Sheffield Tigers 25-19 Chester RUFC

Chester returned empty handed from their initial League 2 North fixture at Dore Moor, the home of opponents Sheffield Tigers. Saturday's defeat was a disappointing start to the 2019/20 season and provided revenge for the Tigers who fell to two close defeats in the corresponding fixtures last season.
Chester suffered at the hands of familiar foes as Jamie Broadley, Mark Ireland and Henri Packard led the scoring for the home team.
Jan Van Deventer will also be disappointed at the manner of the scoring opportunities handed on a plate to Tigers, as errors and first up defensive errors led directly to long range tries. Ireland's kicking off the tee was exemplary.
Chester's tight mauling game, so succesful last season, provided some bright spots, but was ultimately unable to breach the home defence in the final 5 minutes despite laying siege to the try-line. Excellent home defence and an uncharacteristic lack of accuracy ensured the bitten fingernails of the home supporters were not in vain.
Sheffield led at half-time 15-12 following an early score from the aforementioned Broadley. Chester responded via hooker Alick Croft. A long range penalty from Ireland, a try from No8 Shay Owen for the Reds and Broadley's second try completed the scoring. Chester's appeals for a forward pass for the last try in the half went unanswered.
Sheffield extended their lead in the second half via the boot of Ireland and a converted try from Packard, his 100th in Tigers colours. As so often happened last season Chester looked to claw victory from the jaws of defeat. Replacement Kyle Joseph (picured) dotted down with Mark Dixon adding the extras. Despite the best efforts of the visitors, no further scoring could be completed and the opening game of the season will be marked as one that got away.
Chester return to action on Sunday 15th away at Caldy RUFC with a 3pm kick off.