Crewe & N. Steamers 16Chester Gladiators 32
AN INDIVIDUAL display of clinical finishing proved the key to Chester Gladiators’ impressive victory at Crewe and Nantwich on Saturday.
In-form centre Rob Massam bagged four tries for the Cestrian visitors in what proved to be a bruising Co-operative Rugby League Conference encounter at The Barony.
Tempers threatened to spill over with the hosts eventually seeing Reece Burley being red-carded for an alleged head-butt on Chester winger Daniel Cooke.
The Steamers were angered early on as having taken the lead through a Dan Stubbs try, the Gladiators fought their way in front with tries from Chris Blythe and Massam.
The hosts hit back to level the scores at 12-12 at the break but after half-time, it was Chester who hit the front when Chris Pape fed Ash Owen to score.
A brawl saw Burley dismissed and the Gladiators were quick to capitalise on their numerical advantage with Massam completing his hat-trick with a brace.
The Steamers continued to work hard and their efforts were rewarded with what turned out to be a consolation try.
Any hopes of an unlikely comeback were soon dashed by the irrepressible Massam who, having set up Pape for a try, added his fourth of the afternoon to complete the 32-16 verdict.
Simon Quinn kicked four out of his six conversion attempts for the Gladiators.
Massam was named Bartletts Solicitors man-of-the-match award for his individual display while the Gladiators celebrated retaining the Cheshire Challenge Trophy.
Next up for the Gladiators is a home fixture against Blackpool Sea Eagles on Saturday at Hare Lane, home of Chester RUFC, kick-off 2.30pm.