Chester Gladiators head coach David Kirby described the 38-22 win at Westhoughton Lions as a 'reality shock' for his team.

Chester trailed 18-16 at the end of a poor first-half but outscored the Lions four tries to one in the second period and top North West Men's League Division Four on points difference.

Having given the opposition a 68-0 hammering in the NWML Shield a couple of weeks previous, the out-of-sorts Gladiators were guilty of allowing an element of complacency to creep in and had to dig deep to see off a game Westhoughton side.

Jonny Rae gave Chester the lead but the Lions dominated the next 20 minutes, scoring two converted tries to move 12-4 up.

Daniel Munt crossed to cut the deficit and Ben Stelmaszek stepped through the defence to put them 16-12 ahead, however Westhought hit back to lead 18-16 at the break.

Some harsh words during the break resulted in a much-improved second-half performance, with the introduction of teenager Ryan Turner having a big impact.

Joe Hickey scored out wide to put Chester 20-16 in front before quick-fire tries from Munt and Rae moved them 32-18 ahead.

Hickey then grabbed his second of the game to wrap up the win although the Lions did manage an interception try before the end.

Kirby said afterwards: "Saturday's match was a reality shock for the team.

"It was evident in the first 10 minutes the game was going to be a lot tougher than the cup match.

"Tom woods and Joe Hickey worked tirelessly all game in defence and the second-half was much better, largely down to the impact of Gaz Davies, Paul Foster and Ryan Turner off the bench."