HOCKEY: CHESTER suffered another defeat as their poor spell of form continued on Saturday.

They gave another lacklustre performance to go down 5-0 to Preston, but their cause wasn't helped by being without Chris Bowles in the centre and losing Stu Fields through injury after only 15 minutes.

Chester found it difficult to match the speed of their visitors. Despite Rob Mason going close, Chester rarely threatened the Preston goal.

They travel to Newcastle tomorrow hoping to get back to winning ways.

Despite fielding a stronger team Chester fourths were unable to convert enough of their many chances and were beaten 4-2 by South Cheshire thirds.

Defensive errors gifted the visitors three goals and while all three Ropers toiled tirelessly in midfield and Wells worked wonders, final passes were not accepted and shots flashed past the goal. South Cheshire, on the other hand, scored from their only four chances.

Chester fifths conceded six goals in the first half to Oxton fifths and went on to lose 8-1. In the second half Chester reorganised and Oxton found it harder to score. Chester managed a late consolation goal from Richard Wood.

Chester sixths had an exciting tussle with fellow strugglers Bebington fourths before winning 7-4. Ian Bones scored a hat-trick, Neil Oxley added two goals and John Crinson and Graham Stewart completed the scoreline.

Chester Ladies thirds took on Neston seconds and gave a strong team performance to gain a 2-2 draw. Playing a team from the division above them they were able to play the ball around with composure and accuracy to keep possession away from the Neston frontline.

Goalkeeper Sharon Durrow made some crucial saves to keep Chester in the game and Val Morris scored twice. nInformation about Chester Hockey Club is available from Ian Boothroyd on 01244 318805 or Janet Bickle on 01606 781931 or from www.chesterhc.org.

Deeside Ramblers kept their promotion hopes alive with an unconvincing 2-1 victory against Didsbury Northern, failing to make the most of their chances.

The seconds, who finished with 10 men because of injuries, upset league leaders Prescot with a 4-3 victory with goals by Cookson, Lowe, Dick and Brown, while the thirds lost 3-1 to Manchester Trinity.

Goalkeeper Ian King was man-of-the-match for the fourths who had a 1-1 draw with Chester thirds, saving an abundance of short-corners created from Chester's possession.

Tameside had to use their second team to defeat Ramblers' formidable fifth team who had only 10 men and suffered a 5-0 defeat. Alan Lewis played one of the best games of his career with a fantastic display despite being on the losing side.

Ramblers sixth team lost 1-0 to South Cheshire fourths with Mark McKelly their outstanding performer and the sevenths beat North Staffs 3-0 with goals by Aitken and Bona.

Deeside Badgers were no match for Bramhall, losing 5-2.