Rugby union: Chester 22 Rochdale 12

Dec 3 2009 Chester Chronicle

Rugby union: Chester 22 Rochdale 12

Chester 22 Rochdale 12

CHESTER overcame the loss of Gareth Sanger to injury to record a hard-fought victory on Saturday which keeps them hot on the heels of National League Division Three (North) pacesetters Morley.

With Rochdale leading 7-0, second row Sanger was forced off after suffering a nasty bang to his knee which makes him a major doubt for this Saturday’s trip to Rossendale.

But fourth-placed Chester, for whom Johnny Piggott was man of the match, responded well to the setback and hit back to lead by a point at the break thanks to a Rhys Hayes penalty and an Andy Moore try that followed a great driving maul.

The visitors started the second half strongly, but the Hare Lane outfit reinstated their dominance up front, and with quick ball crossed the whitewash twice in succession to kill the contest.

Hayes capped off some fine support for a try near the posts he easily converted, before a piece of Tom Foden magic saw him beat three players on the outside and crash over under the posts. Hayes added the extras.

Christleton returned to Miller Homes League Division Four West action with an 11-7 win over Ormskirk 3rds on Saturday.

The hosts led at the break through a Jim Taylor penalty, awarded following fine forward play by man of the match Ben Teasedale and Dave Cousins. Another penalty extended Christleton’s advantage before captain Geraint Jones finished off good work from Jake Lack to score the winner.

Christleton are away to Eagle 2nds on Saturday.

Helsby are in Cheshire Plate action at Holmes Chapel, who won Saturday’s .. South Lancs/Cheshire Division ........... Three clash between the sides.

Jim Gray scored a consolation try for Helsby, for whom John Williams was MoM.