KNUTSFORD Rugby Club enjoyed a perfect start to the new season on Saturday.

Having made the trip to face Altrincham Kersal’s second team in NOWIRUL Division Two South, they returned having picked up a resounding 55-19 victory.

Sam Cook, who finished as last year’s leading tryscorer, kicked off the new campaign in the same vein by scoring a hat-trick as Knutsford took all the available points on offer.

Jack Field barged over for the first try before Cook’s support play twice came to the fore, finishing off breaks firstly from James Docherty and then from Jim Southall.

Cook’s treble was completed before the break when excellent forward play led to Dan McQuade bursting through and feeding Tom Copsey, who supplied Cook with the final pass.

The hosts came back into the game, running in several quick scores as Knutsford’s concentration lapsed, but the visitors regained their composure and finished with a flourish.

McQuade and Docherty scored either side of a try from Harry Beasley, who then went on to score a second try before Sam Gray marked his debut with the game’s final score.

Knutsford’s first home game of the season on Saturday sees them welcome Leek’s seconds.