Chester 22Darlington MP 8
CHESTER conquered a heavy pitch and high-flying opposition on Saturday as they made it five wins from five this season.
Darlington Mowden Park arrived at Hare Lane sitting third in the Division Three North table – but they were no match for Tim Doig’s table-topping team.
Chester’s victory was built around an outstanding defensive performance and high-tempo attacking play that the visitors failed to live with.
The week’s rain had left the pitch heavy underfoot, presenting a challenge for a Chester pack which had operated in good conditions so far this season.
But they stood up to the test well and, having absorbed 10 minutes of early pressure, opened the scoring with a piece of individual brilliance from Rhys Hayes, who danced through the Darlington defence to score under the posts.
Adding the conversion, he gave Chester a 7-0 lead, but the visitors hit back with a penalty.
Chester’s response was emphatic – they scored their try of the season so far.
Winning a good lineout ball, they put together a scintillating set of phases that finally put centre Liam Lawton free to score in the corner to the delight of the home fans.
The hosts underlined their superiority in the second half when Marcus Lyon intercepted a pass and fed Nick Aldersley, Hayes adding the extras.
Hayes then extended Chester’s lead with a penalty that crept over the bar before Darlington scored a consolation try right on the final whistle.
Darlington slip to fourth as a result of the defeat, while Chester are still joint top with a 100% record.
This Saturday they play host to mid-table Beverley. Kick-off at Hare Lane is 3pm.
