Altrincham Kersal 31, Birkenhead Park 17

BIRKENHEAD Park were unable to build on their opening victory against Northwich as they lost out to newly-promoted Altrincham Kersal.

Park were forced to make a number of changes but they appeared lethargic as the hosts quickly built up a 19-0 lead.

Kersal opened the scoring after ten minutes when flanker Ben Brooks drove through with Jacob Daldry converting.

Following sustained pressure second row Micah Dyos eventually crossed for the second home try with Daldry again adding the extras.

Park slipped further into arrears when John Coulson crossed after another lively Kersal move.

Park eventually began to move out of first gear when winger Sam Tyrer beat the Kersal defence before putting the supporting Adam Roscoe clear for an excellent try converted by Ollie Jacques.

Park continued their improvement after half time when they enjoyed their best spell of the match.

Jacques kicked a penalty and then full back Roscoe claimed his second try with a great run through the middle, the conversion by Jacques put the visitors just two points behind going into the final quarter.

The momentum was with Park but too many errors were made and they failed to capitalise.

Park were further disrupted with injuries to the impressive Roscoe and flanker Shaun Mooney and then they lost Rob Doolan to the sin bin.

It was Kersal who grabbed the crucial score when replacement winger Dodd crossed in the corner.

When Dyos scored his second close range effort Park’s hopes of even a losing bonus point disappeared too.

Park's director of rugby, Martin O'Keefe, said: "This was a hugely disappointing performance and result and a far cry from last week’s effort.

"Both sides made plenty of errors but we didn’t put enough pressure on Altrincham particularly in the first half."

Park will hope for improvement when they welcome Warrington to the Upper Park on Saturday, kick off 3pm.