When Kirkby Lonsdale played Sandal at home they narrowly won a tightly-fought competition - it was probably one of the closest matches they will encounter this season.

With a full squad, Saturday's fixture was clearly one to look forward to, with hopes of a possible victory in everyone's minds.

However, with a number of key playmakers missing and in the wake of a very serious injury to Harry Ralston, it was always going to be a tricky fixture.

Sandal were fired up and quickly got on the score sheet with a penalty, followed closely by a converted try.

Kirkby, try as they might, failed to regroup and Sandal continued as they had started and convincingly won the first half.

At half time the score was 38-0.

All Kirkby could hope to do in the second half was to try to restore some pride .

Kirkby were the first to score after the interval.

Stu Storey blasted through to score a try, which Mike Fearon then converted to make the score 38-7.

Sandal, however, were in no mood to extend the fantastic hospitality Kirkby and their supporters received off the pitch and duly scored two more converted tries.

The final score at the end of the game was 52-7.

Next up for Kirkby Lonsdale are Billingham, who are flying high in the league.

Kirkby are hoping to welcome back a number of the players who were missing for the trip to Sandal.