Chester travelled to South Leicester on Saturday and returned with a 5 try bonus point win and the satisfaction of preventing the opposition from scoring for the second time this season. The last time that happened was the 2014/15 season where the sides involved were Hull and Preston Grasshoppers. This wasn't too much of a surprise as South Leicester are on a terrible run of form having lost on all four Saturdays in October. Saturday's defeat drops them into the bottom three in National 2 North. In contrast, the win elevates Chester to fourth and, with a run of three succesive home games coming up, thoughts of a climbing further up the table can be entertained. That being said fixtures against Tynedale, Wharfedale and Fylde are not going to be straightforward. In this league, results are notoriously difficult to predict.
Prior to this match Head Coach, Jan Deventer had aluded to the challenges ahead. South Leicester are not a well supported side and facilities are a little basic. It was tantamount to the professional approach of Colin Campbell's team that they were able to focus on the job in hand against a side with a typically big pack aiming to arrest their poor run of form.
Chester came out of the blocks quickly and found themselves 3 tries to the good after 15 minutes. Firstly, flanker Mike Craven crossed followed by two tries from flying winger Craig Ross. None could be converted, although James Robins did find his kicking boots to add the extras to Mike Craven's second try scored in the 55th minute. Callum Bennett completed the scoring with the fifth try scored with 15 minutes remaining. Judicious use of the bench ensured the team stayed fresh and in control to see the game out with few alarms.
That's 3 away wins so far this season from a team more noted for strong performances at Hare Lane. Last season only 3 games in total were won on their travels and to have done so already in the 2018/19 season augurs well. Whisper it quietly but by the time of the next away trip to Huddersfield on December 1st, heady heights may have be attained.
Next Saturday Chester entertain Tynedale in a rearranged fixture following the MSRA outbreak causing the game in September to be postponed. Kick off is scheduled for3pm. After playing in front of one man and his dog on Saturday, it would be great to give the boys a big crowd to entertain at Hare Lane.