A dominant four-touchdown second quarter gave the Romans the perfect start to life at The Cheshire County Sports Club and edged them closer to the finals.

Michael Banks and Martin Cocking claimed two touchdowns apiece as Chester’s grip on second place in the BAFA National North West League tightened.

Romans' defence looked in determined mood from the outset and the hosts held a three-point lead at the end of a tight first  quarter thanks to Cocking's field goal.

Wideman Banks bagged the opening touchdown after a sublime pass from Brad Chilvers and the pair connected again for a quickfire second to leave the Surge trailing 17-0.

Chester moved further in front when running back Ash Wainwright entered the end zone and receiver Cocking pulled down another Chilvers special to give Romans a commanding 31-0 half time lead.

Tempers flared in the third quarter with both sides getting embroiled in a scuffle but Staffordshire couldn't keep the Romans out as Cocking claimed his second touchdown to make the score 39-0.

Surge pushed hard in the fourth quarter in an attempt to avoid a shut-out but the Romans defence held firm under pressure to seal a convincing win, sacking the Staffordshire quarterback four times in the process.

Chester, who now boast a 6-2 record, entertain the third-placed Manchester Titans on Sunday (2.30pm) in what promises to be a tight battle.