Chester pulled away for a conclusive win with a fine 2nd half performance scoring 25 unanswered points writes Des Hickie. Billingham had a spirited first half clawing their way back every time the home side threatened to move ahead decisively and going into half time at 22 apiece.

Chester began with a well-worked try by fullback Dafydd Williams taking a strong line off flyhalf Morgan Bagshaw. Billingham replied with a try from Louie Groark following a clean break from his centre partner Luke Wilson. So it continued, with two Chester tries from Dave Jones and a second from Williams following a pinpoint kick chase. Billingham answered with a sharp-witted snipe from scrumhalf Jamie Lane and a forward drive finished by Dan Dixon.

Chester’s 1st half had been bedevilled by poor discipline. They sorted this out and took a firm grip on proceedings, outworking the visitors with strong line speed and turnovers in defence, forcing penalties. In attack they produced a flow of quicker ball and strong running by backs and forwards brought dividends – 2 tries in quick succession by centre Ben Ivory, the second from a targeted lineout overthrow, and another on time from Andy McMinimee following a chip over a tiring defence.

Final Score: 47-22

Half time Score: 22-22

Scorers:

Chester –

Tries Williams (5 mins., 27 mins.), Jones (15 mins.), Ivory (44 mins., 47 mins.), McMinimee 80 mins.)

Conversions McMinimee (6 mins., 44 mins. 80 mins.), Bagshaw (28 mins.)

Penalties McMinimee (26 mins., 54 mins., 61 mins.)

Drop goals

Billiingham

Tries Groark (11 mins.), Lane (34 mins.), Dixon (40 mins.)

Conversions Roxby ( 11 mins.,35 mins.)

Penalties Roxby (24 mins.)