THREE tries from Tom Bradfield helped new-look Chester Gladiators record a 36-12 win over Bury Broncos in their opening game of the season.

The Gladiators – featuring six debutants and welcoming back Simon Quinn after more than a year out with a knee injury – got off to the perfect start on Saturday when hooker Dave Beddows burrowed over from close range with a minute on the clock.

Centre Bradfield finished off a neat team move involving man-of-the-match Dan Rowett and Damon Williams to extend the advantage before Rowett added a try of his own.

Quinn landed his first of four conversions to put the Gladiators 14-0 in front and, although the visitors reduced the deficit shortly after, the one-way traffic resumed when Chris Smith raced away to notch his first try for the club.

Leading 20-4 at the break, the hosts moved further in front when Bradfield bumped off three defenders to score a fine individual effort.

Bury responded in turn and they were given further hope when prop Chris Young was sin-binned.

But prospects of a comeback were ended when hat-trick hero Bradfield went over for the third time and Quinn got the try his performance deserved.

New boys Adam Whalin and Michael Durham impressed for the Gladiators, who are at home to Wigan Riversiders on Saturday (2.30pm).