There's been slim pickings for Chester when up against Sedgley Park. A 24-12 win at Hare Lane in December 2018, courtesy of some last minute brilliance from scrum-half Josh Morris, and a battling 15 all draw two years previously at the same location have been the only return in recent memory. You have to go back to October 2014 to find any success against the Tigers away from Vicars Cross, when the boys came away from north Manchester with a 13-23 victory.
Indeed, in recent times, days have been chastening at Park Lane with some heavy defeats.
So, with the home side gathering for a tilt at the top of the table, Harry's team were aware of the huge task ahead. All things considered and, always being wary of the "plucky" adjective, the team can be rightfully proud of a battling 80 minute performance resulting in a losing bonus point.
In front of a large appreciative crowd, the home side opened the scoring on 14 minutes when winger Rhys Henderson dotted down for a converted try. A second converted try followed, with the scores interrupted by a penalty from Chester fly-half Liam Reeve. A catch and drive from the Chester pack enabled hooker Scott Robson to score and bring the half time score to 14-8.
Sedgley dominated the 3rd quarter and extended their lead to 26-8 with two tries via No8 Lees and prop Chilvers.
Chester stepped up the pressure in the final quarter and their effort and determination was rewarded with late scores from replacement front row Josh Woods and skipper Harry Wilkinson. Reeve added the two conversions to bring Chester within a try of the home side but with no time left to force a win.