This was a seesaw match from which Ionians well deserved their bonus points writes Des Hickie. Chester started strongly with a pushover try by Jonny Hanson in the second minute and a long range intercept score by Andy McMinimee in the 16th. However, building on a solid set piece and strong running from their centres Ionians came back first with a penalty from Lewis Minikin and then a try from ever present No.8 Andy Hudson. When a strong break by Ionians fullback Burnhill led to a try by backrow James Sanderson it seemed his side were in the driving seat, but Chester replied with a fine try from scrumhalf Tom Ellis. Flyhalf Morgan Bagshaw deftly put No.8 Dave Jones through a hole and he drew the last defender, slipping the ball inside to Ellis.

The third quarter belonged to the visitors who moved into a seemingly unassailable 16 point lead by the 63rd minute, following 2 Minikin penalties and then tries by Ben Stephenson and by wing Tom Winch . Stephenson’s score came from a very powerful break by centre Miniken, bursting through at least 2 despairing Chester tackles before laying off the ball. Winch’s was a long distance interception try from deep in his own 22, very similar to McMinimee’s score in the first half. At this point Chester were regretting their failure to capitalise on 2 clean breaks deep into the Ionians 22 only a few minutes before. Both breaks saw the ball carrier hold onto possession instead of passing to a support player who was unmarked and would have crossed unopposed. Despite being 3 scores in arrears Chester regathered themselves and upped their work rate as Ionians seemed to tire. This led to 3 tries in 11 minutes. First sub hooker Scott Robson crossed following a clean break through a crowded midfield by flyhalf Bagshaw. Then 4 minutes later Chester No,8 Dave Jones (pictured) capped a fine display scoring after strong carries from prop Josh Woods and sub scrumhalf Charlie Craven. Only 2 points adrift with 10 minutes left the home side piled on the pressure and eventually a brave Ionians’ defence cracked, George Spalding galloping over with a 2 man overlap. The drama wasn’t over. Chester errors allowed Ionians to camp in the home red zone until deep into injury time, but they were unable to find a way through stubborn defence.

Star player – Dave Jones (Chester)

Referee – Mr.Ounsley

Attendance - 250
2. Scores and Scorers

Final Score: 38-33

Half time Score: 17-17

Scorers:

Chester –

Tries Hanson (2mins.), McMinimee (16 mins), Ellis (35 mins.), Robson (66 mins.), Jones (70 mins.), Spalding (77 mins.)

Conversions Bagshaw (35 mins., 67 mins.). McMinimee (71 mins., 78 mins.)

Penalties

Drop goals

Ionians