1st XV
Matches
Sat 21 Jan 2023  ·  National League 2 North
Chester RUFC
1st XV
23
17
Sheffield Tigers
Chester 23 - 17 Sheffield Tigers

Chester 23 - 17 Sheffield Tigers

Tim Carty23 Jan 2023 - 08:58
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https://www.chesterrufc.com/te

Kyle seals it

Chester completed a season double over visitors Sheffield Tigers on Saturday at a bitingly cold Hare Lane in front of a bumper crowd.

Hard work from club members allowed the game to go ahead as much lying snow was removed from the pitch prior to the game.

Injuries led to Head Coach Jan Deventer making changes to the side with Liam Reeve returning at fly-half, James Hampson slotting in at full-back, Charlie Craven selected at centre and a 1st XV debut on the wing for Luke Ryder, a reward for some impressive performances in the 2nd XV.

Tigers started much the brighter, denying the home side possession and mounting sharp attacks through their speedy back line marshalled by veteran fly-half Mark Ireland and the large physical presences of back row forwards Connor Scott and Tom Calladine. A penalty from Ireland in the 4th minute gave the visitors an early lead. Chester hit back on 17 minutes with a long-range Liam Reeve penalty, and it was to be Reeve’s accuracy from the tee that provided the crucial factor in this game.

In a game punctuated by the referee's whistle, it was Tigers who crossed the whitewash first when centre Barney Goatley exploited space out wide and scored in the corner. Ireland was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt. The lead lasted just 4 minutes as a piece of individual brilliance from wing Harrison Vare levelled the scores. Receiving the ball from a scrum on the half way line his chip and chase over the visitor’s full back saw him collect the ball on the bounce and dot down in front of a packed stand. Liam Reeve added the conversion to give Chester the lead at half-time.

Following the break Chester, with Dom Cleverley shoring up the front row, gained parity in the tight and began to take control of the game with territorial gains following strong runs from skipper Harry Wilkinson, front rower Scott Robson and the ever-busy George Baxter. Tigers did regain the lead on 43 minutes with an Ireland penalty, but this was short-lived as two further penalties from Reeve pushed Chester out to a 16-11 lead with 20 minutes to play. Loose play from the home side led to a ruck penalty for the visitors on 68 minutes landed again by Ireland, but this was just a pre-cursor to the decisive moment of the game, as Kyle Joseph spotted some distracted defence at a ruck close to the visitors' line and dived through to score (pictured). The opportunity came after some powerful incursions into the 22 from the home forwards against a visibly tiring Tigers defence. Reeve completed a 100% kicking performance by landing the conversion.

Tigers roused themselves for a big last 10 minutes but their only reward was a 78th minute Ireland penalty. Chester saw out the final couple of minutes for a satisfying win for a squad still struggling with a long injury list. The victory sees Chester up to fourth in National 2 North.

Pic credit: Jonathan Cain

Match details

Match date

Sat 21 Jan 2023

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

National League 2 North

League position

4
Chester
9
Sheffield Tigers
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Player Sponsor - SAPT Consulting Ltd
Player Sponsor - Felicity Pochin
Player Sponsor - Vale Veterinary Equipment
Player Sponsor - Paul Parton
Player Sponsor - Oxbury
Player Sponsor - Pristine Decor UK
Player Sponsor - Peter Craven
Player Sponsor - John Benson
Player Sponsor - Nantwich Farm Vets
Player Sponsor - Refresh Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs
Player Sponsor - Hewett Robins
Player Sponsor - Dave Maloney
Player Sponsor - Joe Youdan
Player Sponsor - Martin O'Brien
Player Sponsor - Hoobs and Taff
Player Sponsor - PHG Contracting
Player Sponsor - JPL Flavour Technologies
Player Sponsor - Mike Williams
Player Sponsor - HJ Lea Oakes
Player Sponsor - Dalzell & Lindley
Player Sponsor - Midland Slurry Systems
Player Sponsor - John Ballard
Player Sponsor - Jim & Angie Booth
Player Sponsor - Ranga's Bar
Player Sponsor - Butcher Hughes
Player Sponsor - Ash Villa Dental Practice
Player Sponsor - Cater-Bake
Player Sponsor - Legat Owen
Player Sponsor - RPG Financial Planners
Player Sponsor - Joseph Heler
Player Sponsor - Michael Wright
Player Sponsor - DG Ford
Player Sponsor - Mike and Mary Wilson
Player Sponsor - Lancashire DAF
Player Sponsor - Premier K9 Ltd
Player Sponsor - Dave Cottle Civil Engineering
Player Sponsor - Sue Rigby
Player Sponsor - John Craven
Player Sponsor - Colomendy Farm
Player Sponsor - Foxtrot Travel
Player Sponsor - Process and Plant Sales
Player Sponsor - Craig Cawthorn
Player Sponsor - True Potential Wealth Management
Player Sponsor - Leisure Surfaces (Cheshire) Ltd
Player Sponsor - Mike Dangerfield
Club Sponsor - Datascope Systems Ltd
Club Sponsor - Integrated Health and Safety
Club Sponsor - Westland Horticulture
Club Sponsor - Easy Life
Club Sponsor - RSK