Chester Romans couldn't contain rampant rivals Merseyside Nighthawks, going down to a 63-14 defeat in BAFA National League NFC One.
Ranked number one in the UK, reigning champions Merseyside were expected to be promoted this season but a league realignment meant the Nighthawks remained at the same level.
Merseyside's explosive offence had been racking up the points in an unbeaten start to the season so Chester knew it would be a big ask to topple their neighbours.
Romans got off to a good start when former youth teamer Samson McLean picked off the quarterback for his first senior interception, signalling the start of an impressive debut which earned McLean the defensive MVP award.
But soon after a high snap on the Romans offence saw the ball go to ground and the Merseyside defence scooped it up to score from close range.
Chester produced the perfect response when a deep pass from Brad Chilvers found Martin Cocking to take them to the three-yard line and quarterback Chilvers kept the ball to run in and level the scores.
Nighthawks regained the lead following a good combination of passes but again the hosts responded well, sole running-back Ash Wainwright powering between defenders as he picked up the offensive MVP prize.
Leading receiver Cocking left the game injured but Chilvers has a wealth of riches to choose from and found first year Tom Morley from 20 yards to tie the game at 14-14.
However, that was as good as the afternoon got for Romans.
Merseyside turned the screw and demonstrated why they are considered number one with precise passing and high tempo running proving too much for Chester, who trailed 35-14 at half-time.
Romans started to tire in the second-half and the powerful offence took advantage, piling on the points.
Chester never gave up but struggled to keep the Nighthawks out of the end-zone and will be disappointed with the final score.
There's no time for Romans to dwell on defeat as Chester make the trip to Nottingham Caesars on Sunday looking to avenge a 28-25 defeat in April.
