CHESTER Gladiators overturned a 16-point deficit to beat Bolton Mets on Saturday and secure a welcome return to winning ways.
The Gladiators trailed 18-8 at half-time and fell further behind before staging an almighty fightback to wrap up a memorable 30-24 success.
The hosts were well below par in the opening 40 minutes and the clinical Mets took advantage to open up an early 12-0 lead.
It took 20 minutes for Chester to settle as Chris Pape forced his way over the whitewash. Further weak defence saw Bolton extend their lead to 18-4 before Chris Smith reduced the arrears by crossing in the corner.
Up 10 points at the break, the Mets moved 24-8 in front when they scored an excellent long-range try from their first foray of the second half.
But from then on the Gladiators dominated.
Smith converted a try from prop Andy Hill to bring the deficit back to 10 points before fullback George Bryant touched down a Pape kick.
The momentum had now shifted and parity was restored in the 65th minute after stand-in hooker Chris Maloney went over and Smith added the extras.
Just five minutes later, Chester took the lead for the first time in the match as winger Mark Hanson streaked down the left to touch down under the posts and for Smith to convert.
The visitors pushed forward in the final 10 minutes but resolute defence kept them at bay.
The Gladiators host Portico Vine on Saturday (2.30pm).
