NEW BRIGHTON look to build on their successful start to 2009 when they take on North Two West leaders Altrincham Kersal at Hartsfield on Saturday.

The victory at Blackburn last weekend lifted the Blues to fourth but hopes of a top two finish remain slender.

Certainly it is a must-win situation on Saturday if they are to close the six-point gap.

The first game last October finished 16-16 and it promises to be close again.

Ahead of the contest the stand at Hartsfield will be named in memory of Harry Leyland, who died last year. Harry who was a professional footballer became deeply involved at New Brighton during his later years and held office as chairman and president. His widow Margaret will perform the naming ceremony.

After the game the club is holding a Tongan Night with skipper Kati Tuipulotu providing his appetising hog roast.

The Blues had to work very hard last week to see off bottom-of-the-table Blackburn 10-8. They had difficulty coping with the referee’s interpretation of the laws and gave away a succession of penalties which did not help.

Fortunately a Tuipulotu try and a conversion and penalty by Stephen Dean proved just enough.

Scrum-half Alan Hesketh took the Man of the Match award for the Blues but he was run close by Ryan McKibbin and Ikuna Manuofetoa in the back-row.

“It was not quite the champagne rugby of previous weeks but a win’s a win,” said club spokesman Paul Lewis.

Meanwhile scrum-half Steve Murtagh has signed in at Hartsfield. He is studying at Liverpool University and was on the subs’ bench last Saturday.