Rugby union: Dave Legat injury blow for Chester in costly loss at Beverley

Feb 11 2010 Chester Chronicle

Beverley 16 Chester 6

CHESTER’S promotion prospects suffered a damaging blow on Saturday as they slumped to defeat in the East Riding mud.

The twice-postponed clash went ahead at the third attempt but a soft pitch – still not fully recovered from the recent bad weather – made life difficult for the visitors’ fast-paced backs.

Beverley adapted best to the conditions and the victory moved them up to fifth in the Division Three North table, just one place below Chester who dropped a place from third. Tim Doig’s men are now nine points away from second spot, which is where they need to finish to secure a play-off berth.

Chester handed debuts to Mark Jones and Mike Davies and recalled Will Bown and James Farrell. But flanker Andy Moore, Chester’s match-winner against Darlington the previous weekend, was unavailable so Dave Legat came in.

Unfortunately for Legat, his afternoon came to a premature and painful end when he suffered a broken elbow in an innocuous third-minute challenge.

Despite the setback, Chester dominated the opening skirmishes and went 3-0 up thanks to a Rhys Hayes penalty.

But their lead was shortlived as Beverley responded with an unconverted try and a penalty to go into the break 8-3 ahead.

The second period opened with Chester once again in the ascendancy and Hayes converted a penalty to make it 8-6. But for all their pressure and, at times, some scintillating rugby, individual mistakes and basic handling errors cost Chester dearly.

The hosts wrapped up the win with a penalty and a late try, denying Chester a losing bonus point.

Next up for Chester is a trip to mid-table Sheffield Tigers this Saturday.