KNUTSFORD’S supporters mused afterwards whether this was their team’s best ever performance.

That won’t make Village Spartans feel much better but Blues’ first appearance at a higher level will encourage them to believe they can be competitive again this season.

They had to withstand sustained pressure in the opening quarter before breaking through when Alex Malcolm added a final flourish to a flowing team move.

Centre Alex Davies was next to dot down after Pete Twist had rode three tackles before recycling possession.

Giles Robertson then off-loaded to Adam Ellery, after the home team had progressed through multiple phases, who added a third try.

Knutsford continued to assert themselves, guided by Sam Cook, and tested rehearsed moves honed during pre-season with new coaching duo Chris Edmonds and Will Cliff.

Nick Webb, impressive on the right flank, played his part when Malcolm went over for his second score shortly after the interval.

Ted Cawson’s break ended with Adam Cornes adding his name to a list of scorers and Blues showed no mercy during the closing stages when Twist added gloss to a man-of-the-match performance with a try.

Sam Nanda opened his account for the campaign before Cook went over between the posts to complete an impressive victory.

Knutsford travel to Glossop’s thirds on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.