Chester Romans started the 2015 season with a marathon trip to Lanark to face Clyde Valley Blackhawks and endured a rough afternoon, finishing on the wrong end of a 41-0 scoreline.
Given the Blackhawks completed 2014 with a 9-1 record, it was sure to be a tough baptism to the new-look BAFA National League NFC One and the Romans knew it would be hard going with a third of the squad being rookies.
Clyde Valley out-muscled Chester and took a 21-0 lead in the first-half through some powerful running.
Chester's offence struggled to get going against a physical Blackhawks defence, the task made harder with the loss of three running backs to injuries.
Romans made the majority of their yards through the air with most of the catches being via offensive MVP Martin Cocking.
The defence continued to try to stop the Blackhawks during the game with defensive MVP Mark Cairns putting in a lot of tackles but Clyde Valley's strength and experience told in the end.
Chester have to pick themselves up quickly as they entertain the Nottingham Caesars on Sunday at The Cheshire County Sports Club (2.30pm).
