AN emphatic return to winning ways for the table-topping Chester Gladiators saw them destroy Bury Broncos 58-10 in the Merit League on Saturday.

The Gladiators welcomed back Daniel Harvey and David Doneo and handed a debut to 17-year-old forward Sam Philp . After a nervy opening 10 minutes, they hit the front through centre Adam Pierpoint before Harvey extended the advantage 15 minutes later.

The Broncos reduced the deficit on the half-hour but their joy was short-lived as centre Rob Massam showed great pace and power to score immediately in reply.

He then added another touchdown and that, plus a 50m-dash by prop Jim Green to stop a Bury score on the stroke of half-time, ensured the home side were comfortably in control at the break.

After the restart, Chester ran in four tries in 12 minutes to build up a commanding lead through Sam Broadbent, Pierpoint (2) and Massam. The Broncos scored again on 50 minutes but it was too late.

The Gladiators’ 17-year-old hooker Alec Read, who had a strong game, was forced from the field with injury before his side added three more tries through Broadbent, Massam and Dave Beddows.

Chester, for whom Harvey added the conversions, welcome fellow high-fliers Mancunians to Hare Lane on Saturday (2.30pm). Admission is free.

Chester Gladiators Under 12s travelled to Lymm on Sunday to take on Cheshire Cats and performed well, despite ending up on the losing side. Lewis Tucker scored a fantastic long-range try for Chester while Will Menzies, Tom Woods and Armani Roberts impressed.