Rugby union: Waterloo 9 Chester 16

Oct 13 2011 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

Waterloo 9 Chester 16

THE amazing run goes on for Chester!

Saturday’s success at Waterloo was the Hare Lane club’s sixth win from six matches in National League Three North. They sit proudly at the top of the table as the only side in the division with a 100% record.

The early exchanges at St Anthony’s Road went to Waterloo, but they missed two early penalties.

Chester went ahead from their first significant attack of the game, Liam Gill scoring in the corner following a break by Josh Leach.

Liam McGovern’s penalty shortly after made it 8-0, but Waterloo responded with a penalty of their own so it was 8-3 going into the half time break.

Intelligent kicking from the home side kept Chester in their own half during the early minutes of the second period, but the visitors were able to stretch their lead with a try on the counterattack.

With a Waterloo player in the sin-bin, Ross White took full advantage and scored in the corner but the conversion was missed.

A second Waterloo player was then sent to the bin – reducing them to 13 – but the numerical disadvantage did not prevent the hosts from cutting the deficit to 13-9 courtesy of a couple of penalties.

The last 10 minutes brought Waterloo back to full strength but they could not unlock the well drilled Chester defence.

In the dying minutes of the game, the visitors were awarded a penalty which took them to a hard-earned win.

Chester are at home to mid-table West Hartlepool this Saturday (3pm).

Chester 2nds 53 Altrincham Kersal 2nds 0: Chester ran up more than 50 points for the second week running as their brand of fast, open rugby was too much for Altrincham at Hare Lane.

Tim Doig, Chester’s director of rugby, took time out from his busy match-day schedule to watch the second string, who are up to fourth in the Bateman Premier League.

Doig said: “I have been hearing a lot about the 2nd XV over the past few weeks and I can see why after this performance.”

The hosts in nine tries with centre Gaz Coye leading the way with a hat-trick. Winger Pete Rees got two and there were also scores from lock forward James Purdy, fullback James Thomas and new boy Mark Curthers. The rest of Chester’s points came from the boot of fly-half Lloyd Griffiths with four conversions.

Man of the match was new open-side flanker Brad Nickleson.

Chester 2nds expect to be at full strength for this Saturday’s away match at Broughton Park 2nds.

Christleton suffered only their second defeat of the season in Division Four West of the University of Salford League. They were humbled 111-7 by leaders Moore 2nds and will be hoping to return to form for this Saturday’s home match against Liverpool St Helens 3rds.