Chester Romans racked up another big win with a 43-28 victory over Halton Spartans in blazing heat at The Cheshire County Sports Club on Sunday.
Chester won the previous meeting 52-0 but this time it was clear the visitors had come to even the score and regain the bragging rights.
The Spartans took first possession and marched downfield with Martin Murphy running in from two yards for a 7-0 lead and Halton went 14-0 up when Jordan Houghton caught a Tom Redmond pass after an interception.
Chester hit back with two quickfire touchdowns as quarterback threw 78 yards for Martin Cocking before the same partnership connected from 55 yards to make it 14-14.
Phil Bailey, a revelation since being converted from defensive end to fullback, was next to score, skittling defenders in the process as Chester went 22-14 in front but the Spartans replied through Ashley Talbot to close to within a point.
The Romans had the last word of the first-half as Byron Ward found Cocking with a 30-yard pass to make the score 29-21 to the hosts at the break.
Cocking claimed his fourth TD after the restart as Chester moved 36-21 ahead with the receiver deservedly earning the offensive MVP award.
Chilvers connected with Nathan Jewkes for a 35 yard pass to make it 43-21 to the Romans but Halton kept pressing and Murphy burrowed in from four yards late on as the game ended 43-28 in Chester’s favour.
The win leaves Romans second on the ladder going into a fortnight’s rest before back-to-back games against the Spartans and leaders Leeds Bobcats.
