South Leicester 0 Chester 8
CHESTER head coach Rob Foden is bracing his team for a “massive” four weeks and is treating every game like a cup final.
Last Saturday’s low-scoring success at South Leicester was Chester’s second victory of 2009 and Foden knows the next month will be crucial as he looks to keep his team in the thick of the promotion race.
Next up is a home meeting with Kettering tomorrow, when Chester’s 100% record at Hare Lane will be on the line.
Foden, who guided Chester to a remarkable 50-10 victory at Kettering in October, said: “Kettering narrowly lost to the league leaders, Luctonians, last Saturday and I suspect they are a much improved side since our last meeting.
“There will be no apathy in the Chester camp this week as I have stated before we are treating every game as a cup final and this will be no exception.
“We are very proud of our home record and have no intention of losing it to Kettering. The next four weeks are massive for us and we are ready for the challenge.”
Saturday’s success at a rain-soaked South Leicester was only Chester’s third victory away from Hare Lane this season.
Both sides missed difficult penalties before South launched a ferocious and sustained attack which carried them within five metres of the Chester line.
However, the visitors’ defence stood firm in muddy conditions which made running rugby difficult.
Chester then went on an offensive of their own and, with half-time fast approaching, a clever run by Liam Lawton saw him breach the home defence.
His neat pass put Tom Foden away in the corner to give the visitors a half time lead.
Chester extended the lead to eight points only three minutes into the second half with a penalty by Frank Lynch.
Despite it being the final score of the game, the crowd was kept royally entertained for the remainder of the contest.
Chester dominated all facets of play and, with some clever game management, they never allowed their hosts to put together any constructive play.
With only minutes left South threw everything at Chester, but the away side held firm an finally closed the game out.
It was a hard-earned victory and special mention must be made to Chester’s pack, who laid the foundations for victory with an effort which should give them confidence for the remainder of the season.
