Chester 48-31 Bournville

Eleven tries were scored as Chester came out on top when Bournville paid their first visit to Hare Lane. Scores were swapped in a fashion that would have defence coaches scratching their heads. It paid compliment to the attacking nature of both sides enjoying the April sunshine.
Chester came out of the blocks quickly and jumped into a 17-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. Josh Woods scored after 4 minutes, converted by Liam Reeve who then added a further 10 points himself with a penalty and a successful conversion of his own try.
Bournville shook off their travel legs and replied with a score from the excellent Ethan Walker, converted by Mitchell Mcgahan.
As both sides battled for ascendancy scores were exchanged as, first, Charlie Craven, playing in the unfamiliar position of outside centre, intercepted a loose pass to sprint in. Five minutes later, Bournville winger Ed Drake-Lee advanced the visitor's score although the conversion was unsuccessful. Player-coach Guy Ford, leading from the back-row, completed the first half try scoring leaving the half-time score 31-12 and a very satisfied home crowd.
Following the half-time oranges, Bournville started the quicker and Walker added his second try but almost immediately the excellent Sam Brearey's converted try extended Chester's lead to 21 points. At this point, the home supporters may have thought the game was done and dusted although no-one had explained the script to the Bournville players who hit back with a vengeance. Hooker James Randall dotted down, and three minutes later full back Owen Williams sprinted through. Both scores were converted by Mcgahan bringing the visitors within a converted try of a tied match. In addition, Chester back-row Brearey was sinbinned on 58 minutes but crucially Bournville were unable to benefit from the one man advantage and it was the home side who finished stronger as Liam Reeve landed a penalty, quickly followed by a huge cheer when centre Tom Scott went over for his first try for the 1st XV, securing the win. Reeve's impressive kicking performance continued with the conversion for a personal haul of 23 points.
Second row George Spalding added to his growing reputation with a Man of the Match performance.