CHESTER Gladiators lost their big table-topping encounter at home to Mancunians RL on Saturday – but that failed to take the shine off what was a momentous weekend for the club.
For the first time in the thriving Hare Lane outfit’s history they had four teams representing the club.
Chester’s first side went down 46-24 to slip to second in the Co-operative Conference North West standings.
The visiting Mancunians stormed into a commanding lead before tries from Alexis Wilkie, Rich Owen, Tom Burrows, Declan Foy, Damon Williams and Adam Pierpoint gave the under-strength hosts hope.
Chester’s A team, meanwhile, clinched their first win of the season by edging a thrilling contest at home to Mancunians A 22-20 with touch downs from Jim Green, Nick Joiner, Darran Jones and Dave Beddows.
The Gladiators’ under 14s side showed their potential in going down 22-10 to Halton Farnworth Hornets. Tom Lock offered two tries in reply.
Chester then fielded a team in the North Wales 9s Tournament at the Racecourse Ground on Sunday, finishing third in an event that preceded Crusaders’ Super League clash with Bradford Bulls and which also launched the North Wales League.
The Gladiators lost to Penrhyn and Rhyl Exiles before beating Conwy Celts and Mid Wales Marauders. Simon Quinn (2), Pierpoint, Burrows (2), Andy Vaughan (2), Green, Chris Pape and Josh Walker shared the tries.
