HOCKEY: CHESTER Ladies lost 4-1 in their English League North Division opener at Nottingham Highfields.

The visitors were without the services of stalwart Pat Wells through injury, Laura Miller through illness and Sarah Kaye to an administration error.

Nottingham scored first but Donna Jones equalised following a scramble in the goalmouth. Chester keeper Gemma Ible pulled off some fantastic saves but couldn't prevent her side falling to defeat.

Chester's second team drew 1-1 with South Cheshire at Congleton.

Having lost players to the first team due to late call-ups, Chester made the trip with only 11 players and were reduced to 10 when Jill Proctor went off injured.

Chester fell behind but Claire Gledhill equalised with a penalty and good saves from Kirstie Sneyd kept South Cheshire at bay.

The second string played again on Sunday, losing 3-2 to Oxton despite goals from Gledhill and Elayne Brown, who hit the post late on.

Chester thirds put in a strong performance to hold Timperley 2-2. Timperley scored in the early stages, with Chester fighting back to equalise with a goal by Sîan French. Chester kept up the pressure in attack and were disappointed to concede again. But Jess Egan scored an impressive individual goal. Sarah Mallion was player-of-the-match.

Deeside Ramblers' Ladies drew 3-3 with Harrogate. Becks Clarke (2) and Nikky Gray scored.