A SECURITY alert following the terrorist attack on New York dashed Chester's hopes of a training workout with a difference last Saturday.
Without a match because of a bye in the NPI Cup Chester coach Ginge Wills arranged a special day's training with the Army at The Dale in Upton.
But it was called off at the 11th hour so Wills switched to Hare Lane for a training session as part of the preparation for the season's first home game against early North One leaders West Park St Helens tomorrow (3pm).
Saints are ahead on points difference following their 40-0 victory over Bradford and Bingley in the opening match of the season a fortnight ago, while Chester also had a flyer with a win at Wigton.
"We are looking forward to measuring ourselves against the leaders," said director of rugby Jim Booth. "Park have recruited well during the summer, so it should be a big test for us."
Booth and Wills took the opportunity of watching the second team on Saturday and were impressed with their performance against Altrincham Kersall, scoring more than 50 points.
"This was a true second team because we resisted the temptation to put some first-teamers in and they did very well. It says a lot about the strength in depth we have now," added Booth.
Chester make one change in the starting line-up from the team which beat Wigton, new outside flanker Gavin Taylor coming in for Guy Hazleton.
* Chester have confirmed that winger Kirsten Bright is due to arrive from New Zealand on October 3. He is currently with Cromwell in South Island and also plays for Otago County.
The Chester team is: M Davies, Goulding, A Davies, Sanderson, Sanger, Woods, Taylor, Bellis, Ellis, Farr, Graham, Parry, T Donovan, Aldersey, Lyle. Subs: Hazleton, Lloyd, Bishop.
