AMBITIOUS Sandbach RUFC have lessons to learn after an 85-0 Vase drubbing at home to Altrincham Kersal.

Hoping to emulate their opponents' league status two divisions higher in North 1, the Bradwall Road boys now know what's required to get there.

Missing several players, management maintained their policy of opting for youth with Dan Butler making his first start of the season at stand off next to Mark Bird at scrum half.

From the get go Kersal attacked on the sides of rucks, tying Sandbach's forwards in knots before releasing their potent backs to strike from all angles.

Home skipper Tim Oakes and Chris Davenport put in some big hits but the visitors were up and running from a supposed pull down in the lineout with the referee awarding a penalty try.

Sandbach did create some pressure with some good driving forward runs and quick feet from Dan Massey but couldn't break down the defence.

More tries came in the second-half as Kersal struck at will and their stand off kicked almost everything from everywhere.

"Mark Bird and Dan Butler tackled at least four times above their weight," explained Oakes.

"With strong aspirations to get to the higher leagues, the team knows what it needs to do to improve and meet the standards needed to stay there.

"This can only be a good learning experience all round."

Sandbach are back in action at Wilmslow, this Saturday.