SATURDAY’S visit to struggling Whitchurch could not have come at a better time for Knutsford.

Having not won since last month, they needed a boost in confidence and a 31-21 victory provided just that.

They did not have it all their own way against a side that had lost four of their five games before this one – far from it as the hosts surged into a 14-0 lead inside the first quarter.

Knutsford’s forwards were struggling and Whitchurch were dominating at the breakdown, but the visitors soon found another gear.

After Howard Dunkerly carried well, Jack Field and Pete Twist retained possession and Adam Ellary found the try line having stormed through a gap.

A further Blues try from Cook – with Alex Malcolm this time adding the conversion – ensured they trailed by just two points at the break.

Whitchurch were tiring and as the second half began, Knutsford were showing too much flair and invention for them to handle.

Malcolm raced through to finish between the posts and put them ahead before an opportunistic piece of play from Cook earned him a second try.

After Chris Isherwood wrapped up the Whitchurch full back, he released the ball to stop himself from giving away a penalty which allowed Cook to steal and touch down.

Whitchurch rallied and scored again, but it was Knutsford who had the final say.

A great break from Jim Southall saw fellow centre Sam Bensky get close to the try line and after the resulting ruck was won, Ellary fed Cook who in turn put man of the match Kyle Blake over out wide to ensure the points came back to Cheshire.

Blues host Village Spartans in their next fixture on Saturday.