were in the mood, Ed Snook was in fine fettle, toppling attackers for fun and setting up Knutsford for a steal of possession with the ever present Joachim Marques at 9 he was able to fed the metronomic James Doherty who marshalled the backline with aplomb. Knutsfords phases ended with flyer Alex Davies bagging his first away try of the season and his second in as many games.

Davies added his own extras and Knutsford came again, stalwart brotherly pairing of Dermot and Edan Welch were everywhere in defence and attach and it wasn't long before James Docherty finished a superb individual try with a signature chipped kick over his opposite man which he caught and dotted down with Davies adding his extras.

Knutsfords lineout has been slightly inconsistent in the past few seasons, sometimes mercurial, sometimes not so, but it clicked this game with some excellent jumping from James Clempner and support from the resulting rucks by Giles Robertson and Copsey. the scrum equally so, Stuart Rice was excellent in the front row and he scored next with a fantastic individual effort capitalising on a loose ball and burrowing through a tight defensive gap to stretch his legs and score under the posts.

Knutsfords scrum was matching the lineout in discipline and effectiveness and time and again their resolute efforts won through, Nick Hopkins and Clempner working well together with Snook and the Welch brothers to set a stable platform for consistent ball that the backs could make use of.

Hopkins was the next over the line, again strong positional play from the boot of Docherty and subsequent backs moves gained good field position and after several phases Hopkins powered over from just inside the 22 with a strong direct performance.

Further tries from Edan Welch and Chris Edmonds sealed the win and special call out to James Docherty who had a superb game but MOTM was awarded from both sides to Edan Welch who bossed every breakdown and made the gain line every time he got the ball in hand.

Knutsford ran out winners with a convincing scoreline of 17-54 and next week Knutsford take on Liverpool University Veterinarians at home and full support would be welcome especially with the clubhouse showing the England match and hosting a fantastic bbq.