Chester RUFC ended a run of three-game losing run at home with a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Broadstreet at Hare Lane in National League Two North.

Tries from Rhys Hayes and James Preston proved enough for Jon Aby’s side to secure only their third win of the season on home soil against the relegation threatened visitors.

The home side took the lead on six minutes through the impressive Hayes before Nicholas Thatcher levelled proceedings as he crossed on 12 minutes for Street.

Rhys Hayes, seen here being congratulated after scoring earlier in the season, touched down for Chester again
Rhys Hayes, seen here being congratulated after scoring earlier in the season, touched down for Chester again

Halfway through the first period, Preston dived over to restore Chester’s advantage but Lee Champan reduced the deficit to two points from the tee heading into the break.

After the interval, neither side could find a decisive to score to make certain of the win but the home side saw the game out to move into the top half of the table while Broadstreet remain bottom of the league.

Chester travel to South Leicester this weekend to take on the side one spot below them on the ladder. South Leicester will be full of confidence following a fine 39-17 win at second-placed Sedgley Park, last time out.

Ruthless display helps Helsby close in on leaders

Helsby recorded a dominant 52-0 win over visiting promotion rivals Old Bedians 3rds in Division Five South.

The sides went into the game on the same number of points but the hosts produced a ruthless performance to run out convincing victors.

The impressive Matty Burns crossed within seconds of the start and Helsby were insatiable with electric pace on the wings and went 21-0 up with two tries from Adam Collins.

Zak Cooke brought to ground in Helsby's win at the weekend
Zak Cooke brought to ground in Helsby's win at the weekend

Old Bedians seemed to come alive after the third score and exerted immense pressure but Helsby held out, and then scored again to extend their lead.

The second-half began in pouring rain and gloom as the visitors again put the hosts under pressure but again the defence held firm before a series of quick breaks from Helsby led to tries for Dave Glynn (2), Chris Goggin and Connah Keenan to seal an emphatic victory.

Helsby, who visit Linley 3rds this weekend, are now second in the table but have a game in hand on leaders Acton Nomads.

Devas send Vagabonds packing with intelligent performance

Chester Devas defied horrendous conditions to beat Isle of Man side Vagabonds 31-0 at Hare Lane.

The elements made life difficult for both teams and, having learned the important of keeping the ball in hand in the wind and rain in their previous game, the Devas, who gave debuts to Robyn McCollam and Elizabeth Beecher, went out with the same game plan.

With fly-half Lauren Sargeant controlling the game, the Devas produced exemplary rugby, making it difficult for the visitors to predict their next move.

Eliza Waldron opened the scoring and the tries kept coming with Devas scoring five in total.

Despite a strong wind blowing across the pitch, Sargeant was able to land three conversions as Chester’s defence kept the Vagabonds scoreless.