Late lead isn’t enough for opening day win

Sep 19 2008 Chester Chronicle

Hinckley 15 Chester 13

CHESTER had only themselves to blame as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Saturday’s Midlands One curtain-raiser.

A Tom Foden penalty had fired the visitors into a dramatic late lead, but there was still time for Hinckley to hit back with a last-gasp sucker punch.

From the restart following Foden’s penalty, Chester – promoted from Division Two West as champions last season – decided to play their way out of their own 22 instead of kicking for touch.

But the decision proved disastrous as Hinckley regained possession and ran in a try in the corner to snatch an unlikely victory.

Chester head coach Rob Foden said: “I’m frustrated with the outcome. The players have to realise that at this level, sides won’t lie down and we have to start playing smart rugby to achieve the results we’re capable of.”

Hinckley had taken the lead through a converted try midway through the first quarter and Chester’s cause wasn’t helped soon after when debutant Paddy Hughes was sin binned for illegal use of the boot.

With the visitors unable to make any headway against a well-organised defence, the home side started to put some moves of their own together – only to be kept out by the renowned Chester defence.

Chester missed two penalties during the first period, including one long audacious attempt from halfway that fell just short. But once the visitors were restored to full strength, Foden found his range and slotted a penalty between the posts to make it 7-3.

Following some reorganisation at the half-time break, Chester found themselves in a promising position with a scrum just on the edge of the opposition 22.

From a clean strike, No8 Ross White burst through two tackles to score under the posts, with Foden converting easily to put Chester 10-7 up.

Hinckley weren’t going to take this lying down and, with Chester trying the referee’s patience once again, they drew level at 10-10 with a well-taken penalty.

Then came the madness that was the last few minutes, with Foden kicking Chester into a three-point lead before Hinckley’s late try swung the game back in the hosts’ favour.

Chester host Bedford Athletic at Hare Lane tomorrow. Kick-off is 3pm. The 2nds are away to Waterloo 2nds.

Helsby 39 Congleton 14

A RIGOROUS and strenuous pre-season training programme paid off for Helsby as they kicked off the season with a fine win.

The home side fell behind to a try, but they were soon back on level terms with a nice one-two between Richie Able and Simon Williams ending with the number 10 crossing the line. Kev Ryder levelled the scores with a conversion.

Helsby then went in front just before the break when Andy Dean scored from the back of the scrum in a pushover drive, making it 12-7 at the break.

Early in the second half, Ryder squeezed a kick between the posts from a penalty kick. Then excellent combination play between forwards and backs saw Helsby stretch their lead with two tries from Tom Gregory.

Richie Able added two further tries, both of which were converted by Ryder. The game was finished with a consolation try for Congleton.

Man of the match was awarded to Phil Arkel. Helsby are in the Isle of Man tomorrow for their second league game of the season against Douglas.

Christleton 17 Winnington Park Vags 43

PARK scored 24 first-half points without reply to leave Christleton reeling.

After the break, the Chester hosts got their act together and finally got some points on the board, while also conceding three more tries.

Christleton’s points came from tries by Ant McCarthy – the result of some strong running by man-of-the-match Dave Cousins – and Chris Parkin, plus two conversions and a penalty from Dave Taylor.

Christleton travel to Hutton tomorrow (3pm).