Three converted scores in an eight minute period at the start of the second half proved to be the catalyst as Chester completed an impressive first month back in National 2 North. Three bonus point wins from the first 4 matches puts Rhys's team in the top 4 chasing the initial pacesetters, Sedgley Park and Hull Ionians.
The visitors on Saturday, Billingham RFC, proved doughty opponents in the first 40 but fell away as Chester's try total reached double figures.
The home team started quickly with back row Dave Jones being propelled over the line from a lineout close to the Billingham line after 2 minutes. The driving maul was to prove an effective weapon during the game for Chester as the opposition tired appreciably after the break. Initially, however, it was clear they had come play and they responded very quickly when good hands across a pacy looking backline put centre Harry Mayes in at the corner. Throughout the match, Chester were able to rely on good lineout ball via the safe hands of Kiwi No8 Curtis Finnegan (pictured, credit Simon Warburton), and a second melee close to the line resulted in a try awarded after some discussion to Ed Morris. Further pressure from a lineout after 17 minutes ended when scrum half Tommy Ellis spotted a gap close the posts and scrambled through. Sam Rogers' conversion took Chester's lead to 19-5. Perhaps with the long journey lethargy dissipated, Billingham showed some true skill as phase one ball was spread wide exposing some paper thin defence on the outside and winger Martin Hopley scored. Centre Luke Wilson landed a majestic conversion and was on hand just 60 seconds later to convert No8 Anthony Jackson's try after a lineout catch and drive caught Chester's ruck maul defence lacking. At 19-19, Billingham had responded well to Chester's apparent dominance and were well in the game. Heads may have dropped as the half time whistle blew as it also signalled Sam Rogers successful conversion of Ben Ivory's try from a lovely half break and offload from fellow centre Rhys Hamilton, giving Chester a 26-19 half time lead.
Must have been something good in the half-time oranges for the home team as the game was to all extents and purposes put to bed as first second row Conner Scrivens bullocked over, again from a lineout in the red zone. This was followed by Morgan Bagshaw releasing a deft pass to exploit Rhys Hamilton's great running line as the centre added a try on his return to the 1st XV. Minutes after coming on for his debut, replacement scrum half Will Wooton weaved an intricate path to the posts . His introduction perked Chester's attack up with lightening distribution from the base of scrum and ruck.
With Billingham chasing the game, their endeavour was rewarded on 55 minutes with back rower Charlie Evans outpacing the Chester cover defence to gallop 35 metres to the line with Wilson impressive again off the tee.
Chester ended the second half as they began it with three further tries. Skipper Ben Ivory added a second, and his fifth in two games, following an impressive drive from Jonny Hanson on the occasion of his fiftieth cap. A loose pass as Billingham attempted to run out of their 22 was seized on by Harvey Hebden and a simple pass to Sam Rogers gave him a clear run to the line and to wrap things up, the impressive Morgan Bagshaw forced his way over from close range with 3 tired defenders hanging on. Sam Rogers finished with 8 conversions and a 21 point haul in total.
Congratulations to Man of the Match Noah Vickery, a towering abrasive performance from the second row.

Match Video