Mark Offerdahl signed off as head coach with a win as his side climbed to third place in North West Men’s League Division Four.

Offerdahl has returned to Australia having being offered the chance to earn a contract with NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons.

Gladiators ensured his spell in charge ended on a winning note, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to make it six games unbeaten.

Declan Foy touched down twice with further tries for Kieran Cook, Jonny Rae, Mark Kingsley and Simon Quinn.

Although the club will be advertising for a new head coach, Wigan-born Paul Welch has been appointed as interim coach.

Offerdahl said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach the boys and I’m sorry to be leaving but I’ve been given an opportunity that’s too good to miss.

“It was my first attempt at coaching and the boys have shown a great attitude and improved massively.

“Paul will do a great job and I’ll be offering him advice and support so I’m sure the boys will go on and finish the season strongly.”

Chester made a slow start and it was no surprise when Rangers drew first blood, crossing under the posts on 10 minutes to take a six-point lead.

Gladiators eventually gained the upper hand and shipped the ball wide to the right on 18 minutes for Cook to score on his debut, although Quinn missed the conversion.

Rae put the home side ahead on 30 minutes when he finished off a move on the blindside but the lead was only two points as Quinn’s conversion fell short.

Both sides had opportunities before half-time but defences were on top and Chester held a slender advantage at  the break.

Gladiators improved in the second period with some punishing defence and smart attacks taking the game away from Rangers.

Foy stepped his way over the line on 48 minutes to score and co-captain Quinn found his kicking boots to put his side 14-6 up.

Rangers had some good possession but were unable to break down the determined home defence and Kingsley poked through a gap to touch down on the hour mark with the kick making the score 20-6.

Foy added his second with 10 minutes to go, twisting and turning his way to the line, and Quinn added the extras to all but seal the win.

With time almost up, Quinn burst through a gap on the left to score and maintained his 100% record with the boot in the second half to complete the scoring.

Gladiators take a break from league action this weekend but the A team welcome Manchester Canalsiders, the world’s first LGBT club, to The Cheshire County Sports Club in Upton on Saturday.