HOCKEY: CHESTER'S National Trophy run continued on Sunday when they travelled to Derbyshire to beat Derwent 6-3.

Despite getting off to a shaky start and conceding two early goals, Chester never looked in danger of losing. They soon pulled one back through Rob Mason and it didn't take long to get back on level terms as Matthew Hyden deflected a shot away from a helpless goalkeeper.

On the stroke of half-time Chester went ahead for the first time after sensational build-up play culminated in Richard Bond finishing from close range.

In the second half, Derwent pulled it back to 3-3, but then Chester found another gear and went on to tear their opponents to shreds.

Bond restored Chester's lead showing composure in front of goal to hammer the ball in from a tight angle. Tim Hewson added another goal before Bond completed his hat-trick.

The previous day Chester beat Tynemouth 2-1 in the league. They scored early, Tim Hewson winning the ball in midfield and setting Chris Bowles free. The tenacious forward took full use of the time and space he was gifted and thundered the ball into the top corner from 16 yards.

After the break and some words of wisdom from coach Sam Chapman, Chester continued to pile on the pressure and Bowles grabbed his brace after slotting the ball in from a cross.

Despite the pressure, Tynemouth scored with a minute left to play, but they could have scored more but for keeper Paddy Bingham's heroics.

Chester play Hull tomorrow at the Cheshire County Sports Club with both sides needing a win to keep their title dreams alive.

Despite fine defensive work from Bond, Lewis and Evans and tireless running by North, Chester fourths failed to play to their potential and meekly surrendered the first-half to Sale seconds.

Sloppy defending gifted two goals and in spite of an exciting rally later in the game with a trademark goal from North, Chester's forwards failed to take a number of easy opportunities.

Chester Ladies chalked up a 2-0 win at Letchworth where the first goal was scored by Michelle Daltry in a goalmouth scramble.

The second goal was from a penalty stroke by Pat Wells and the second-half saw many opportunities for Chester that were not taken and the post was hit on a number of occasions.

Chester play Swansea at home tomorrow in their last league game before Christmas.

After a goalless first-half Chester seconds lost 2-1 to Brooklands. In the second-half the fact Chester didn't have a substitute and a number of players were suffering from winter colds took it's toll and Brooklands went 2-0 up.

Chester's perseverance paid off with Jilly Proctor snatching her first goal for the side. Goalkeeper Sharon Durrow was given the player of the match award.

Chester thirds hit Whitchurch seconds for six without reply, starting with a Susie Holt goal followed by a Jane Bills score. Holt completed her hat-trick in the second-half with Jenny Watters also scoring before a sublime passing move from defence to attack brought about the best goal of the game from player of the match Val Morris.

Chester fourths hammered Neston thirds 8-1 with Sarah Ellis the player of the match.

Top performers for Deeside Ramblers were the ladies who had a 3-1 win at York where Bex Clarke scored twice from short-corner strikes and skipper Jill Delaney also netted. Catherine For-shaw was outstanding in goal.

The ladies' seconds beat Lancaster firsts 2-1 with goals by Wendy Mason and Sally Bell.

Chester men's first team shared six goals with Wigan after coming from 3-0 down after 20 minutes. Del Smith, Jimmy Lewis and Will Mumme-Young were the scorers.

Ramblers' seconds made hard work of beating Wigan 3-1, thanks to goals from Lee Wakefield (2) and Steve Cheshire, while the thirds crashed 4-0 to league leaders Bowdon.

Ramblers fifths turned the form book upside down by toppling leaders City of Manchester 4-1 with goals by Phil Johnson (2), Miles Lewis and Jones. Midfielder Clem Mellor was outstanding.

Doubles by Nick Worrall and Matt Hornby and a Nick Fearnall goal gave the seventh team a 5-4 win against Northop Hall and the Beavers were beaten 3-2 by Colwyn Bay, Jonny Rodger scoring both goals.

Ramblers' men's first-team meet Chester in a friendly tomorrow at Tiverton (3pm).