HOCKEY: DEESIDE Ramblers won their derby clash at Chester by the odd goal in seven, but they weren't happy with their performance.

The Tarporley side were a goal up after five minutes and kept their noses in front, but Chester kept battling and never allowed them to get away.

Del Smith, Stig Hill and Jimmy Lewis (2) scored for Ramblers, while Tim Hewson, Sam Chapman and Ian Boothroyd (pen) replied for Chester. Player of the match for Chester was Paddy Bingham.

The second team match went Chester's way, with the only goal of the match scored by Tookey following good work by Selley. Dave Jones made a series of fantastic saves, which secured Chester three points and earned him the man-ofthe-match award.

In another close derby encounter, Chester thirds edged Deeside fourths 3-2. Chris Marmion had Ramblers 2-1 up at the break, with Mark Totty pulling one back.

Chester continued their good movement and passing, but it wasn't until 10 minutes from time that their pressure paid off when Tom Selby crashed in the equaliser from the top of the D. This wasn't enough for Chester and they pushed forward for the winner - with two minutes to go, it came, with Totty's second of the game cooly slotted past the Deeside keeper.

Chester fourths continued their winning streak with a convincing 6-2 win over Llandudno. They took the lead through Paul North after five minutes but, after having a goal disallowed, Llandudno equalised.

Chester responded positively and went on to score four more goals in the first half through Alan Watt, David Bond (2) and Mark Taylor, with North scoring a sixth for Chester late on.

Chester fifths put together a scratch side against Deeside fifths and were beaten 3-0. Their man of the match was Graham Stewart, who donned the goalie's kit for the second time this season to make some fine saves and restrict the Ramblers to goals by Rob Eddleston (2) and Phil Johnson.

Chester Ladies braved the wind, the rain and a tough York side to win 3-1 and keep their place at the top of the league. A fantastic goal by Michelle Daltry had Chester ahead and a goal by Laura Millar doubled the lead.

Goalkeeper Gemma Ible kept Chester in front until York pegged one back just before half-time. A second from Daltry clinched the win.

Chester seconds lost 3-1 to Acton after captain Donna Jones had put them in front. Anyone interested in playing hockey at Chester Hockey Club can contact Janet Bickle on 01606 781931, Ian Boothroyd on 01244 318805 or visit www.chesterhc.org. Deeside thirds hammered Runcorn seconds 7-1, with Hedley Pollard leading the rout with four goals on his return from injury. Ajax Davies, Paul Hudson and Justin Newboy were also on the mark.

The sixths met Runcorn thirds and were 2-0 down before Julian Osbourne netted their only goal.

Deeside Ladies made the long journey to the North East in appalling weather and returned empty-handed after conceding the only goal of the game.

The fourths shared eight goals with Lancaster University firsts, Sally Bell grabbing a hat-trick and Wendy Mason completing the scoresheet.

Deeside Badgers had goals by Matthew Mellor, Toby Elsegood and Alistair McAulifee (2) in the 4-1 win over Chester, but Ben Rogers had to be on top form to keep out some shots.

The Beavers hit Chester for six with two in reply, even playing without a goalkeeper. Tom Fearnall scored a hat-trick and Rory Little, Ben Lamont and Mike Cooper added the other goals. Top matches at Tarporley tomorrow feature the men's first team against Springfields at 1.30 and the ladies against Timperley at 3pm. Details of club membership at Deeside Ramblers can be obtained from Howard or Dilys Dodds on 01244 300392.