Rugby union: Chester seek Stockport scalp in National Three North opener

Sep 3 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

WITH last season’s play-off defeat still fresh in the memory, Chester are hoping to make a start to life in National Three North without a hangover.

The Hare Lane side have recruited well over the summer, new signings mainly arriving from cross-border rivals in North Wales, and confidence is high before Saturday’s big league opener at home to Cheshire rivals Stockport (3pm).

Director of rugby Tim Doig takes charge of first-team affairs this season having been forwards coach for the past few years after joining the club as a player in the 1992-93 campaign.

On Sunday, Doig saw his team crash out of the Cheshire Cup at National Two outfit Macclesfield with a 31-17 defeat, but in light of an impressive pre-season, he believes Chester will be challenging for honours once again.

“We definitely want to build on last year,” said Doig. “We have signed a lot of young players that will hopefully come through and make the step up. But we have also got a side with bags of pace so if we can win some good ball for them, we could cause some problems and do well.”

Two of Chester’s major signings during the summer break are in vital positions. Hooker John Gill arrives from Wrexham while fly-half Rhys Hayes has signed from Mold.

Both should figure in Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated Hare Lane clash.

Helsby hit the ground running as they began their competitive season with a 24-10 victory over Old Parkonians in the Cheshire Plate on Saturday.

The Cheshire and South Lancs Division Three side took the lead when Stuart Dowling crossed the whitewash following strong yards made by No 8 John Williams.

Parkonians hit back soon after with a try of their own but a penalty from Matty Dumbell extended the hosts’ advantage.

Dumbell was on the scoresheet again but this time adding a try following a flowing move that started in Helsby’s own 22. Kevin Ryder added the second of his three conversions.

After the break, Helsby added one further score through Matty Lee after breaks were made by Tom Gregory and Dowling.

Helsby RUFC hold their junior registration day on Sunday, between 10.30am-noon, on the club’s pitches behind Tesco. Children between the ages of five and 17 are welcome to attend.